The popularity of peshtemal towels, otherwise called Turkish towels, has increased significantly within the last few years but history tells us that it has always existed and has a place in every Turkish household. The well-designed, swift-drying and lighter towels have found their place in the luxury textile and wellbeing industry but the evolution itself is one which incorporates history, utility and cultural value.
Looking Back At Peshtemal
Peshtemals are known to trace their history to the Ottoman Empire and most especially to the Turkish bath culture that has spanned for more than 600 years. In fact, traditional Turkish baths were more than just places for bathing; they were social meeting places with relaxing and soothing activities. In such context, the use of the hammam towels that cover one's naked body to provide comfort in the baths is what aided in the acceptance of peshtemal towel.
Originally, these towels were made in the back of the looms and included mother-of-pearl overlays. This technology was found among women in many cultures, and even today, these types of looms are found even in the savannahs of Africa. For the construction of these products, reconstituted materials such as cotton, linen or silk were used which were ideally thin but super absorptive especially suited for the hot, steamy conditions of the hammams. Definitely the skilled craftsmen would have gone a step further and embroiled the peshtemals that were worn out in waves aztec motifs as, every part of Turkey, had different and very interesting designs of weaving.
The Modern Use of the Peshtemal
The last decade has seen a rapid increase in the awareness and usage of peshtemals across the globe even in these modern times. Peshtemals are not only used in Turkish baths also known as Hamams but are also considered high end and eco-friendly fashion accessories. Having peshtemals in modern days encourages fashion and is environmentally friendly.
Sustainability: Peshtemals are made of organic materials which are male mainly cotton, bamboo or linen. Peshtemals are a sustainable choice as they consume volume of water and energy during wash and drying process, when compared to the traditional towels made of terry cloth which is a growing concern in the present day.
Portable: Transporting peshtemals while traveling is easy because they are light in weight and occupy less space. Beach outings, picnics, and even gym workouts make it a vital element for active individuals due to its quick-drying abilities.
Multiple Purposes: A peshtemal is much more than a towel; it can be worn as a scarf or wrap, used as a blanket and in some cases as a table cloth. Those stylish prints and soft nature of peshtemals make it easy to carry for fashion purposes from the beach to the city and back.
Pleasure and Standards: The thin, soft fabric of peshtemals provides an ideal alternative to conventional bath towels thanks to the quick absorption of moisture. Unlike standard towels, they do not become weighty even when soaking wet, allowing for a pleasurable opulent experience always.
Briefly...
The history of peshtemals is both rich and functional in design and architecture. From the original use in the hammams of the Ottoman Empire to the present day’s spas, beaches and homes, Turkish towels have demonstrated their ageless aesthetics. These features, where they meet the lightweight characteristic along with cultural history and environmentally conscious designs, are the reason why classical and modern luxury lovers are patrons of such pieces. Used in conventional Turkish bath systems or at the beach in your locality, peshtemals transform every day’s usual activities to something historical and elegant.
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