Didim Today

Back in the day, the muhtar used to be the head of the village and years ago one would go to him for documents proving residency. The elections for the position of muhtar used to be the most local and interactive type of election for villages and for some neighborhoods. For those who are not familiar with the term “muhtar,” a muhtar is the local governor of a village or neighborhood who oversees local matters.

He is elected every four years. He runs an office like a county clerk. A muhtar also keeps the residential records of the people living in his jurisdiction. Therefore, when you need a document proving your residence address you simply apply to the Muhtar’s Office and ask for a residence statement showing your full address. Nowadays, many things have been combined and are controlled centrally, so the powers of the muhtar are now less than they were in the past. Are you registered with the birth registry, relevant local authority or with the muhtar?

The residential registration system in Turkey is regulated by the law concerning “birth registry services and the address registration system.” In accordance with this regulation, both a Turkish citizen and a foreign person who holds a residence permit for the term of at least six months is required to inform the local governor and/or the birth registry (the law also addresses “other authorities but does not give any further detail” -- in Turkish literally “the muhtar”) with a clear description of his/her residential address. This notification to the muhtar shall be in writing; a simple statement with a signature should be satisfactory. The law regarding “regulation of the address registration system” in Article 9 of the Constitution defines the term “residential address” as “the place where someone intends to live permanently. Everyone has only one residential address.”

A person can only have one residential address, and temporary residences other than one’s main residence can also be registered as a secondary residence if found necessary by the applicant. In accordance with Article 13 of the above-mentioned regulation, notification regarding one’s residential address can also be submitted to the consular office in the Turkish Embassy or Consulate in the country of the applicant.

Family members can submit information forms for the whole family if they are residing at the same address in Turkey. A fine may be imposed for individuals who do not inform the authorities about their residence address, and the fine is even higher in the case of misinforming the authorities.

Children’s Day Friday is Children’s Day. I strongly recommend that you visit a school on April 23 and enjoy this lively event. Go to the nearest elementary school and go into any of the classes. See the atmosphere. The schoolchildren prepare costumes for dances, plays, marches and other performances, which traditionally take place on April 23. The classrooms are also decorated for the festival. The students make different decorations, and there may be balloons around. If you want to enjoy this indoors, you can simply turn on the TV and watch the celebrations.

NOTE: Berk Çektir is a licensed attorney at law and available to answer questions on the legal aspects of living in Turkey. Send enquiries to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .. You can read more at Todays Zaman always.