Meclisler

Meclisler is the Turkish plural form of meclis, a term used for assemblies or councils that gather to discuss and decide on issues within a defined jurisdiction, institution, or organization. The word originates from the Arabic majlis, carried into Turkish through Ottoman usage, and is applied to a range of deliberative bodies in different contexts.

In contemporary Turkish usage, meclisler cover national, regional, and local deliberative bodies. The best-known example at the national level is Türkiye Büyük Millet Meclisi, the Grand National Assembly, which functions as the country’s unicameral legislature with responsibilities such as enacting laws, approving the budget, and overseeing the government. At subnational levels, belediye meclisleri (municipal councils) and il genel meclisleri (provincial assemblies) operate as local decision-making bodies dealing with urban planning, public services, and fiscal matters. Membership and terms are defined by law or charter, and procedures are typically governed by formal rules of order, including sessions, committees, motions, and votes.

Historically, the term has also designated Ottoman legislative and consultative bodies, such as the Meclis-i Mebusan (the Ottoman Parliament) established in the late 19th century. In everyday usage, meclisler is a generic reference to any assembly or council, with context indicating whether it is a national, provincial, municipal, or organizational body.