Tradition, society and the concept of honor: stories on implementation

Year 2011, Volume: 2 Issue: 2, 70 - 84, 05.02.2012

M. Nuri Gültekin

Abstract

This article tries to explore the many sides of traditional and patriarchal mentalities in Turkey
regarding women and honor. It will discuss the importance of patriarchal implementations of
power that construct gender and gender’s function amongst traditional or tribal communities
in the southeast of Turkey. We will also examine the sovereignty of the hegemony of the male
perspective in these societies’ value systems. In spite of the regional, economic and social
diversity of Turkey, it is clear that religious values, regional traditions and ethnic beliefs all
influence the construction of female gender roles, producing many similarities concerning the
social status of women throughout Turkey’s south-eastern and eastern rural areas. These
gender constructions establish very serious segregations and inequalities within the public/
private field in the name of “honor.” Through legal codes, tribal laws, customs or traditional
arrangements, we can witness the patriarchal dominance that occurs in the case of malefemale relationships. The women who have suffered under these patriarchal constructions of
gender tell stories of suppression and violence under the real side of honor. The women's
stories presented in this article are from Kardam’s (2005) study and KAMER’s (Women’s
Center) report books (2005, 2006), which provide copious real-life examples of violence
against women in the name of honor. 

Keywords

Honor killing, patriarchy, women, traditional values, tribal communities

References

• Abdo N. (2004) Honor killing, patriarchy, and the state: women in Israel. In: Mojab S, Abdo N, editors. Violence in the name of honour. Istanbul: Istanbul Bilgi University Press, p 39-56.