The Royal Silk Factory

The Royal Silk Factory was a historic textile workshop established in the early 18th century by the Ottoman Empire to produce high-quality silk textiles for the court and state. Located in Istanbul, it combined traditional craftsmanship with emerging industrial techniques to create luxurious fabrics used in clothing, furnishings, and ceremonial items. The factory aimed to promote local silk production, reduce dependence on imports, and demonstrate imperial power. Although eventually replaced by modern manufacturing, it played a significant role in Turkey's textile history and showcased the empire’s efforts to support craft industries and technological advancement.