memur

Memur is a Turkish term for a public sector employee, typically a civil servant employed by the state or local government. The term is used for personnel in central ministries, provincial administrations, municipalities, and other public institutions. It contrasts with contract staff, known as sözleşmeli personel, who are employed under fixed-term contracts.

In Turkey, memur status is regulated by the civil service framework, principally Law No. 657 on Civil Servants (Devlet Memurları Kanunu). Most memur appointments are made through a centralized examination system, the Kamu Personeli Seçme Sınavı (KPSS). The law covers recruitment, rights and duties, promotions, transfers, and disciplinary measures. Civil servants enjoy certain protections, pension eligibility, and a formal career path, with positions assigned on an official ranking scale.

Duties vary widely by department but generally include policy implementation, administration, planning, and delivery of public services. Common areas include education, health, finance, interior, and infrastructure. Memurs are expected to adhere to principles of impartiality, legality, and public service ethics, and may face disciplinary actions for breaches of conduct.

The term also appears in other Turkic languages with similar meanings, reflecting its origins in bureaucratic terminology. In Turkish media and everyday speech, memur denotes public-sector workers within the state apparatus.