ABSTRACT
Municipalities have different possibilities in relating to their citizens through the provision of services, the distribution of benefits and welfare or in the field of patron–client relations. Municipal vocational and handicrafts classes are a particular aspect of municipal service provision that particularly targets women. Further municipal companies are important because they represent a possibility to provide jobs as patronage. Whereas service provision creates rather loose bonds between the municipality and locals, municipal welfare provision establishes closer relations. Turkey's welfare system has mainly been characterised by fragmentation, informal employment and the importance of intra-family support as 'insurance' in risk situations. In Konya welfare activities are coordinated by a database, the 'Social Map', which monitors welfare provision by municipalities, civil society organisations (CSOs) and food banks. The chapter demonstrates the citizen's expectations, and how AKP- and CHP-led municipalities respond to them, outlining similarities and differences.
