Honor Killings in Traditional Societies: Revisiting the Case of Türkiye After Istanbul Convention Withdrawal

Abstract

This research delves into the complex dynamics of honor and honor killings in traditional societies, with a specific focus on Türkiye, which has a Muslim-majority population and secular-democratic politico-legal system. It sheds light on the cultural and societal frameworks that reinforce honor, particularly in the context of gender relations and familial reputation. Using a qualitative methodology, the study analyzes the case of Türkiye, with a significant emphasis on the controversial withdrawal from the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence, also known as the Istanbul Convention. Examining discussions in the parliament, legal documents, and secondary sources, such as research reports, supports the case study. The findings reveal a complicated interplay between traditional perceptions of honor, legal inadequacies, and societal attitudes that perpetuate violence against women. The study argues that while legislative reforms have been implemented, cultural and societal norms continue to pose significant challenges to their effectiveness. The conclusion underscores the urgent need for a multifaceted approach, incorporating legal, educational, and societal strategies to dismantle the cultural norms that condone honor-related violence. This article contributes to the discourse on gender-based violence, advocating for a comprehensive understanding and action to address honor killings in Türkiye and beyond.