Kvartali

Kvartali is a term used in several languages to denote a quarter, district, or neighborhood within a city or town. It typically refers to a subdivision that groups streets, blocks, and local services for administrative, planning, or postal purposes. The concept is tied to the historic idea of a city divided into quarters or blocks that function as recognizable, cohesive units within the urban fabric.

Etymology and linguistic variants explain its widespread use. Kvartali derives from roots related to the idea of a quarter or quadrant and is cognate with terms such as the German quartal and the French quartier, reflecting shared European urban planning traditions. In languages that borrow from Slavic or neighboring influences, variants of kvartal or kvartali function as generic geographic units, appearing in maps, addresses, and planning documents as a label for a city quarter or block.

Usage and interpretation can vary by country. In some contexts, kvartali is a common noun for a city quarter, while in others it appears as a proper noun in local toponymy, naming specific neighborhoods or districts. Urban studies often contrast kvartaly with other administrative or planning units such as districts, boroughs, or microdistricts, depending on the jurisdiction and terminology used.

Because kvartali can be encountered as both a general concept and a place name, interpretation relies on local context. See also Quarter (urban), District (municipal), Microdistrict, and Urban planning terms.