Anthropological Study of the Clothing of the Turkmen Ethnic Group and Its Changes Over the Past Three Decades

Abstract

Iran is home to various ethnic groups with diverse cultures and customs. The Turkmen ethnic group in the northern part of the country possesses a rich culture, including traditional clothing that is characterized by its unique authenticity and beauty. Over the past few decades, this clothing has undergone changes and transformations due to various factors, including modernization. This study aims to examine the clothing of the Turkmen ethnic group and the changes it has undergone over the past three decades from an anthropological perspective. The research is qualitative in nature, utilizing a thematic analysis approach. The statistical population includes experts, elderly individuals, and those with experience and knowledge of traditional clothing within the age range of 30 to 60 years. To determine the sample size, the method of theoretical saturation was used, with 30 individuals being interviewed. Analysis of the interview results identified seven main categories as important features of Turkmen clothing, which include traditional elements of Turkmen clothing, product quality, time spent on Turkmen clothing, design and creativity, embroidery of clothing, color in Turkmen clothing, and changes and modernization of clothing for different social groups. These categories were derived and inferred through 23 subcategories and over 400 open or initial codes. Additionally, the results indicated that the most significant changes in Turkmen clothing over the past three decades include four major changes: the fusion of traditional and modern designs, the reduction of totems in clothing, the decline in embroidery, and the decrease in clothing quality. Overall, these changes were identified through six subcategories and more than 107 open codes. Among the most important factors influencing the changes in the features of Turkmen clothing are the desire for innovation among the populace, the influence of modern-style clothing, and the high cost of Turkmen clothing. In general, the clothing of the Turkmen ethnic group is unique in terms of design, color, elements, and content, and efforts have been made over time to adapt it to changes.