iylik

Iyilik is a noun in Turkic languages, most commonly Turkish, meaning the quality of being good and the act of doing good toward others. It derives from the adjective iyi (good) with the abstract noun suffix -lik, yielding a term that encompasses kindness, benevolence, and charitable behavior. In Turkish, Kazakh, Uzbek and related languages, iyilik describes both moral character and concrete good deeds.

Usage and scope: Iyilik is used to refer to acts of kindness as well as to a person’s virtuous disposition. Common expressions include iyilik yapmak (to do good) and iyilik görmek (to receive kindness). The concept covers generosity, compassion, and helpfulness, and it appears in everyday speech as well as in religious and secular ethical contexts.

Cultural significance: Iyilik holds social and moral importance in many Turkic communities. It is linked to hospitality, reciprocity, and care for family and neighbors. In folklore and literature, iyilik is celebrated as a valued virtue, and various proverbs encourage responding to others with benevolence and fairness.

Relation to ethics: While not a formal doctrine, iyilik functions as a foundational ethical idea in Turkic-speaking cultures. It informs social expectations, charitable practices, and moral education, reinforcing social cohesion and personal integrity through everyday benevolent actions.