Types of Fabric Decoration

Basma means “printed.” Basma may also be a type of cotton cloth; Suraiyi Faroqhi mentions “printed cottons (basma) from Tokat” [link]. Only three garments are listed in the estate records as being printed–a zıbın, a headcloth, and a red tafta came–but there are quite a few printed pillows and a printed quilt.

Telli means metallic thread, or items decorated with/woven with metallic thread.

Münakkaş means “ornamented with a design.” In regard to textiles, one source says it means the pattern is woven in, but in the estate records, the textile items that are most likely to be described as münakkaş are popular showcases for embroidery: wrapping cloths, napkins, pillowcases, quilts, hand towels, headscarves, and drawstrings. (And one pair of underpants.)

Dikme is literally “sewn,” and probably means “embroidered.”

İşleme means “embroidered.”

Havlu means “with a nap.”

Nakışlı means “ornamented with designs or embroidery.”

Sâde is “plain.”

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