Habit of a Tartarian Woman in Kasan in 1768

by Thomas Jefferys

In contrast to general representations of “The Orient” typical in the eighteenth century, Thomas Jefferys' work is appreciated because of its attempts at documentary truthfulness. As can be seen from this particular illustration, the depicted woman is of Kazan dressed in her traditional clothes, which emphasizes the combination of the Turkic background and the Russian influence.

The woman is usually dressed in a kaftan (long tunic), decorated with embroidery and threads. What stands out the most in this respect is the high headdress, which may include either the kalfak or the crown with pearls and coins. Overall, one should admit that this person represents a living part of a culture, which at the given period of time was a vivid and partially independent center of trade and Muslim culture on the territory of Russia.