Mukhtar

/mʊkˈtɑr/ noun

Definition

A village chief or local headman in Arab countries, responsible for administration and resolving disputes in their community.

Etymology

From Arabic 'mukhtar,' derived from 'khaṭara' meaning 'to choose' or 'to pick.' The title indicates someone chosen to lead, still used in many Middle Eastern and North African villages today.

Kelly Says

A mukhtar is basically the oldest democratic office in the Arab world—villages have been electing these leaders through community consensus for over 1,400 years!

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