óþörf

Örf is a Turkish noun meaning a customary practice or tradition of a community. It denotes norms that are widely accepted and transmitted across generations, shaping behavior in daily life, social interactions, ceremonies, and public etiquette. While it overlaps with other terms such as adet (habit) and gelenek (tradition), örf emphasizes social expectations that a community regards as appropriate, rather than formal written rules.

Etymology and usage: The word derives from Turkic roots and is cognate with related terms in other Turkic languages. In modern Turkish, örf appears in academic, cultural, and legal discussions, for example in the phrase örf ve adetler (customs and traditions). Historically, discussions of örf extended into customary law (örfi hukuk) in Ottoman and early republican contexts, where local practices helped regulate behavior alongside formal statutes. Today, the concept is mainly used in anthropology and sociology, while contemporary statutes govern most civil matters.

Culture and variation: Örf varies by region and community, reflecting differences in rural and urban life and among provinces. It can govern rituals, hospitality, marriage practices, greetings, and other social interactions, and often evolves with social change, religion, and globalization. As societies modernize, some örf elements persist as heritage, while others fade or transform. The study of örf provides a lens into how people balance tradition with contemporary life.