The aim of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts, historical development, legal and administrative structure, duties, and responsibilities of local governments, as well as their relationship with central government and their role in delivering public services. The course examines the structure and functioning of the Turkish local government system, including municipalities, metropolitan municipalities, special provincial administrations, and local government unions. It also addresses local democracy, participatory governance, financial management, sustainable urban governance, and international local government practices to develop students' analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

This course covers the concept and historical development of local governments, the principle of decentralization, and the structure of the Turkish local government system. It examines the establishment, organizational structure, duties, and powers of municipalities, metropolitan municipalities, special provincial administrations, and local government unions, as well as the relationship between central and local governments. The course also addresses local public service delivery, financial structure, budgeting, local democracy, participation, governance, transparency, accountability, urbanization, sustainable development, digital municipalities, smart city initiatives, and international models of local government. Current legislation, practical examples, and case studies are also discussed throughout the course.