"Soyad" is a Turkish term that translates to "surname" in English. It is a family name passed down through generations, typically used to identify individuals within a family group. In many cultures, including Turkish culture, the soyad is an important part of a person's identity and is often used in formal settings, such as legal documents and official records. In Turkey, the use of soyad became standardized in the early 20th century, particularly with the introduction of the Surname Law in 1934. This law required all citizens to adopt a fixed surname, which helped to organize and modernize the naming system. Today, soyads can reflect a person's heritage, profession, or even geographical origin.