Turkish Coat Costume
Turkish coat sewn by Tinkerbell.
All photos on this page by Dana Myers.
The Turkish style coat is an important costuming piece for any folkloric or A.T.S. dancer. It can be used as a cover-up before and after shows. The Turkish coat style is similar to that of the Ghawazee coat. The main differences however are seen in the fabric colors and patterns. This fabric is vegetable dyed with beautiful natural colors that are authentic enough to pass for accuracy at a Ren Faire. The pattern is a Turkish floral and paisley motif. Troupe sister Aysu says the fabric pattern and coat style are appropriate for Persian dance.
A reminder on Ren Faire custuming: We vary the look depending on the venue at which we perform. If we attend a Renaissance Faire event, we wear peasant blouses and no coin bra on the outside to pass for accuracy. Ren faires are more fantasy than history, so we can get away with this look. When we perform at a theater, then we incorporate the coin bra and tassel belts into the Turkish look. The harem pants, choli, coin bra, and turban are elements of American Tribal Style costuming. Harem pants are not a period costume piece. Aysu explained that Egyptian, Persian, and Indian style pants are baggy at the thighs and then tight at the ankles. Tassel belts are not period, as they are part of modern A.T.S. and tribal fusion costuming. Flashy coin scarves and coin bras are not period either, but are elements of modern cabaret and tribal dance.
