Mankind has always applied different decoration methods to beautify the environment in which he lives and the objects surrounding it. The diversification of decoration methods over time has led to the emergence of our different handicrafts. It is known that embroidery, which is one of our handicrafts, has been applied on different items from the first age to the present. Especially in the past, human beings preferred to decorate their precious hand-woven and clothes with embroidery as a sign of superiority and status in society. In addition, the art of embroidery has also led to the development of trade between different civilizations. Thus, in addition to their aesthetic beauty, embroideries are among our important data sources that convey a lot of information about the period in which they were produced. For this of our important cultural assets, has been preserved with the dowry tradition, which is one of our Turkish customs, and transferred from generation to generation. The girls, who are among the Turkish traditions and customs, kept their dowry, which was produced by both their families and themselves, in chests called dowry chests (produced with different materials and techniques) until they reached the age of marriage. Thus, items such as embroidered sheets, cushions, covers, headscarves, clothes, etc., included in dowries were stored in chests and transferred from mother to daughter. Today, the art of embroidery can no longer receive enough attention. Because young girls spare a lot of time for their education or working life and there is a need for labor for the production of this art, this art can no longer be produced with traditional methods, most importantly, it is in danger of extinction by succumbing to the developing technology. In terms of the transfer and continuity of this art to future generations, it is important to examine some examples of the art of embroidery within the dowry tradition. In the article, the art of embroidery within the Turkish dowry tradition is examined and it is aimed to transfer this important ornamental art to the present through some visual examples.

Turkish Embroidery Art, Dowry, Cultural Heritage, Traditional Art, Decorative Art