çeteler

Çeteler is a Turkish term that generally refers to criminal gangs or organized crime groups. The word itself can be translated as "gangs" or "bands" and is often used to describe groups involved in illegal activities such as extortion, drug trafficking, violence, and smuggling. The activities and structures of çeteler vary widely, ranging from small, localized groups to larger, more sophisticated organizations with national or international reach.

The presence and activities of çeteler have been a recurring concern in Turkey, with law enforcement agencies conducting operations to dismantle these groups. Media reports frequently cover police raids and arrests targeting individuals associated with çeteler. The term can also be used more broadly to describe any group that operates outside the law, though its primary connotation is with organized criminal enterprises.

The historical context of çeteler in Turkey is complex, with some scholars and commentators drawing parallels to historical instances of informal power structures or semi-legal armed groups. However, in contemporary usage, çeteler is almost exclusively associated with modern criminal organizations and their illicit operations. The fight against these groups is a significant aspect of public security policy in Turkey.