Uluumay Museum of Ottoman Folk Costumes and Jewelry

Uluumay Museum of Ottoman Folk Clothing and Jewelry is a museum located in the Osmangazi district of Bursa, presenting a thematic collection of Ottoman-era folk clothing and traditional jewelry. It was established in 2004 by researcher and collector Cüneyt Uluumay. The museum documents the daily clothing culture of various ethnic and social groups across the Ottoman geographical region.

Location and Structure

The museum is housed in a historic mansion dating back to the 15th century, situated in Bursa’s Hisar district. Its location within the walls of Bursa Castle has enabled seamless integration with the historical fabric of the area. The building has been restored and adapted for exhibition purposes.

Uluumay Museum of Ottoman Folk Clothing and Jewelry (Culture Portal)

Collection and Thematic Content

The museum displays women’s, men’s and children’s clothing from the Ottoman period, including headwear, bindallı garments, cepken jackets, three-skirt ensembles, vests and belts. The collection also includes silver jewelry, belt buckles, amulet-adorned garments, bridal headdresses and accessories bearing religious symbols.

The collection reflects the dress culture of Turkish, Kurdish, Albanian, Bosnian, Georgian and Armenian communities living during the Ottoman era. Each garment is presented alongside informational panels detailing its ethnic origin, social status and historical period.

Uluumay Museum of Ottoman Folk Clothing and Jewelry (Culture Portal)

Objective and Activities

The museum’s aim is to transmit the traditional clothing and jewelry culture of Anatolia and the Balkans during the Ottoman period to future generations through academic and visual documentation. Guided tours and thematic exhibitions are organized for visitors. The collection also serves as an important resource for the study of art history, ethnography and the history of fashion.