In the Ottoman Empire, the duty of municipal government was the responsibility of the "Şehremini", a mayor-like leader, and local religious judges, "Kadı".
The first mayor of Ottoman Constantinople after the conquest on May 29, 1453 was Hızırbey Çelebi. Until 1858, the capital of the Ottoman Empire was governed by a total of 422 kadis.
Tanzimat period (1858–1876)
The idea to establish a municipality organization based on Western standards was first discussed in 1854 during the Crimean War when diplomats and journalists of allied nations came to Constantinople. Later, the parliament accepted a law for the establishment of the office of a mayor and a city council.
Salih Paşa received the first title of the new, modern Şehremini on July 13, 1858, and governed until November 4, 1858. During the Tanzimat period, 18 mayors took office.
First constitutional monarchy (1876–1908)
In 1876, as First constitutional monarchy was proclaimed, Kadri Paşa was the mayor of Constantinople. During this period 10 mayors governed Constantinople.
Second constitutional monarchy (1908–1923)
During the reign of Young Turks, between 1908–1918 and until the foundation of the republic, 23 mayors served in the capital.
After the proclamation of the republic on October 29, 1923, the governor of the city was charged with the duties as deputy mayor.
2
Emin Erkul (1881–1964)
June 8 1924
October 12 1928
4 years, 126 days
3
Mühittin Üstündağ (1884–1953)
October 14 1928
December 4 1938
10 years, 53 days
With the municipality act of April 3, 1930, the title of mayor was abandoned and the governor of Istanbul province took over the duties of the mayor. The two separate councils of the province and the municipality were unified.
The municipality act of July 27, 1963, enabled the election of the mayor. The polls held on November 17, 1963, were the first regional elections to elect the mayor.
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