For the peoples of the Caucasus and Central Asia, aksakal is a person who enjoys great respect. The reason is not only respectable age, but also wisdom multiplied by knowledge of traditions and customs and the ability not only to fairly resolve minor disputes, but also to prevent large ones. And the word itself has Turkic roots: in translation from Turkish, “aksakal” is a gray-bearded man.
What is the role of aksakal?
In ancient times, aksakal was a person who, along with other people, was involved in organizing public works and managing social events such as weddings and funerals. This role is inherent in him for a reason, since this man, who had high moral qualities, gained respect not only for his good qualities, but also for his excellent knowledge of customs and traditions.
Thus, aksakal is a person whose activities reflected the national mentality and traditions, since he acted on the basis of morality, moral conviction and personal conscience. This means that in his hands were the traditions and customs of the people, and he controlled their faithful adherence.
