In Turkish houses there are almost always curtains in front of the windows – normally three kinds of curtains. Close to the window a curtain called »güneşlik«, a white, opaque curtain which allows sunlight to pass through. It is possible to open this curtain at daytime. Next follows the »tül«, usually a white lace curtain which always covers the entire width of the window. The »tül« is framed by the thicker, often colourful »perde «, which serves as decoration and to darken the room.
I temporarily lived in Istanbul. My windows were covered with »güneşlik« and »tül«. However, the »tül« was the kind of curtain I disliked most. I would love to say I don‘t care about curtains. But, unfortunately they did matter to me. I abhorred curtains.
I could completely understand the idea of curtains as a visual and heat barrier. But I was definitely lost by phrases like »homely atmosphere « or »colour accent«. I didn‘t wish to get involved in window decoration or even to think about what kind of embellishment would be nice. Curtains, roller blinds or what-have-you?
I shirked from a decision. For months I‘ve been from one interior decorator to the next and each time I‘ve left empty-handed and totally frustrated. Too kitschy, too banal, too white, too expensive, too cheap, too fancy, too petite bourgeois… But, I needed them! Curtains are a big thing in all Turkish homes and I didn‘t want to draw too much attention as a foreigner by not hanging any curtains. I needed something to protect me from the gazes of my neighbours and their visual faux-pas. Something I could slide aside and enjoy the view!
My inability to decide entailed a different kind of »tül« on every window. Extremely cheap remnants from the Bazar and each one failed to meet my taste. But with a »tül« at your window, the eye can hardly focus on the view behind the curtains. The eye goes no further, it gets caught by the fine mesh of the lace curtain.
I temporarily lived in Istanbul. My windows were covered with »güneşlik« and »tül«. However, the »tül« was the kind of curtain I disliked most. I would love to say I don‘t care about curtains. But, unfortunately they did matter to me. I abhorred curtains.
I could completely understand the idea of curtains as a visual and heat barrier. But I was definitely lost by phrases like »homely atmosphere « or »colour accent«. I didn‘t wish to get involved in window decoration or even to think about what kind of embellishment would be nice. Curtains, roller blinds or what-have-you?
I shirked from a decision. For months I‘ve been from one interior decorator to the next and each time I‘ve left empty-handed and totally frustrated. Too kitschy, too banal, too white, too expensive, too cheap, too fancy, too petite bourgeois… But, I needed them! Curtains are a big thing in all Turkish homes and I didn‘t want to draw too much attention as a foreigner by not hanging any curtains. I needed something to protect me from the gazes of my neighbours and their visual faux-pas. Something I could slide aside and enjoy the view!
My inability to decide entailed a different kind of »tül« on every window. Extremely cheap remnants from the Bazar and each one failed to meet my taste. But with a »tül« at your window, the eye can hardly focus on the view behind the curtains. The eye goes no further, it gets caught by the fine mesh of the lace curtain.