How would you like to take a look at history through the transformation in women's clothing? Embarking on a journey through time, we explored the captivating exhibition of women's clothing from the twilight of the Ottoman Empire to the nascent years of the Turkish Republic, called Mâzîden Âtîye Zarâfet, housed in the Abdülmecid Efendi Köşkü. The exhibition, spanning from October 29, 2023, to March 17, 2024, chronicles the evolution of women's lifestyles and sartorial choices — an indication that their place in social life and the way they dress do not remain constant; they shift in accordance with the ever-changing societal conditions throughout Turkish history.

As you step into the grandeur of the mansion, you are immediately greeted by an array of bridal dresses dating back to the late 19th to early 20th centuries. These bridal dresses are generally made of silk or satin fabrics in light colors and are quite flashy, serving as a testament to the opulence and flamboyance of the era.

Ascending the staircase, we are met with satin and chiffon dresses from the 1920s and 1930s. Some of the dresses belong to Latife Hanım -who is an example to women with her culture and contemporary appearance, embodying the image of the modern Turkish woman that Atatürk envisioned for the future- and Afet İnan. These dresses attract great attention from those who come to the exhibition with their modern and stylish allure. 

When we pass this area, we are greeted by skirts and jackets, riding clothes and boots, which are notably different from the other clothes on display. After the declaration of the Republic, these clothes began to be seen as the symbol of modernity among women, and women began to cut their hair short and wear hats. The declaration of the Republic and the rights given to women not only revolutionized their attire but also catalyzed transformative shifts in their lifestyles. Women embraced more active roles in working life, and women who participated in social life with events such as tea parties were also introduced to activities such as sports, dancing and riding. Concluding our exhibition journey, we encounter special occasion clothes, bags and dance shoes, a testament to the multifaceted evolution of women's fashion.

Mâzîden Âtîye Zarâfet serves as a visual odyssey, offering us a poignant reflection on the fluid nature of women's clothing, mirroring the ever-changing currents of Turkish history. From the lavish bridal gowns of yesteryears to the bold expressions of modernity, the exhibition encapsulates the resilience and dynamism of Turkish women throughout the ages.