This article explores the intricate relationship between the millet system and dressing within the Ottoman Empire, emphasizing how attire served as a potent symbol of communal identity and religious affiliation intertwined with the socio-political fabric of society. By analyzing historical texts, images, and clothing artifacts, the study illustrates how the Ottoman administration employed dressing as a cultural identity marker and a means of religious and social control. The Empire managed its diverse population through the millet system by allowing religious communities, or millets, significant autonomy within a structured governance framework. Dressing styles within these millets were not merely functional or aesthetic choices but were imbued with deep symbolic meanings that reflected the complex interplay of identity, status, and religious adherence. Each community’s distinctive attire helped reinforce social boundaries and foster a sense of belonging and collective identity among its members. The research highlights significant transitions in the traditional dress codes influenced by political reforms, such as the Tanzimat’s push towards modernization and secularization, which gradually shifted public expressions of identity. This shift was marked by a tension between preserving traditional attire and adopting more homogenized, secular dress styles, reflecting broader socio-political changes within the Empire. In conclusion, the article provides insights into how dressing transcended mere personal adornment to act as a crucial medium through which communal identities were negotiated, expressed, and maintained within the Ottoman public sphere. This examination enriches the historical understanding of the Ottoman millet system and contributes to broader discussions on fashion, religion, and identity formation.
This article is based on the master's thesis titled "The Role of Clothing in Identity Construction in Multicultural Societies: Ottoman-Turkish Modernization," which was conducted under the supervision of Associate Professor Ayşe Günay at the Department of Fashion Design at Işık University.
| Primary Language | English |
|---|---|
| Subjects | Political Sociology |
| Journal Section | Research Article |
| Authors | |
| Submission Date | May 24, 2024 |
| Acceptance Date | July 30, 2024 |
| Publication Date | July 31, 2024 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.47478/lectio.1489487 |
| IZ | https://izlik.org/JA83XY97JM |
| Published in Issue | Year 2024 Volume: 8 Issue: 2 |
Lectio Socialis is a prestigious, international, peer-reviewed journal operating on a continuous publication model that provides a platform for scholars to share high-quality, policy-relevant research. The journal’s primary focus is political science, exclusively accepting original research and review articles. While centered on political inquiry, the journal also welcomes contributions from related fields such as public administration, international relations, and economics that offer significant insights into governance and power structures. The primary objective of Lectio Socialis is to maintain an independent and unbiased environment for global researchers to present transformative scholarship that addresses structural inequalities and contributes to the advancement of knowledge and social progress.

Lectio Socialis is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.