Waist accessories of traditional woman costume in Aegean region (İzmir, Aydın, Manisa as paradigms)

Clothing accessories are aesthetical and functional objects which are complements to a costume. In the historical process,waist accessories which took part in multiple cultures apparels were used for aesthetical and functional reasons. Otherwise some symbolic values were loaded to these accessories. Waist accessories are among the most important clothing components that supplement women?s costume in Anatolia for ages. Women working in yards, gardens and fields used these accessories in order to protect their waists from the cold and humidity, straighten up, keep their waists slim, gather their clothes, carry small objects and make their clothes chic. Waist accessories are not only functional but also symbolic. Belt or sash girding ceremonies have been a tradition carried out for centuries in Turkish culture. Belt or sash girding ceremonies have been a tradition carried out for centuries in Turkish culture. Sashs were wrapped to those who would become a member of a religious order. Belts were girded on sultans when they ascend the throne. The accessory worn on the waist here is a visual expression of the new status of the person. On the wedding day, a belt or a strap is tied on the bride?s waist by her father or a male relative in Anatolia. Belt girding symbolizes the transfer of authority from father to husband. There are various sociocultural societies within the traditional cultural structure of the Aegean Region. Life styles, conditions of the nature, beliefs,cultural interactions lead a way to the clothing and accessory design. Also at the traditional culture of the Aegean Region, the reflections of the variations which occur on materials, design and production, displays itself on waist accessories. The symbolic and functional usage of waist accessories differs according to the socio-cultural societes. Materials, manufacturing techniques and the symbols on the designs are holding the tracks of traditions and symbols of beliefs which lasted centuries long. In Aegean Region, at the present time, even there is a significant decrease on the usage of waist accessories, they are still in use at traditional woman clothing.