Qonun

Qonun is a term used in several Turkic languages to mean law or a legal statute. The spelling and usage vary by orthography, with forms such as Qonun, Qanun, or Kanun appearing in different languages and regions. In many contexts, the word appears in official and scholarly references to law, legislation, and legal systems.

Linguistic background and usage: Qonun is a cognate of similar words in related languages that denote law. Its roots trace back to classical legal vocabulary that circulated through Arabic and Persian influences before taking form in Turkic-speaking areas. In contemporary practice, the exact spelling reflects the local alphabet and transliteration conventions. In Azerbaijani and Kazakh, for example, a form akin to qanun or qonun is used to denote law, while Turkish typically uses kanun for the same concept, reflecting a parallel but distinct orthography.

Modern context: The term appears in legal terminology, such as qanunvericilik (legislation or the process of making laws) and related phrases referring to legislative bodies or statutes. It functions as a generic label for the body of law within a country’s legal system, as well as for the concept of law in academic and public discourse. While the core meaning is consistent—law or statute—the exact spelling and usage depend on language, script, and regional tradition.

See also: Kanun; Qanun; Law (legal system); Legislative process.