Aksakal (ahk-sah-call)
Language: Uzbek
Meaning: Elder
Aksakals are the heart of Uzbek neighborhoods. Literally, the word means white beard (ak = white, sakal = beard). Each neighborhood, or mahalla, has some aksakals to whom neighbors can turn for advice or to resolve disputes, or to be delegates to other neighborhoods. They help keep the neighborhood running smoothly and they organize everyone to get things done. If a ditch needs to be dug, the aksakals get some volunteers together to dig the ditch. If a road needs to be improved, the aksakals may arrange volunteers for that as well, or they may just drop in to see how your kids are doing and give them some prayers.