According to Turkmen legend, the red dress has a special significance in the culture. The story goes that long ago, there was a beautiful young Turkmen girl who lived in a village. She was known for her stunning red dress that she wore every day. One day, a powerful and wealthy sultan came to the village and saw the girl in her red dress. He was so taken by her beauty that he asked for her hand in marriage.
The girl’s father, who was a poor farmer, was hesitant to give his daughter away to the sultan. But the sultan promised to make the girl his queen and provide for her family for the rest of their lives. The father reluctantly agreed, and the girl became the sultan’s queen.
Years went by, and the queen grew old and eventually passed away. The sultan was heartbroken and ordered that a grand tomb be built for her. He instructed that the tomb be decorated with the finest materials and that the queen be buried in her red dress, which he believed was a symbol of her beauty and grace.
To this day, Turkmen women continue to wear red dresses as a tribute to the legendary queen and as a symbol of their own strength and beauty.
Dress and textiles is often associated with the sun, fire, and life force. It is also believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. The use of red in Türkmens traditional dress and textiles can be seen in various forms, including embroidery, woven patterns, and decorative trims. Additionally, Türkmens often incorporate other bright colors such as blue, green, and yellow into their textiles to create a vibrant and eye-catching look.
