tören

Tören is a Turkish noun meaning ceremony or formal event. It covers a wide range of planned gatherings that follow a specific program, include ritual elements, and often involve formal attire and public observance.

Common types include state or official ceremonies (devlet törenleri) such as national holidays or presidential ceremonies; civil ceremonies like weddings (evlilik töreni) and graduations (mezuniyet töreni); religious ceremonies (dini törenler) such as rites conducted in mosques or at religious institutions; and commemorative or cultural events such as memorials (anma törenleri).

A tören typically has a formal structure: a procession, opening remarks or speeches, presenting honors or awards, performances or rituals, and a closing segment. Participants may include officials, honorees, family members, and spectators. Etiquette often governs dress code, punctuality, seating, and the sequence of events; in many cases the ceremonies are broadcast or reported by the media.

In Turkish usage, tören typically serves to mark transitions, honor individuals, or reinforce social, national, or religious values. They vary by community and occasion, but share an emphasis on order, symbolism, and shared participation.