Aksakal (Social Term)

Aksakal ("white beard", from ak, "white", and sakal, "beard") is a respected elder. In the Autonomous Tribal Regions each of the 24 clans is governed by a council of aksakals, which hears disputes in open assemblies (Aksakal Sod) under customary law (see Adat Law in the ATR). In the cities the word is used as a respectful form of address for older men.