käy

KÖY is the Turkish term for a village, the smallest rural settlement and an administrative unit within a district (ilçe) of a Turkish province (il). A köy typically comprises a cluster of houses, farmland, a mosque, a village square, and, in some cases, a school or a cemetery. The word köy is of Turkish origin and has cognates in other Turkic languages.

Administration and governance in a köy are carried out by a muhtar (village head) and an elected ihtiyar meclisi (elder council). The muhtar handles civil registrations, land and property issues, and local services, acting as a liaison with district authorities (kaymakam). Elections for the muhtar are held every five years. In many metropolitan provinces, reforms have transformed many köy into mahalle (neighborhood) units, reducing the number of independent villages, while köy status is retained in other, non-metropolitan areas.

Economy and demography in köy are usually centered on agriculture and animal husbandry, with some villages developing rural tourism or small-scale crafts. Population tends to decline as residents move to cities for employment, and amenities such as schools or health facilities may be limited or closed in older settlements.

Cultural and historical notes: köy life reflects rural Turkish customs, including community events, religious observances, and rhythms tied to farming seasons. The term also appears in many place names, where villages are commonly recognized by the suffix and identity associated with köy.