ABSTRACT
Honor killing in Turkey is a form of violence that stems from the traditional value system of Turkey’s sociocultural structure. is customary notion of “honor” in Asia and the Middle East must also be included when analyzing the concept of honor or “töre” killings. e notions of dignity and honor are among the basic values in determining behaviors and attitudes in female-male relationships, in the family structure and marriage, and in gender roles in Turkey, especially in rural and poor areas. ese concepts not only reflect face-to-face, primary features of social relations in Turkey, but also mirror a social rather than an individual character. e killing of a female by a male relative in the name of protecting the family’s honor and dignity has been in practice since a very long time. Suspicion of an extramarital sexual affair, infidelity to the husband, flirting with other men, eloping with a lover, and even being raped can all be reasons why killing women and girls has been justified in order to protect the family’s honor and reputation.
