Ikramiye

Ikramiye is a Turkish term that refers to a lump-sum payment or gift given in addition to normal wages, typically as a form of reward, incentive, or gratuity. It is used in various contexts, from employer compensation to prizes and official awards, and the exact meaning can vary by sector and contract.

The word derives from the Arabic root ikrâm, meaning to honor or show generosity, and entered Turkish through Ottoman usage. In everyday language, ikramiye conveys the idea of a discretionary extra payment rather than a fixed salary component.

In employment contexts, ikramiye commonly denotes year-end bonuses, performance bonuses, or recognition payments provided at the discretion of the employer or dictated by collective agreements. The amount and eligibility are usually determined by policy, contract, or management decisions, and such payments are typically treated as taxable income under national tax rules.

In the public sector or in specific programs, ikramiye may appear as a one-time incentive or additional payment linked to holidays, milestones, or special occasions, subject to applicable laws and budgets. The term is also used for prizes or awards granted in contests or lotteries, or as a retirement or long-service gratuity in some organizations. While similar to “prim” (performance bonus) or severance pay in some contexts, ikramiye remains a broader term for various forms of discretionary gratuity or reward.