For hundreds of years Turkey has been famous for the production of decorative textiles, including a wide range of gold and silk embroideries of the highest quality. But there is also a ‘minor’ textile art produced by Turkish women, which is not so well-known. This textile art is generally called oya or Turkish lace. The term oya includes a range of lace techniques that are used to decorate garments, especially women’s headscarves, and a wide variety of household textiles such as sheets, tablecloths and towels. The exhibition explores the different types, namely crochet, needle, hairpin and tatting techniques, which are used to make oya, and the different forms of two and three-dimensional oya lace. 

• Contents: The exhibition includes five panels illustrating different oya techniques and designs, as well as scarves decorated with oya. There is one mannequin dressed in the style worn by many Anatolian women who make oya. In addition, there are photographs and texts explaining and illustrating the history, techniques, designs and use of oya.
• Availability: This exhibition has been on display in the TRC from 26th November 2009 until the 28th February 2010. It is now available for loan. to other museums or institutes.