Gelenek

Gelenek is a Turkish term meaning tradition or custom. It refers to the practices, beliefs, values, and social norms that a community passes down from generation to generation. The concept emphasizes continuity and shared identity, including ceremonies, rituals, and everyday practices that help define a group. Etymologically, gelenek is usually described as arising from gel- "to come" with a suffix that indicates something handed down, i.e., what comes through generations.

Gelenek encompasses a wide range of elements, such as family rites, weddings, religious observances, folk arts, cuisine, dress, language, and social etiquette. It is transmitted through families and communities, but it also evolves as people migrate, communicate, or encounter other cultures. Traditions are not static; they can be reinforced, reinterpreted, or selectively adopted while new practices become traditional over time.

In modern Turkish discourse, gelenek is often discussed alongside modernization and globalization. It serves as a resource for cultural continuity and national or regional identity, while also facing challenges from rapid social change. Scholars and institutions study gelenek through ethnography, archives, and education to understand how communities negotiate continuity and change.