Is the number of provinces in Turkey increasing? Bahçeli announced the '100 Province 1000 District Project'.

MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli brought the "100 Provinces, 1000 Districts Project" to the agenda, foreseeing significant changes in Turkey's administrative structure. The project proposes elevating 19 new districts to provincial status and establishing 78 new districts. Bahçeli said that, if deemed necessary, a bill on the matter could be brought to the agenda of the Grand National Assembly in the future.

MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli shared the details of the "100 Provinces, 1000 Districts Project" in an interview with the Türkgün newspaper. According to the proposal, which could open the door to a new era in Turkey's administrative structure, 19 settlements selected from existing districts are to be elevated to provincial status, and 78 new districts are to be established.

Which Criteria Will Determine Which Districts Will Become Provinces?

Bahçeli said that objective criteria would be used to determine which districts are to be elevated to provincial status. He noted that factors such as population size, development potential, geographic situation, difficulties in accessing public services, and strategic location would be taken into account.

However, the MHP leader has not yet disclosed the names of the districts proposed for elevation to provincial status or the new districts planned for establishment.

A Bill Could Be Brought to the Parliament Agenda

Bahçeli noted that a bill to grant new status to districts and towns deemed appropriate could be brought to the agenda of the TBMM in the future.

Bahçeli said that legal reforms are needed across a wide area from bureaucracy to local governments to make public services more effective and efficient, and he stressed the importance of preventing jurisdictional conflicts and ensuring healthier delivery of state services.

Bahçeli said that this change in the administrative structure "Turkey without Terrorhe said it would also help make the peace, stability, and prosperity environment being created alongside the process permanent.

The most recent province in Turkey was established in 1999.

The number of provinces in Turkey last changed in 1999. With Düzce, which separated from Bolu, being elevated to provincial status, the number of provinces in Turkey rose to 81. Today across the country there are 81 provinces and 922 districts.

What Conditions Are Sought for Becoming a Province?

The establishment of provinces and districts in Turkey is regulated under Law No. 5442 on Provincial Administration. The creation of new provinces, however, is made possible by a special law to be enacted by the Grand National Assembly.

For districts being considered for elevation to provincial status, criteria such as population and geographic location are important. In evaluations, conditions such as the district's centre and total population must be at least 100,000, and it must be located at least 30 kilometres from the provincial centre are taken into account.

If the "100 Provinces, 1000 Districts Project" announced by Bahçeli is implemented, significant changes could occur on Turkey's administrative map. However, no definitive decision has yet been made for any district.