WorldAugust 19, 2026

mukhtar

mook-TAHR

Definition

The head or leader of a village or neighborhood in various Middle Eastern countries, often responsible for representing the community to the government and resolving local disputes.

Etymology

The word comes from the Arabic 'mukhtār', which means 'chosen' or 'selected', referring to a person elected or appointed to lead a local administrative unit.

In the news

The article introduces Rajab Mohammed as the mukhtar of Faka, highlighting his role in voicing the community's struggles with water shortages and the lack of infrastructure following the war.

Climate crisis leaves northern Iraq villages struggling to recover from IS war

Read the full article ↗

National Herald

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