Wilayats

Wilayat, plural wilayats, is a term used in several Arabic- and Persian-influenced states to denote a territorial subdivision that is typically equivalent to a province or state. The word derives from Arabic wilayah, meaning jurisdiction or authority, and is used to describe local or regional governance structures within a larger political framework. The precise role and powers of a wilayat vary by country and historical period.

In Afghanistan, wilayats are the country’s provinces. Each wilaya is administered by a governor (wali) appointed by the central government and supported by a provincial council. Wilayats are further divided into districts, which handle localized administration and public services under national policy.

In Oman, wilayats function as subdivisions of larger governorates (muhafazat). Each wilayat is headed by a wali and includes sub-districts and local administrative offices. Wilayats coordinate with the governorate authorities to implement national programs and manage local development, services, and governance.

Historically, the term vilayet was used in the Ottoman Empire and later in early Turkish Republic to describe a provincial unit with defined administrative functions. Cognates of the term appear in other languages, reflecting shared linguistic and administrative heritage across the region.

Outside of formal government, wilayat-like terms appear in Urdu and Persian to describe jurisdictions or provinces, though modern administrative systems in different countries use varied terminology. The concept of wilayats illustrates how states organize territory for governance, administration, and public services, with structures tailored to local constitutional arrangements.