HISTORY OF TURKISH TEXTILE
The history of textile production in Turkey goes back to the Ottoman period. In the 16th and 17th centuries, textile production was widespread and at an advanced level. The fact that until the end of the empire the Ottoman industry was heavily relied on textile industry was the clear indication of the importance of the sector.
Having rapidly developed in the 20th century, a great textile production capacity was created in Turkey between the years 1923-1962. The extensive growth of the cotton in Turkey, the most important raw material of the textile industry, was further contributed to the development of the textile sector during the following years.
Until 1972, the sector gained more strength due to the finalization of first planned development period. The period between 1980 and 1989 was witness to opening to the foreign markets. The textile sector has made important contribution to the development of clothing industry as well. In the 1990’s, the share of textile sector within the total Turkish exports reached to 9,3% by showing a high export performance.