Old Turkish Towels—II

Abstract

Turkish embroideries are embroideries made within the territory that was a part of the Ottoman Empire. They were worked by Turks or by other persons, members of one or another resident minority population, for Turks or in the Turkish mode.2 All such embroideries fall into one of two large groups: first, those made for the decoration of houses, palaces, religious edifices, or military quarters; and, secondly, those made to be worn by people. The objects which comprise the first group are wall hangings, curtains, prayer rugs, screens, sheets, embroidered carpets and covers for pillows, divans, braziers and other household furnishings. The objects which make up the second group are articles for personal use such as abbas, trouser legs, handkerchiefs, napkins, sashes, kerchiefs, towels and ceremonial towels.3 Each of these objects last named is identified in the Near East, regardless of the use to which it is put, as a trouser leg, a square, or a towel.4 In this monograph I wish to limit my discussion to towels.