kutsal

Kutsal is a Turkish adjective meaning sacred or holy. It is used to describe objects, places, days, or concepts that are treated with reverence in religious or cultural contexts. The term often appears in compounds such as kutsal kitap or kutsal mekan.

Etymology and sense: The word is generally understood to derive from the Turkish root kut, meaning blessing or sacredness, combined with the adjectival suffix -sal to form kutsal. Some linguists note that its sense is reinforced by its frequent use in religious vocabulary, though the exact historical development is not tied to a single, universally cited source.

Usage and context: In modern Turkish, kutsal appears in both religious and secular discourse. Common compounds include kutsal kitap (the Bible) and kutsal mekan (sacred site). It can describe days, events, or concepts regarded with special reverence, such as kutsal günler (holy days) or kutsal saygı (reverence). While its usage is widespread in Islamic contexts, it is also employed when discussing sacred elements from Christian, Jewish, or other traditions in Turkish. In terms of nuance, kutsal emphasizes sacred status, whereas related terms like mübarek tend to convey blessedness or sanctified importance.

See also: In Turkish-language religious vocabulary, related terms include kutsal ruh (Holy Spirit) and kutsal kitap (Holy Book). The word remains a common and neutral descriptor for items or concepts held as sacred within Turkish culture.