Müdürü

Müdürü is a Turkish term that translates to “director,” “manager,” or “head” in English. It is commonly used as a suffix attached to the name of an institution, department, or agency to denote the person who holds the leading administrative position within that entity. For example, “Okul Müdürü” refers to a school principal, “İşletme Müdürü” to a business manager, and “Sağlık Müdürü” to a health department director. In the civil service hierarchy, the title is often accompanied by a rank indicating the level of responsibility and jurisdiction, such as “Şube Müdürü” (branch manager) or “Bölüm Müdürü” (section head).

The word originates from the Arabic root “mudīr,” meaning “one who governs,” and entered Turkish during the Ottoman period, where it was employed in official capacities throughout the empire’s bureaucracy. In contemporary Turkey, the title is used across public and private sectors, including education, healthcare, transportation, and corporate organizations. It can also appear in formal documents, business cards, and signage to clarify the chain of command.

In addition to its functional use, Müdürü can appear as a surname, though this is relatively rare. Individuals bearing the surname may have ancestral ties to administrative roles or have adopted the name for its connotations of leadership.