Agha (Turkish:ağa;[2]Ottoman Turkish:آغا;Persian:آقا,romanized: āghā; "chief, master, lord"[3]) is anhonorific title for a civilian or officer, or often part of such title. In the Ottoman times, some court functionaries and leaders of organizations like bazaar or the janissary units were entitled to theagha title. In rural communities, this term is used for people who own considerable lands and are influential in their community. Regardless of a rural community, this title is also used for any man who is influential or respected.[2]
The wordagha entered English from Turkish,[3] and the Turkish word comes from theOld Turkicaqa, meaning "elder brother".[4] It is an equivalent ofMongolian wordaqa oraka.[5]
"Agha" is nowadays used as a commonPersian honorific title for men, the equivalent of "mister" inEnglish.[6] The corresponding honorific term for women iskhanum which is also of Turkic origin.
However, the title is considered a baron in comparison to European nobility.[7][8]
