Sülü

Sülü refers to the Turkish word for a comma-like punctuation mark used in the Turkish language, specifically the comma with a dot above it (,·). This character is distinct from the standard comma (,) and is primarily used in Turkish orthography to indicate a slight pause or separation in speech, similar to the function of a comma in other languages. The sülü is one of several unique punctuation marks employed in Turkish writing to reflect its phonetic and grammatical structure.

The sülü originated from the Ottoman Turkish script, which was heavily influenced by Arabic and Persian calligraphy. As Turkish modernized its writing system in the early 20th century, the Latin alphabet was adopted, but certain punctuation conventions, including the sülü, were retained to preserve clarity and rhythm in speech. Unlike the standard comma, the sülü is placed above the line of text rather than below, distinguishing it visually.

In modern Turkish, the sülü is used in specific contexts, such as separating clauses in compound sentences or indicating a pause that is less pronounced than a full stop but more significant than a standard comma. For example, it may appear in phrases where a slight hesitation or transition occurs, helping to maintain the natural flow of speech in written form. While its usage is less common in everyday writing compared to the standard comma, it remains an important element in formal and literary Turkish texts.

The sülü is also found in other Turkic languages, such as Azerbaijani and Turkmen, where it serves a similar function. Its inclusion in the Turkish writing system reflects the language’s historical evolution and its adaptation to modern orthographic standards while preserving traditional stylistic elements.