In order to understand the institution of Akhism and to reveal how it functions in social life, first of all, it is necessary to focus on the origin of the word Ahi and the meanings it has gained in historical development. There are two completely different views on the origin of the word Ahi. According to the first view; The origin of the word Ahi is Turkish, and it originates from the way the word "aki" is pronounced in Anatolia. According to the researchers who claim that the word Ahi is Turkish, Ahî comes from the pronunciation of the letter "k" in the word as "h". 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, looking, it is called reading, bahmah or reading, looking. Accordingly, the word Ahi is a term derived from the pronunciation of the word “akı”, which means “generous, open-handed”, with the “h” sound.

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

Some of those who research the word Ahi; They claim that the word has passed from Arabic to Turkish. According to this view, Ahi is a word consisting of the adjoining of the pronoun "ye", which is used for the first person singular and expresses possession, at the end of the word "ah" meaning "brother". The word Ahi literally means "my brother". Hüseyin Kazım Kadri, one of those who adopt the second view, explains that the word Ahi is Arabic as follows(3): "The Arabic name Ahi means "ahî" instead of Ahu, brother, sibling, friend, cem (plural) "ihvan" brothers, friends, belonging to a sect. and those who are subject to the profession”.

It is seen that the meaning given by Hüseyin Kazım Kadri is also attributed to the word Ahi in Turkish-Arabic Lûgat(4). Again, when the Qur'an is examined, it is seen that the word Ahi is used together with the possessive pronoun in forty-four verses, either singular or plural(5).

The spelling of the word Ahi in the futuwvetnames and in the foundations left by the Ahis who lived in Anatolia also supports the second view(6).

The expression "Mufredi (singular) consists of saying the word "Ah" in the first person singular(7)" in Ibn Batuta's travel book also strengthens the second opinion.

There are valid and consistent aspects of both views regarding the word Ahi. While the view that the word "akı", which means "ahi", means generous, open-handed, should be read with the "h" sound in Anatolia, it is seen that the other view cannot be ignored.

Gölpınarlı explains this as follows:

"The word Ahi means 'my brother' in Arabic. Sheik Ferec-i Zincanî, who died in 457 Hijri (1065), and Aliyy-i Mısrî, the caliph of Alaü'd-Devle, who died in 736 (1336), were referred to with the nickname "Ahı" and that this word was mentioned in very old futuwvetnâmes. Considering what they have counted and the use of the word 'From the followers of so-and-so' instead of 'the disciple of so-and-so' in Melami, 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 institution of Akhism, which is based on generosity, openness and bravery, is that its members see each other as brothers. Throughout history, Muslims have always seen each other as brothers. The first practice of fraternization Hz. It is known that it was carried out during the reign of Muhammad.

Ahi was used as it was mentioned in the Qur'an, but it became a Turkish term. Brotherhood is a feeling based on generosity, cooperation and friendship. Brotherhood is not just about being born from a single mother.

Sufi movements, which try to support and explain their views with the verses of the Qur'an, take as their source the verses that encourage especially the removal of hostilities between people and the feeling of brotherhood prevailing instead.

For example;

“Hold on tightly to the religion of Allah. Do not separate from each other. Think of the (Islam) blessing on Allah that when you were enemies to each other in the age of ignorance, He created a closeness between your hearts and you became brothers in religion thanks to his blessing….(9)”

As stated in the verse, all mystical understandings assert that it is Allah's will that the enmity between people should be removed and that they should be brothers in religion.

Likewise, it is known that Ahi unions are also 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 units. According to what we learned from Ibn Battuta; “Ahi; They are the chiefs elected among themselves by forming a community among the unmarried, single and artistic young people and the others (probably not single ones).” The chiefs' making zawiyas and tambourine them

they must sprout. Zaviyes are places of gathering and service, and they are places that serve as accommodation for those who come and go, if necessary.

According to another view, "Ahi" is the head of the union, the sheikh(10). The statements in Ibn Battuta's travel book also support the view that "Ahi", who is the head of Ahi institutions, is a sheikh. Because it is known that a person who is a sheikh in all sects built a lodge (zaviye) and made it a gathering place for the followers (fetâ) and a place of service to the people.

As a result:

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