Stitching techniques and decoration items of Topkapi Palace sultan kaftans during their production process

The Ottoman Empire is one of the most lasting and the most magnificent empires ruled in a vast geography, which is considerably rare in history. The government policy based on justice and tolerance, and the courtesy and art taste of the sultans were very appealing. By means of producing fascinating art branches such as architecture, ceramic glaze, miniature, carpet, fabric, leather, cover, ornamentation etc., it has enriched our culture.The art interest of Ottoman Sultans has a considerable effect on producing different kinds of art branches all over the Empire. Ottoman Sultans took artisans and artists under their protection under the name of ?Ehl-i Hiref? organization and they worked for the Palace with a salary. Topkapı Palace, the center administration place of the empire, also became the center of art.Art was very important for Ottoman Sultans, so they paid attention their clothes and wore amazing kaftans like an art piece. The kaftans were not only a symbol of political power and status, but also became an indicator of elegant taste and art.The high quality kaftans, which became the symbol of Ottoman, appeal the whole world with their beautiful unique design and elegancy. The kaftans also introduce our culture to the world and they are an inspiration to modern textile artists and designers. Apart from their perfect fabrics and designs Ottoman kaftans have a unique beauty with their elegant details such as pattern features, hand stitching made with a great attention and decoration items. So we can reach a conclusion that they have different perspectives to worth researching. The form of kaftans, pattern features, production stages, stitching techniques and decoration items of the kaftans have been considered as worth researching.In addition to data derived from the literature review, this research is based on detailed examination of 28 kaftans chosen from Istanbul Topkapı Palace Museum Sultan Clothes Archive. The examined kaftans have been chosen in a way that each has different pattern features, stitching techniques and decoration items. The data derived from the observations has been transferred the charts of fabric, color, form features, stitching techniques and decoration items and the results have been evaluated. The considerably big patterns of the kaftans have been measured, photographed and made technical drawing.The observations and researches shows that the high quality fabrics and patterns are not the only source of the unique and great appearance of the Ottoman kaftans, but the ornaments made with arm, collar, pocket, closing, the sophisticated details, quilting stitches, appliqués, lining and fringe ornaments, fur, tram silk, narrow woven, loop sewing and button, embroidery and printing. The examination of the Ottoman Kaftans, piece of an elegant taste, shows how rich our culture is all over again.İngilizce Anahtar Kelimeler:1- Caftan 2- Ehl-i Hiref 3- Stitching techniques4- Fringe5- Aplique