I would like to
give a brief info about Turkish flag before explaining the details of my own
work which I’ve made it for the Crazy Quilting International groups’ international
flags project.Turkey’s flag is red color
including with white colors of crescent and a star
moving centrally in front of the sun with reference to the meeting of the Turkic solar deity Gün Ana (Mother Sun) and the moon god Ay Ata (Father Moon) brought by the space god Khan
Erklig . The event
technically constitutes a solar eclipse when the moon partially occults the sun at times of syzygy.
The flag is often called “Al bayrak “(the red flag) and referred to as “Al sancak” (the red banner) in the
Turkish national anthem.
The current design of the Turkish flag is directly derived from the late
Ottoman flag, which had acquired its final form in 1844. With 1923's Treaty of
Lausanne, the Republic of Turkey was officially recognized throughout the
world, and the flag of the Ottoman Empire became the flag of the Republic of
Turkey. Its measures have passed by a law
during the Republic period on May 29, 1936 which formed the shapes and measures
of the current flag of the Republic of Turkey.
In my 12x12” block I put red color patch in the middle of the block. I used a silk print of our flag to have
proper proportions for the star and crescent. I precisely appliqued them and
covered with a chain stitch.
When I received an invitation to join this project, I got so excited....I created a special thing in my mind at first moment... I should use only read&white colors...I should make long seam treatments, so, I prepared my block accordingly. I had fancy fabrics in my stash, both red and white colors, I combined them easily. Also I used various white laces....I selected a red&white beaded lace trim, it is totally handmade beaded form of our traditional oya laces.
After sewing silver star&crescent charms I decided to use only silver
tones of metallic threads and other embellishments as well to catch an elegant
look. I kept continued to make long seam treatments mostly using Herringbone
and Chevron stitches....I like both stitches, they give wonderful alternatives
to use sequins, beads, charms, etc.
I had a miniature Maidens Tower charm in my stash. Maiden’s Tower is a symbol of Istanbul. The name `Maiden`s Tower` has its roots in the
more popular story relating a maiden`s misfortune. According to this tale, a
beautiful Byzantine princess was once quartered in this tower. It is said that
soothsayers had predicted her early death by snakebite. Her father, Emperor
Constantine who loved her dearly, built an extended castle and placed her there to avert the fatal end.
Eventually the girl died of snakebite, which entered the castle in a grape basket. The other story doing the rounds links
it to the Leander-Hero romance and gives it the name Leander Tower. This tale
tells that a castle was built on the present site by a Byzantine Emperor for
his daughter Hero. When the Emperor learnt that his daughter had a love affair
with a commoner named Leander, he imprisoned Hero in the castle. This could not
dispirit Leander who, being of athletic-make, would cross Hellespont to see
Hero. One stormy night he had no light to guide him and drowned. Hero, hearing
of the mishap, flung herself into the sea.
I put this mentioned tower’s charm and
did waves using white seed beads and
silver metallic thread. Added stars on the sky...Crazy quilters’ imagination is
endless.
In the Ottoman Empire, tulips played such an important role that the
reign of Sultan Ahmed III (1703-1730) has been labeled the "Tulip
Era". Ever since tulips are so important in our art world. I created a special tulip like flower form with
my own imagination. I used ellips, flat type pearls and made petals with silk
ribbons. Ribbonsmyth’s un-dyed sheer silks helped me a lot to create them,
thanks Vic, I love to use your ribbons and highly recommend them for new stash
builders.
I believe that birds and butterflies
are the symbols of freedom, I added them on my block as a symbol of our
independence as well.
I used an old silver metallic thread
to stitch my name and country name. I
like to use this thread because it gives an old, antique look.
I made bullion stitches to make little flower flower form on the red color buggles...Each of them has 18 and 20 wraps with cotton perle.
This is the last photo that shows final stage of my block. It is already on its long way to reach Cathy Kizerian. It will take a place on a big wall hanger of the international flags project. I hope I'll be able to see it in person on next years retreat.
Wishing a peaceful world to you all....
6 comments:
absolutely beautiful!!!
You made a beautiful block!
Beauitful work!
Oh Rengin, that is beautiful and the telling us about your flag was lovely. HUGZ:)
Absolutely ❤ it . . .
AWESOME block Rengin, as all your work always is.
It's why you are one of my Top 10 favorite crazy quilters !!!
Consistently fabulous work . . .
Ladies,
Thanks so much for your lovely comments.
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