Agha (title)

Agha (Turkish: ağa; Ottoman Turkish: آغا; Kurdish: ئەغاPersian: آقا, romanized: āghā; "chief, master, lord") is an honorific title for a civilian or officer, or often part of such title. In the Ottoman times, some court functionaries and leaders of organizations like the bazaar or the Janissary units were entitled to the agha title. In rural communities, this term is used for people who own considerable lands and are influential in their community. Outside of rural communities, this title is also used for any man who is influential or respected.