The Profiles of Victims, Perpetrators, and Unfounded Beliefs in Honor Killings in Turkey

Abstract

Despite Turkey’s increasing awareness of honor killings, many unfounded beliefs and assumptions still pervade concerning the general profiles of victims, perpetrators, and the crimes committed. These erroneous views are predicated upon a plethora of weak generalizations rather than robust research evidence. Yet, such claims have a significant impact on both the regulations aiming to combat these killings and the working practices of the officers struggling to prevent their occurrence. By deploying a qualitative interview method, corroborated by court rulings and prison files, and reflecting views of prisoners who have committed murder in the name of honor ( namus) in Turkey, the author, herein, attempts to construct a data-based description of honor killing.