Behceli proposed to redraw Turkey's administrative map: why does the country need 100 provinces?
The leader of the National Movement Party (MHP) Medina Bahaçeli presented the project "100 districts, 1,000 districts". It provides for the creation of 19 new districts and 78 districts. Turkey is currently divided into 81 provinces and 922 provinces.
In an interview with the Türkgün newspaper, the politician explained the initiative in terms of the need to reform the public administration.
Why does Turkey need new provinces?
Bahceli's main argument is that the administrative structure of the country is no longer compatible with the demographic and economic changes in it.
In July 2026, the population of Turkey reached 86.3 million. At the same time, certain areas have become large industrial and commercial centers, but continue to be administratively subordinated to other cities.
According to Bechali, increasing their status will bring government institutions closer to the population, speed up the provision of services and bring the local government in line with the presidential system of power.
What will actually change?
Receiving provincial status involves the creation of separate management structures and a change in the distribution of administrative powers: this may simplify the solution of local issues, but at the same time it will require additional budget expenditures.
Moreover, the size of the population is not the only criterion - Bechali suggests taking into account economic potential, geographical location and accessibility of public services.
When will new districts appear?
The politician raised a similar idea back in 2023, but now MHP presented a more detailed rationale for the reform.
The final list of the new districts has not yet been confirmed. It must be agreed by the government ministries, after which the corresponding bill can be submitted to the parliament.
Vestnik Caucasus.