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Costume Jewry

In the old Ottoman Empire, you were what you wore.

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SUZANNE CHESSLER

Special to the Jewish News

p

ast and present come together
with a two-part exhibit at the
Janice Charach Epstein Gallery,
where clothing carries a message of peo-
ple coming together. "The Jews in
Turkey: Living Together Throughout the
Ages" runs through July 28.
The main display, "Jewish Costumes
in the Ottoman Empire," on view along
the first floor, offers a selection of color-
ful illustrations depicting traditional
Jewish attire worn between the 16th and
19th centuries. "Silk Needlework of
Nallihan, Turkey," presented concurrent-
ly on the second floor, showcases the tal-
"Dress was an important indicator of
ents of modern Turkish designers who
social
status, religious affiliation and eti-
sew dress and home accessories.
quette
in the Ottoman Empire.
"There has been a cen-
turies-old friendship shared
continues today."
by the Jewish people of
Also in support of the
Turkey and their country-
exhibit are the American
men, and we wanted people
Sephardi Federation and the
in this area to get a sense of
that, " explains Nurten Ural
American Jewish Committee.
"Dress played an especially
of Farmington Hills, hon-
prominent role within the
orary consul general of the
Ottoman Empire as it was an
State of Turkey in
A second-floor exhibit important indicator of social
Michigan. "We will have
showcases the talents of status, religious affiliation
brochures explaining what
modern Turkish
and etiquette," explains art
is on view and the history
designers
who sew dress historian Amalia S. Levi in
of Jews living in Turkey."
written materials associated
The costume illustrations, and home accessories.
with the exhibit. "Hence,
curated by Silvyo Ovadya of
great importance was placed on prepara-
Turkey, were created by artists based on
old postcards of Ottoman clothing worn tion, design, fabric quality and decora-
tion of each article of clothing.
by Jews. The drawings are touring the
"Jewish dress in the Ottoman Empire
United States as part of a program dedi-
reflected the unique status in that socie-
cated to highlighting the history, culture
ty of the Jews as an integrated minority
and traditions of two peoples who have
lived together in friendship.
but one that nevertheless maintained its
distinctiveness as a result of internal
Although the needlework exhibit is
not related specifically to the Jewish
choice and external restrictions.
Obligated by religious laws.to preserve
population, it is being shown to give a
sense of craft projects respected in the
their uniqueness, the Jews chose to dis-
tinguish themselves in the type of cloth-
cultural centers of Turkey. The items
ing they wore." ❑
include scarves, purses, jewelry, floral
bouquets and napkin holders. As in any
other artistic discipline, the pieces,
"The Jews in Turkey: Living
through colors and shapes, express the
Together
Throughout the Ages"
emotions of the people making them.
will
be
on
view through July 28 at
"The clothing of the Ottoman Empire
the
Janice
Charach Epstein Gallery
had a lot of embroidery," says Ural, asso-
at
the
Jewish
Community Center,
ciated with two of the exhibit's sponsor-
West
Bloomfield.
Gallery hours are
ing organizations as president of the
10
a.m.-5
p.m.
Mondays-
Peace in the World Initiative and presi-
Thursdays and 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
dent-elect of the Assembly of Turkish
Sundays. (248) 432-5448.
American Associations. "The needle-
work exhibit shows that the embroidery

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