REFLECTIONS FROM TRADITIONAL CLOTHES OF MALATYA REGION TODAY

It is known that Turks who have a rich culture and an old and well-known civilization have a unique clothing style. The clothing of Turks varies according to the geographical regions, living styles, social differences and gender along the periods they lived. Clothing is one of the most important needs in life depending on the individual and social attributes. The clothing which first emerged as protection means is a social fact complementing the physical and psychological existence of human being, changing forms depending on technological developments and phases, and continuously changing under the affect of fashion today. Clothing is an aesthetic value fed by the feelings of individuals. So, clothing has an indispensable place in the structure and communication of cultural and social identity within this direction. The costumes of traditional Turkish Anatolian women reflect thoughts and feelings When Turkish Nation’s long history and the cultures that it had interacted are thought, it’s seen that the glory and magnificence it had has also reflected in it’s clothing culture. Traditional clothing of Malatya region has a special characteristic. However, these clothes are dissappearing day by day, With the present study, we aimed to protect our cultural heritage and carry these clothes to the present via current designs. This study identified and the traditional dresses fabric, patterns and motifs are made by making use of designs suitable to the present day fashion.