In order to understand the institution of Ahi and to reveal what function it undertakes in social life, it is necessary to first focus on the source of the word Ahi and the meanings it has acquired in historical development.

There are two completely different views regarding the source of the word Ahi. According to the first view; The source of the word Ahî is Turkish and it arises from the way the word "akı" is pronounced in Anatolia. According to researchers who claim that the word Ahî is Turkish, Ahî comes from the pronunciation of the letter "k" as "h" in the word. As a matter of fact, it is known that the letter "k" is pronounced as "h" and "ğ" in Anatolia (1). For example, instead of reading or looking, it is said 'okuh, bahmah' or 'okuman', 'bakmak'. Accordingly, the word Ahî is a word derived from the reading of the word "akı", meaning "generous, generous", with the sound "h".

The use of the word Ahi for chiefs (presidents, leaders) strengthens the view that it was formed by the sound change in the Turkish word "akı". As a matter of fact, in the Ahî institution, the chiefs are called Ahî, the others are called fetâ, fityan (2).

Some of those who research the word Ahi; They claim that the word passed from Arabic to Turkish. According to this view, Ahî is a word formed by adding the pronoun "ye", which is used for the first person singular and expresses possession, to the end of the word "ah", which means "brother". In this form, the word Ahi means "my brother". Hüseyin Kâzım Kadri, one of those who adopt the second view, explains that the word Ahî is Arabic as follows (3): "Ahî is the Arabic name, Ahû is replaced by "ahî" brother, brother, friend, friend, community (plural) "ihvan" brothers, friends, members of a sect. and those who are subject to the profession”.

It is seen that the word Ahî is given the meaning given by Hüseyin Kâzım Kadri in the Turkish-Arabic Dictionary (4). Again, when the Holy Quran is examined, it is seen that the word Ahî is used together with the possessive pronoun in forty-four verses, either singular or plural (5).

The way the word Ahi is written in the futuwwatnames and in the foundation deeds left by the Ahis who lived in Anatolia also supports the second view (6).

The statement in Ibn Battuta's travelogue, "Müfredi (singular) is formed by saying the word "Ah" in the first person singular (7)" also strengthens the second opinion.

Regarding the word Ahi, both views have valid and consistent aspects. While it may be true that the word "akı", meaning generous and open-handed, is read with the "h" sound in Anatolia, the other view cannot be ignored.

Gölpınarlı explains this as follows:

"The word Ahî means 'my brother' in Arabic. Sheikh Ferec-i Zincanî, who died in 457 Hijri (1065), and Aliyy-i Mısrî, the Caliph of Alâü'd-Devle, who died in 736 (1336), were known with the nickname "Ahı" and this Considering that the word is mentioned in very old futuwwatnames, that the people of futuwwa considered each other as brothers, and that the word 'from the brethren of so-and-so sheikh' is used instead of 'disciple of so-and-so sheikh' in Melamis, the idea and consideration that this word comes from Arabic cannot be rejected (8)."

The fact that the word Ahi is also related to Sufism shows that both views are correct. Because; One of the indispensable rules of the Ahi institution, which is based on generosity, openness and bravery, is that its members see each other as brothers. Muslims have always seen each other as brothers throughout history. The first application of fraternization was Hz. It is known that it was carried out during the reign of Muhammad.

Ahî was used as it is in the Holy Quran, but it has become a term unique to Turks. Brotherhood is a feeling based on generosity, cooperation and friendship. Brotherhood is not just about being born to a mother.

Sufi movements that try to support and explain their views with verses from the Quran, especially take as their source the verses that encourage the end of hostilities between individuals and the feeling of brotherhood to prevail in its place.

For example;

"Hold tightly to the religion of Allah together. Do not separate and disperse from each other. Consider the blessing of Allah (Islam) that, while you were enemies to each other in the age of ignorance, He created closeness between your hearts, and thanks to His blessing, you became brothers in religion....( 9)"

All Sufi understandings claim that it is God's wish that the hostilities between people should end and that they should become brothers in religion, as stated in the verse.

Likewise, it is known that Ahi unions are trying to create brotherhood among people.

It is estimated that the word Ahi was used as a title given to the people (chiefs) at the head of the Ahi troops. As we learned from Ibn Batuta; "Ahi are the leaders whom unmarried, single and artistic young people and others (probably not single) form a community and elect among themselves." The chiefs built zawiyas and

They need to be furnished. Zawiyas are places of gathering and service, and they serve as accommodation for those coming and going when necessary.

According to another view, "Ahi", the person at the head of the union, is the sheikh (10). The statements in Ibn Battuta's travelogue also support the view that "Ahî", the head of the Ahî institutions, was a sheikh. Because it is known that in all sects, the sheikh builds a lodge (zawiya) and makes it a gathering place for his disciples (feta) and a place of service to those who come and pass by.

In conclusion:

Ahî Order is a "religious-professional" institution spread in Turkish provinces. These unions tried to establish solidarity and cooperation among people, especially their members.