Matriarchal and patriarchal culture are two different social structures deeply embedded in Turkish society. Both influence the family structure, social relations and even the political and economic systems of society. Matriarchal culture refers to a structure in which women play an important role in society and in which the family and social structure is more woman-centered. Patriarchal culture, on the other hand, is a male-dominated system in which the social and family structure is more male-centered. This article examines the matriarchal and patriarchal characteristics specific to Turkish culture and explores the impact of these two structures on Turkish society and their meaning today.

MATRIARCHAL CULTURE AND TURKISH SOCIETY

It is possible to see traces of matriarchal structures in Turkish culture, especially in the periods before the Turks migrated from Central Asia to Anatolia. There were societies where women were considered totemic and the family structure and inheritance were passed through women. There are also religious reflections such as the cult of the Mother Goddess.

PATRIARCHAL STRUCTURE AND ITS EVOLUTION

However, after the Turks settled in Anatolia, and especially with the adoption of Islam, they transitioned to a patriarchal structure. In this period, women were mostly confined to the home, while men played a more dominant role in the public sphere. The patriarchal structure was further consolidated from the Ottoman period onwards and remained unchanged despite the Republican period and modernization efforts.

THE COEXISTENCE OF THE TWO

Interestingly, matriarchal and patriarchal structures can coexist in Turkish culture. For example, there are cases where the woman has a voice in the family, but the man plays a more dominant role in society.

CULTURAL PROJECTIONS AND THEIR REFLECTIONS TODAY

These two structures in Turkish culture manifest themselves in many areas from literature to music, from daily life to politics. The place of women in society and the dominance of men in this regard continue to be discussed in today's Türkiye.