kuyu

Kuyu is a Turkish noun meaning "well." It denotes a shaft or excavation that reaches groundwater and is typically equipped with a lining, bucket, rope, or pulley. In traditional rural life, kuyus were central water sources for people, livestock, and gardens. Wells vary from simple hand-dug pits to engineered structures, some protected by stone walls or capping to prevent collapse; others are part of larger water systems such as irrigation networks. The term also appears in figurative language and folklore, where wells can symbolize life, depth, or danger, depending on the context.

Etymology and related usage: The word kuid is native Turkish; cognates occur in other Turkic languages with similar meanings, reflecting shared cultural practices around water sources.

Geography and names: In toponymy, Kuyu is used as a place name in Turkish-speaking regions, indicating a historical or present water source at the site. Kuyu also serves as a surname in Turkey and among Turkish-speaking communities.