Applications of the Akhi Tradition, which Lights the Way of the Turkish Legal System

Historically, the Akhi tradition established an order that remained influential in Anatolia for centuries. This influence extended even to rural villages, underscoring the profound significance of the Akhi tradition in society. The primary objective of the Akhi tradition was the moral and religious development of individuals within the community. Additionally, it sought to ensure the stability of commercial life, implementing numerous regulations over time to achieve this secondary goal. As a natural consequence of being a craftsmen’s organization, the material and financial advancement of its members were also among the Akhi tradition’s main priorities. Another notable function of the Akhi organization was its role in providing soldiers for the state. To achieve these objectives, the Akhi organization derived its principles from Islamic legal texts and customary law regulations, positioning itself as both a religious and social institution. Even after its decline, the Akhi tradition has continued to shape the Turkish world. It can be argued that the foundations of professional chambers established during the Republican era were rooted in Akhi practices. In this regard, the Akhi system has influenced and guided various aspects of modern life. The legal field is among the areas significantly impacted by the Akhi system. This study primarily examines the influence of the Akhi tradition on commercial law and consumer law. The origins of modern banking and social insurance practices can be traced back to the “middle funds” of the Akhi system, which undoubtedly paved the way for today’s banking and insurance sectors. Moreover, the Akhi system introduced consumer protection regulations that continue to inspire contemporary standards. Similarly, intellectual property practices within the Akhi tradition bear striking similarities to modern systems. These parallels reveal that the Akhi system has played a crucial role in shaping numerous legal practices that persist to this day.