Töre

Sıla's song 'Töre' is a poignant critique of traditional customs and societal norms that perpetuate injustice and suffering. The lyrics open with a cry for help, as the protagonist feels abandoned and desperate for support. The lines 'Can Per Perişan Eşim Dostum Uyansın / İmdadımın Vakti Elime Biri Uzansın' express a deep sense of isolation and a plea for someone to reach out and offer assistance. This sets the stage for the song's exploration of the oppressive nature of certain traditions, referred to as 'töre,' which can be translated as 'custom' or 'tradition' in Turkish.

The song questions the legitimacy of these customs by contrasting them with divine will. Sıla sings, 'Allahın Emri Değil / Bu Kulların Aklı / Haktan Gelen Değil Bu / Bebeler Doğar mı Silahlı,' suggesting that these harmful traditions are not decreed by God but are human-made constructs. The rhetorical question about babies being born armed underscores the absurdity and inherent violence of these customs. This powerful imagery highlights the unnaturalness of such traditions and their detrimental impact on society.

The chorus, repeating 'Töre Töre Töre / Olur mu Kul Kula Köle,' serves as a direct challenge to the idea of one person being subjugated to another. The repetition emphasizes the song's central message: that no human should be enslaved by another's will. The lines 'Kin Koydun Kör Yüreğe / Böyle Adalet Olur mu' further criticize the hatred and blindness that these customs instill in people's hearts, questioning the very notion of justice within such a framework. Sıla's 'Töre' is a powerful call for introspection and change, urging listeners to reconsider and ultimately reject oppressive traditions in favor of true justice and compassion.