OTAĞ-I TURKISH
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The Tradition of Kissing Hands in Turkish Culture: The Silent Language of Respect
Turkish culture has kept many traditions centered on respect, loyalty and social harmony throughout history. One of these is the tradition of kissing hands. This behavior, which we are used to seeing only on holiday mornings today, is actually a cultural heritage that carries deep meaning.
Where Does It Originate From?
The tradition of kissing hands is not unique to today's Turkey. In ancient Turkish communities in Central Asia, there were also various forms of greeting as a sign of respect for older, wise or high-status individuals. Kissing hands became more established after the adoption of Islam as an extension of these old rituals, and became an expression of respect, especially for spiritual elders and the elderly.
Meaning of Kissing Hands
Kissing the hand is not just a physical action; it is an indicator of a stance and tendency. With this gesture, it is said: "I respect you," "Your word is valuable," "Your experiences are important to me." After kissing the hand, bringing that hand to the forehead means "I hold your word above my head." In this respect, kissing the hand is like a non-verbal declaration of commitment.
To Whom and When?
Family elders: Mother, father, grandfather, grandmother. People who are respected in society: teachers, opinion leaders. Special days: Meaningful times such as holidays, weddings, funerals.
With the changing times, the tradition of kissing hands is on the verge of being forgotten in some circles due to urbanization and modern life, but it is still strongly kept alive in rural areas and traditional family structures. Especially children kissing the hands of their elders is considered one of the first steps of respect between generations.More Than a TraditionKissing hands is not just a cultural behavior, it is a living part of the society's codes of respect and loyalty. Keeping this tradition alive today is not just kissing a hand; it is establishing a connection with the past and carrying the legacy of respect to the future.
The Hand Kissed by the Old Uncle: Respect or Loyalty?
A Photograph Sometimes Speaks Louder Than a Thousand Words
The image of an elderly citizen kissing the hand of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is one such moment.
Is it a reflection of traditional culture, political loyalty, or a silent question?
What Does It Traditionally Represent?
In Turkish culture, kissing someone’s hand is a ritual of respect—typically from the young to the old, or from a student to their teacher. However, when it comes to individuals in high-ranking positions, the age gap may become irrelevant.
In this context, an elderly man kissing the hand of the President might be interpreted as "respect for a statesman."
But Who Is the Elder Here?
This is where the contradiction begins:
The one who kisses the hand is old; the one whose hand is kissed is younger.
To some, this proves that respect is now shown not to age, but to authority.
Yet in traditional values, greatness wasn’t measured solely by office or position.
Many viewers of such images find themselves asking:
"Is this genuine respect, or submission to power?"
Political Power and Symbolism
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s long-standing leadership has led some segments of society to internalize him as a "chief" or "father figure."
Such images are seen as reflections of his charismatic influence over the public.
But among other segments, these moments are read differently:
"Submission to the system, idolization of the individual, surrender of will."
Especially among opposition circles, such scenes are criticized with statements like:
"Loyalty is shown not to the state, but directly to the individual."
A Sociological Note
This scene is not merely the act of one person—it is a mirror of a social structure.
It illustrates how the relationship between the state and its citizens still maintains a hierarchical, father-son dynamic, where individuals instinctively bow to authority.
Traditions must be preserved; but they should never overshadow free will.
Respect must begin not with the hand, but with the heart.
The elderly are not just carriers of culture, but the living memory of society.
It is not their duty to bow—but ours to bow before them. That is the true spirit of Turkish culture.
