müdür

Müdür is a Turkish term that translates to “director,” “manager,” or “chief” in English and denotes the person who holds the highest administrative or executive authority within a specific unit, organization, or institution. The word is derived from the French directeur and entered Turkish during the late Ottoman period, reflecting the influence of European bureaucratic terminology.

In a corporate context, a müdür typically oversees a department such as finance, human resources, marketing, or production, and is responsible for setting objectives, managing staff, allocating resources, and ensuring compliance with both internal policies and external regulations. The position often requires a university degree in a relevant field, professional experience, and, in larger enterprises, may be appointed by the board of directors or senior executives.

Within the public sector, a müdür can be the head of a government agency, a municipal office, or a school. Turkish civil service law defines the role as a senior civil servant who implements policies, coordinates subordinate units, and reports directly to a higher‑ranking official such as a başkan (president) or valilik (governor). The appointment is usually made by the Ministry of the Interior or the relevant ministry, and the position may be subject to competitive examinations.

The responsibilities of a müdür include strategic planning, performance evaluation, budgeting, and representing the unit in external meetings. While the specific duties vary across sectors, the common thread is the accountability for the efficient operation and achievement of the unit’s goals. The term is widely used in both formal documents and everyday language to denote leadership and managerial authority.