Yamza, Crowns of the Everyday: Women’s Headpieces in Anatolia

With folds that whisper where you’re from, colors that hint at how you feel, and lace edging that practically spells out your secrets, these layered creations are wearable diaries.


In Anatolia, women wear beautifully layered headscarves and headpieces that reflect culture, identity, and emotion. A common piece is the yazma, a square cotton scarf, often
folded and tied in regional styles.

Edges are decorated with handmade oya delicate lace, beads, or crochet, each pattern symbolizing something personal like love, grief, or hope. In some areas, headscarves are layered with tülbent or poşu, and adorned with coins or protective charms.

These head coverings are worn daily or during special events, and they are more than tradition; they are visual poetry woven by the hands of Anatolian women.

Turkish bride from Isparta, Senirkent. From the book “Historical costumes of the Turkish woman”

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