Evaluation of transformation in metropolitan municipalities within the context of the rural neighborhood concept: The case of Manisa

Turkey has undergone significant transformations in its local governance system over time. Among these changes, Law No. 6360, enacted in 2012 and implemented in 2014, stands out prominently. This law significantly expanded the metropolitan municipality system. Consequently, provincial special administrations were abolished, and village and town municipalities were converted into neighborhoods, incorporating them into metropolitan municipalities. The purpose behind these comprehensive changes was to ensure centralized planning of public services and administrative integration between rural and urban settlements. However, the law has faced criticism during its implementation phase due to insufficient consideration of the spatial, social, and economic characteristics of rural areas. The objective of this study is to examine issues related to access to public services, perceptions of rural identity, and administrative attitudes toward the metropolitan municipality system in Manisa province following the transformation of rural settlements into neighborhoods by Law No. 6360. A quantitative research methodology was employed, collecting data through structured questionnaires distributed to village headmen (muhtars) who continue to serve in rural neighborhoods. The analysis of the collected data was conducted within the framework of two main hypotheses and sixteen sub-hypotheses. The findings of the study indicate that the physical, demographic, and economic characteristics of rural neighborhoods are significantly associated with satisfaction regarding public services and demands related to the status of rural neighborhoods. Particularly, residents of neighborhoods located far from urban centers, whose livelihoods depend heavily on agriculture and animal husbandry, experience lower levels of public service access. Consequently, there is a stronger expressed desire to preserve rural identity. Additionally, satisfaction with the metropolitan municipality system decreases in neighborhoods where public services are perceived as inadequate. The rural neighborhood transformation process has contributed to imbalances in local service provision, issues of administrative belonging, and weakening rural identities. Therefore, recommendations are proposed to redefine the status of rural neighborhoods, develop service planning sensitive to local needs, and strengthen rural representation.