Şarkiyat

Abstract

Tribes play a significant role in shaping relationships between individuals and groups, particularly in societies where tribal structures are present. Given that elements such as solidarity, reciprocity, and a sense of belonging are considered pivotal in the formation of social trust, the functions of tribal structures in these processes become even more meaningful. Tribes not only provide their members with identity and a sense of belonging but also support social cohesion through mechanisms of trust, solidarity, and social support. However, it is a contested issue that while these structures reinforce trust among in-group members, they may simultaneously foster distrust in relationships with out-groups. In this context, this study aims to understand the impact of tribes on the processes of constructing social trust in the Hakkari region. The research examines the role of social trust in maintaining sustainable relationships among individuals and groups and evaluates the functions of tribal structures in this process. The primary research problem is to explore how the high levels of trust among tribe members shape their trust relations with out-groups. Based on semi-structured interviews conducted with 21 participants from four major tribes in Hakkari (Pinyanişi, Ertuşi, Giravi, and Gevdan), the study offers analyses through different categories of trust, including particularized trust, instrumental trust, and generalized trust. The findings of the study reveal that tribal structures enhance social trust by providing individuals with security, solidarity, and a sense of social identity. However, it also emphasizes that inter-tribal conflicts and coercive practices may undermine this trust. The study is limited by its focus solely on the Hakkari region and a specific sample of tribes. Nonetheless, it offers a unique framework on the impact of tribes on social capital and social trust, thereby making a valuable contribution to the literature.