The role of different types of financing bodies in rural development is examined in two main categories : national and international institutions. Within this context, international institutions such as the World Bank, FAO, IFAD and their role in rural development in Turkey, and national institutions such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the Ministry of Forestry, the Agricultural Bank, the State Planning Organisation, the Southeast Anatolia Project Regional Development Administration, the General Directorate of Rural Services and the Turkish Development Foundation are evaluated. Rural development in Turkey is strongly tied to agriculture since the rural population is directly involved in agriculture. The issue is therefore approached as an agricultural one, and links between agriculture and rural development are examined. Rural development projects financed by national and international organs are also appraised and their contribution presented. The characteristics of the rural community in Turkey is also covered in some detail.