Local government reform in Turkey: The field research about the perception of local government reform in Muş and Bitlis provinces

Correspondingly developments of politic, economic, democratic and management approaches takes place in the world, local government system in Turkey become compulsory to change. According to this perspective, important developments are realized and local government reform is realised after 2004 in Turkey. Firstly, this study emphasises on management reforms and concepts related to local governments. Secondly, development of the local governments is mentioned periodically in Turkey. Law drafts as a part of reform practices and current local government laws are analysed in the research. The subject of the research and the main purpose of study are determination of perception level of changes in the municipal law by municipal officials. The Provision of Autonomy of European Local Administration, which is signed by Turkey, was also checked in this study since it played an important role on the reform of local governments. In conclusion, according to results of perception level of the reforms are perceived positively and reforms are explicitly supported. It is indicated that changes is useful in solving problems of municipalities. For this reason, ıt can be concluded that changes in local governments must go on. According to findings, although the duties and responsibilities of municipalities increase, there is no significantly increase in their income. Key Words: Reform, Local Government, Local Government Reform in Turkey, The Municipality.