törek

Törek, also written töre, is a Turkic term for a system of customary law and social norms that guide behavior within a community or tribe. The word denotes tradition, custom, and the moral code that regulates relations among family members, clans, and communities. Historically, törek functioned as a form of informal jurisprudence in many Turkic societies, complementing or sometimes supplanting official legal codes. Decisions about marriage, inheritance, honor, conflict resolution, and collective responsibility were often settled by elders or leaders guided by törek, rather than by written law. The content and emphasis of törek vary among peoples and eras; among Turkic groups such as the Oghuz, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Turkmen, Uzbek, Azerbaijani, and Turkish communities, törek intersects with local customs, religious practices, and state law.

In modern usage, törek is commonly discussed in relation to tradition and cultural heritage. It is sometimes invoked in discussions of social practices, including honor codes, family obligations, and communal arbitration. Critics note that some interpretations of törek have been used to justify coercive or violent acts, such as honor-based violence, while supporters emphasize its role in maintaining social cohesion and identity.

Etymology traces törek to Turkic roots associated with order, custom, or law. In many languages, near-synonyms include örf and adat, which reference customary law and tradition.