Nahiyyehs

A nahiyye (plural: nahiyeler) is a sub-district administrative division found in several countries, most notably Turkey and Azerbaijan. It is a level of government situated below the district (ilçe in Turkish, rayon in Azerbaijani) and above the village (köy in Turkish, kənd in Azerbaijani). The term originates from the Arabic word "nahiya," meaning vicinity or region.

The primary function of a nahiyye is to provide local administrative services and governance to a group of villages and sometimes smaller towns within a larger district. It typically has its own elected or appointed head (muhtar or analogous position) and a local council. These administrative units often have a central settlement, which is the largest village or town within the nahiyye, and this settlement usually houses the administrative offices.

The specific responsibilities and powers of a nahiyye can vary depending on the country's legal framework. Generally, they are responsible for tasks such as local infrastructure maintenance, basic public services, and mediating local disputes. The size and population of a nahiyye can differ significantly, with some encompassing a few small villages while others might include a larger population and more developed settlements. The administrative structure and the significance of nahiyeler have evolved over time with various administrative reforms in the countries where they exist.