A Study on Hierarchical/Normative Order, Marriage and Family Patterns in Bin Yousuf Tribe of Southeastern Turkey

Tulin G. Icli, Sevket Okten, Aslıhan Ogun Boyacıoglu

Department of Sociology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
Department of Sociology, Harran University, ?anl?urfa, Turkey.

DOI: 10.4236/aasoci.2012.21003                

Abstract

Ashirat (tribe), an Arabic-origin word, defines the first and the most important community among the small groups, constituting a tribe and it refers to a big family. The aim of this study is to describe hierarchical order and social status, normative/legal order and marriage and family patterns in Bin Yousuf ashirat settled in Harran valley of Sanliurfa province, Southeastern Turkey. Naimi and Bradat are the two clans loyal to Bin Yousuf ashirat. In this study, by using techniques of in-depth interview, observation and focus group interviews, a qualitative research was carried out upon the members of the Bin Yousuf Tribe. Results of the study revealed that the basic feature of this social structure is the loyalty to the introverted institutions such as the tribe and aghaism, which are interlaced with each other through the very long history. Ashirat as an institution in the area where there is no strong governmental organization or security over any matter, maintains its function in overcoming difficulties and solving the problems such as the need of getting and using bank loans, establishing security and solidarity. This situation considerably maintains the loyalty of the members to the ashirat.

Keywords

Ashirat; Tribe; Ashirats in Turkey; Social Structures of Ashirats

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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