In this study, the trend of decentralization is evaluated in the context of the historical development of local governments in Turkey and the policies implemented in this process. The Republican period witnessed significant developments in the institutionalization of local governments, and sharp transformations in terms of reforms occurred with the adoption of the 1982 Constitution. Within the scope of the reforms implemented after 2000, longstanding laws that could no longer meet contemporary needs were replaced. This study focuses particularly on the transformation that took place after 2000, utilizing a literature review and an examination of relevant legislation. It is an evaluative study that analyzes the development and characteristics of the institutional structure within the context of reform. The slow-moving and inadequate transformation of local governments throughout the Republican era gained a new dimension in the 1980s, with the implementation of different approaches for large settlements. Efforts toward harmonization with the European Union also accelerated the transformation after 2000. With the legislation renewed in 2004 and 2005, implementation problems were addressed, and a regulation introduced in 2012 created two distinct local government models based on provinces across the country.