An Essay on Economic Values of Akhism

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the Akhism with the special reference to its economic aspects. Akhism was effectively functioning from the end of the Seljuk to the late Ottoman period. Akhism, with some modifications, played an important role in the establishment of an effective economic and social structure, by bringing together socio-economic factors such as ethics, production and trade. Then, Akhism succeeded in creating an effective and reliable network of relationships between citizen and state, rich and poor, producer and consumer and labor and capital. Akhism also established the working and corporate principles based on morality and social justice. Akhiis is an Arabic word which is defined as a "brother" (Akca, 2004, 356). In another source it is stated that this word is derived from Akı which means in Turkish language bravery, heroism and generosity (Bayram, 1991, 131). The brotherhood culture prevalent in Akhism has also been effective in the formation of social order and spreading of tolerance and understanding in the society. Akhism institution and tradition has been influential in economical, financial, social and cultural aspects of life. In the past and even today it has been dominant in organizing craftsmen and artists and in integrating them in a definite system and order.

Ahi̇li̇k: Eği̇ti̇m Açisindan Bi̇r Değerlendi̇rme

“…Ahilik; eğitim, ahlak ve ticaret gibi sosyo-ekonomik unsurları bir araya getirerek arzulanan toplum yapısının kurulmasında önemli rol oynamış; vatandaş ile devlet, zengin ile fakir, üretici ile tüketici, emek ile sermaye arasında güvenilir bir ilişkiler ağı oluşturmayı başarmıştır (Mamuti, 2017). Aradan geçen zamana rağmen Ahiliğin halen etkilerinin devam ettiğini görmek için Türkiye'de herhangi bir sanat kolunda usta-kalfa-çırak ilişkisine bakmak yeterli olacaktır (Balcı, 2019); çırak-kalfa-usta üçlüsüne giden yolda Ahilikteki çalışmalar ve yapılan törenler modern kurumlara yansıtılmıştır (Gemici, 2010, s.92).…”

The Urbanization of Labor and Its Struggle for Unionism in Turkish Cinema

“…of the society as a whole so as to settle social order. Mamuti (2013) gives the idea that Akhi organizations arrange commerce and so, they are like "chambers of commerce"; they try hard to resolve industrial problems between capital owners and the workers and they regulate labor relations so, they are just like "trade unions"; they prevent the creation of the monopoly, so they are "authority competitions"; they protect the consumers' rights by detecting the quality and the price of goods and services, so they resemble "service standard boards" (Mamuti, 2013: 241). All these explanations pave the way that Akhi organizations are the pioneer of trade unions in regards to their capability to solve industry or let's say commerce oriented predicaments, which is in line with the objective and the meaning of modern trade unions.…”