Agha (; ; ; "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 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. Regardless of a rural community, this title is also used for any male that is influential or respected. Etymology The word agha entered English from Turkish, and the Turkish word comes from the Old Turkic aqa, meaning "elder brother". It is an equivalent of Mongolian word aqa or aka. Other uses "Agha" is nowadays used as a common Persian honorific title for men, the equivalent of "mister" in English. The corresponding honorific term for women is khanum. See also State organisation of the Ottoman Empire Agaluk Aga Khan Agha of the Janissaries Kapi Agha Kizlar Agha Silahdar Agha References Court titles Government of the Ottoman Empire Ottoman titles Titles in Iran Titles of national or ethnic leadership Titles in Lebanon Military ranks of the Ottoman Empire Janissaries Titles in Bosnia and Herzegovina during Ottoman period