Umbrellas are portable items made of waterproof fabric, designed to be opened and closed easily, and used for protection from the sun or rain. It is believed that umbrellas were invented around four thousand years ago, as they appear in ancient Egyptian and Greek artworks. In that era, umbrellas were mainly produced for protection against sunlight. The first umbrella known to be used for protection from rain was developed in China.

In Western Europe, umbrellas were first introduced in the 16th century and initially used as fashion accessories. Mass production of umbrellas began in England in the 19th century. At first, wood was used in their manufacture, but with Samuel Fox’s introduction of steel wire, the structure shifted to a more durable form. In Turkish history, the first recorded use of an umbrella dates back to the 19th century Ottoman Empire, when the first locally made umbrella was produced by an Englishman living in Istanbul.

What Type of Fabric Is Used for Umbrellas?

Umbrellas used for rain protection are made from waterproof fabric, while those used for sun protection are typically made from cotton or polyester materials.

What Is the Purpose of an Umbrella?

Umbrellas were originally used in Mesopotamia to protect against the sun, later in London as accessories primarily used by women, and in China as protection from rain. Today, umbrellas continue to be used for sun and rain protection as well as fashion accessories. They are also used in photography to control the direction of light.

Types of Umbrellas

In addition to handheld umbrellas, there are also large umbrellas designed for home, garden, and commercial use, providing shade for wide areas. These large umbrellas, which have a strong aluminum frame and are used for broad shading purposes, can be categorized into square, French, and round models. Each type has its own unique features and, thanks to their durability, they are widely preferred in spaces like cafés, restaurants, gardens, and poolside areas.