Learn Turkish: Bu görenekler toplumsal dayanışmayı destekleyegeldi. - These customs have been supporting societal solidarity.

It comes from the verb root destekle- (to support). We add the buffer -y-, the vowel -e (part of the -(y)Agelmek structure), the auxiliary verb gel- (to come), and the past tense marker -di. The -(y)Agelmek compound verb gives the meaning that the action started in the past and has continuously "come" all the way to the present.

Why does the English translation say "have been supporting" when the Turkish verb ends in the simple past suffix -di?

The compound suffix -(y)Agelmek inherently means an action has been ongoing from the past right up to the present. Because this continuous process is established as a known historical fact, Turkish uses the definite past tense -di on the auxiliary verb gel-, even though in English this translates best as the present perfect continuous.

What is the difference between görenek and the similar word gelenek?

While they are closely related, gelenek (tradition) implies something passed down through generations (derived from gel-, meaning "things that have come"). Görenek (custom or habit) refers more to social norms people follow because they see others doing them (derived from gör-, meaning "things that are seen"), like local etiquette or daily practices.

How does the word toplumsal get its meaning?