As it can be inferred from the name, Turkish embroidery is a handicraft that was born with Turks.

Although needles discovered at excavations in Anatolia indicate that needle works have been around in Anatolia since neolithic age, examples of embroideries only date back to 15th century. Art of embroidery that first emerged as a result of basic needs evolved and assumed a decorative form over the time.

It can be said that the Turkish embroidery was shaped in parallel to its indigenous geography and cultural texture. One of the most evident examples to this is the tradition of dowry. As part of the dowry tradition, embroideries were implemented over dowries, clothes and utensils of those girls reaching age of marriage, using varying colors and motifs. Another custom that helped the Turkish embroidery evolve is the habit of presenting embroidered goods to the most prestigious places.

Most remarkable eras when the Turkish embroideries reached the pinnacle were the 17th and 18th centuries when gold and silver embroidered on precious fabrics.

Due to technologic advancements of today and changing life conditions, embroideries lost ancient thin embroidery form, yet they survived to the present day, retaining their texture and color. Bazaar of Istanbul Arts, a Touring undertaking, is one of the place where you can see most beautiful examples of Turkish embroidery.

Needlepoint embroidery

The biggest factor that helped needlepoint embroidery, one of the important elements of dowry tradition, emerge is position of Anatolia on the Silk Road. Needlepoint embroidery, which is, in a sense, one of the forms of expression for the Turkish woman, boasts a rich diversity. Needlepoint embroidery applied finely by women as a reflection of the women's intelligence and soul occupies a prominent place within the decorative art. Needlepoint embroidery frequently encountered on sides of muslins, table clothes, towels, collars, survives as an important embroidery art that still reflects our culture although it is not used today as frequently as it used to be.

Canvas Embroidery

Cross stitch, an embroidery art of which first examples are encountered in Turks form Central Asia, is the name given to embroidery applied over cloth with sparse wire, using needles and threads. In Anatolia, cross stitch wherein motifs function as a means of communication was initially used in the field of bag, carpet, panel and emblem works. Cross stitch ornamentation which is part of the traditional culture and survived to the present day evolved by showing economic and cultural changes with the effect of beauty phenomenon. It spread across entire Europe owing to factors such as effect of migrations, visits of ambassadors in the course of time. It drew attention of women from England, France and Italy in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Since it is easy to apply and materials are easy to find, cross stitch is still a preferred handicraft even today.