vali

Vali is a term used in different languages with several distinct meanings. It is most commonly encountered as a Turkish administrative title and as a personal name in various cultural contexts.

In Turkish governance, vali denotes the provincial governor, the official responsible for representing the central government in a province and overseeing local administration, security, and implementation of national policies. The office is often referred to as the Valiliği (the governor’s office), and the role has historical roots in the Ottoman period as well as continuing in modern Turkey.

In Hindu mythology, Vali (often transliterated Bali in some versions) is the elder monkey king of Kishkindha and the brother of Sugriva. He ruled the kingdom until his defeat and death at the hands of Rama, who aids Sugriva in reclaiming his throne. The episode is a central narrative moment in the Ramayana and is interpreted in various cultural retellings to explore themes of dharma, loyalty, and alliance.

As an onomastic element, Vali is used as a given name in some cultures, notably among Turkish- and Albanian-speaking communities, and may appear as Vali or Bali depending on language and tradition. The name is sometimes associated with vigor or courage in cultural contexts, though its meaning and usage vary regionally.

See also Bali, Val (disambiguation), and related names and terms for broader context and alternate spellings.