Habit of a Young Turk of Quality in 1700

by Thomas Jefferys

In this stunning copper engraving is seen the "Habit of a Young Turk." This is one of the most perfect examples of 18th century European interest in the culture of the Ottoman Empire, which first appeared in Thomas Jefferys' work, "A Collection of the Dresses of Different Nations."

This particular image displays the style of dress worn by young men in the Ottoman Empire, including the layered kaftan, the unique turban, and a decorative belt around the waist. Through this work, Jefferys helped create the "Orientalist" Western perspective that moved away from caricatures to form an organized encyclopedia of world clothing styles.