A HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF FELT ART IN APPAREL CULTURE

The most important feature that adds different identity into a society and distinguishes this society from others is "its traditions". Turks also have formed unique traditions throughout history. In this formation, the transition from nomadic life into sedentary life became effective. Wearing apparels used by covering for the protection from natural conditions at the beginning has reflected regional and national characters by being influenced by social, economic, cultural and religious values in time. Traditional handicrafts in Turkish culture are always in development and change depending upon vital necessities differentiating in the society. In this context, felt art also arouse from needs initially, it was shaped according to the needs of society, and it was used in many areas of the life. The felt taking part in apparel culture of Turks throughout history has been used also for the manufacture of goods which are status indicators in the society as well as the fulfilment of vital necessities. The felt caps commonly used especially in the previous periods became significant objects reflecting the people's position in the society. In the historical process, also felt art has reached until today by undergoing a change and transformation together with the society. Nowadays, the felt commonly used for apparel in the previous periods tries to obtain again its functionality that it has lost in time by means of the production and design of new goods. Felt finds new areas for itself in apparel culture by taking different forms with the effect of fashion. This study will be on the place of felt in Turkish apparel culture and its transitions in historical process.