Comparative analysis on Ottoman Caftans and Japanese Kimonos of 17th-18th Centuries

Depending on the environmental factors, every culture has tried to determine and form its borders within its living geography. With the passing of time, it has continuously felt the need of improving and widening its borders, tried to be authentic and different from the other cultures and this effort couldn?t prevent some mutual effects. In these intercultural interactions, the social structures and form of beliefs of society hasn?t allowed alteration while they enabled the changes like pattern, material, colour and form.Having an important part in this struggle of keeping its interaction and authenticity, Ottoman Kaftans are not only the symbol of political power, but also the indicators of the time?s sophistication and fertileness of Ottoman creativity and art. We could say that the origin of the Ottoman Kaftans dates back to Hun era and it has affected other cultures, notably Chinese, Korean and Japanese traditional clothes.Like Ottoman Kaftans, Japanese culture and society structure has an important part in the formation of kimono, Japanese traditional cloth. Regular fit and fabrication methods of kimonos draw the attention to the textile techniques and colours. The elegance of design is the indicator of Japanese textile production and use?s continuousness.Having been formed within the frame of universal manufacturing methods and production tendencies, Caftans and kimonos have become the expression of a special and unique culture. Foremost two factors here are their pattern design and colour. Ottoman and Japanese traditions? aesthetics form the bases of Caftans and kimonos. Specific characteristic features of Ottoman and Japanese cultures bring an authentic expression and form in kimonos as so Caftans. These two histories clothes are foremost symbols of wearer?s social status and power.