Beauty Through the Ages: The History of Aesthetic Traditions in Turkey

Beauty is a concept that changes over time but always saves its value in the eyes of society. In Turkey, as in other countries, ideas of beauty have evolved over centuries, changing under the influence of different cultures and eras. Just as the Sheldon scale (https://coin-identifier.com/coin-grading-guide) is used to evaluate the condition of a rare coin, in the history of Turkey we can observe how each period has evaluated beauty in its own way, emphasizing different aspects. Turkey's traditions of beauty, from ancient to modern times, fashion and self-care are reflected in art, architecture and even in everyday life. So here we offer to look into the past to understand how Turkish culture shaped aesthetic ideals.

Ancient Aesthetics: The Origins of Beauty in Turkey

Turkey is a territory where great civilizations such as the Hittites, Phrygians, Greeks, Romans, and many others flourished in different historical eras. And it was these peoples who laid the foundations of those aesthetic standards that would influence the further development of Turkish culture.

Greece and Rome: The Ancient Ideal of Harmony

In ancient Greece and Rome, beauty came to be associated with proportion and harmony. The Greeks developed ideal mathematical proportions for the human body (which is reflected in sculptures like the Discobolus or Aphrodite of Milos). The ideal proportions of the face and body became a standard that was admired by many artists and rulers alike. The Romans also actively borrowed these ideas but new elements (relief and detail) were added.

Interestingly, coins minted in ancient Rome and Greece often depicted gods and rulers, focusing on their appearance. For example, a coin depicting Alexander the Great showed both his power and emphasized his physical attractiveness. It was a powerful tool of image formation. 

By the way, these antique coins with images of great rulers (Cleopatra or Alexander the Great), were actively used in trade, as well as a symbol of beauty and status. If you want to research collections of such coins, the Coin ID Scanner app can be a useful tool for identifying them and learning about their historical context.

Tip: Take inspiration from ancient aesthetics and focus on the proportions used by painters and sculptors. You can apply visualization techniques, e.g., using proportions similar to those of ancient Greece, to assess the harmony of your body.

The Ottoman Empire: Continuity and New Ideals

The period of the Ottoman Empire (fourteenth to twentieth centuries) was the heyday of Turkish aesthetics. It was the period of new ideas about beauty, which then combined Eastern traditions with Western influences.

Female Beauty in the Ottoman Empire

In the Ottoman Empire, female beauty was the epitome of the ideals of elegance and refinement. Pale skin, expressive eyes, and delicate facial features were highly prized. Women used various cosmetics like natural oils and extracts to care for their skin. Henna, which became popular in this region, was not only used to color hair and nails, but also to create ornaments on hands and feet.

There was also a special emphasis on hair care in the Ottoman Empire. Women wore elaborate hairstyles adorned with jewelry and used fragrant oils to make them shiny and soft. Modern women can benefit from ancient beauty secrets, such as using rose water or oils to moisturize the skin. Natural remedies are still a great way to maintain youthfulness and beauty.

Jewelry also played a special role as part of the beauty culture in the Ottoman Empire. Turkish women also used to decorate themselves with gold and silver jewelry to show their status and elegance.

Interesting fact: The Ottoman Empire used unique coins called “Akçe” that served as not just a unit of currency but also as a work of art. And some coins had such detailed depictions of rulers that they could be considered as miniature portraits.

Modern Turkey: Combining Tradition and Innovation in Beauty

Today Turkey is known for its beauty history as well as for its modern methods of self-care. Cosmetology and plastic surgery clinics are actively developing in the country, offering face and body correction services.

Turkey is considered a world center of plastic surgery (especially rhinoplasty), which has become especially popular among foreign tourists. Thousands of people come here every year to have their “noses made” or to improve their appearance in any way possible.

Tip: It is important not to forget that true beauty comes from within, and it can be maintained through a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition, which is actively promoted in Turkey.

Tips for Using Traditional Turkish Beauty Techniques in Modern Life

If you want to bring a bit of Turkish elegance into your daily life, it's worth looking at time-tested remedies and methods. In the table below, you can see the most popular Turkish beauty products and practices, as well as tips on how to use them effectively in modern beauty care.

 

Eternal Attractiveness

Turkish beauty traditions that have survived the ages continue to inspire modern self-care techniques. These time-honored secrets - from argan oil to Turkish herbal teas - are becoming an integral part of modern self-care. While taking inspiration from ancient practices, it is important to remember that true beauty always begins with harmony of inner peace and care of your body.