In December 2021, the Turkish government announced that the country’s official name would change from "Turkey" to "Türkiye" in international settings. This decision was not just a simple name change but a significant step toward strengthening national identity and improving international perception.
So, why did Turkey change its name to ‘Türkiye’? And how has the country’s historical and cultural identity evolved over time? In this blog post, we’ll explore these questions.
1. From ‘Turkey’ to ‘Türkiye’: The Reasons Behind the Name Change
The Turkish government’s push for the international adoption of the name ‘Türkiye’ can be attributed to three main reasons:
1) Strengthening National Identity
The word ‘Turkey’ in English is the same as the name of a well-known bird, which is often associated with Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. This linguistic coincidence led to some negative or humorous associations in international media and public discourse. To reinforce its unique national identity, the Turkish government sought to promote ‘Türkiye’ as the official name.
2) Improving International Perception
In English-speaking countries, the word ‘turkey’ is sometimes used to describe failure or something ridiculous (e.g., “That movie was a real turkey!”). This unintentional negative connotation may have influenced Turkey's international image. By officially adopting ‘Türkiye,’ the government aimed to present a more dignified and culturally representative name.
3) Official Recognition by the United Nations
In 2022, the Turkish government formally requested the United Nations to recognize ‘Türkiye’ as the country’s official name. The UN accepted this request, and since then, the name ‘Türkiye’ has been increasingly used in official documents, diplomatic meetings, and international communications.
2. A Brief History of Türkiye
Türkiye has a long and rich history, as its lands have been home to various civilizations over thousands of years. The region, historically known as Anatolia, has been a crossroads for numerous empires and cultures. Let’s take a brief look at the key historical periods that shaped modern Türkiye.
1) Ancient Anatolian Civilizations (c. 2000 BCE – 600 BCE)
The region now known as Türkiye was home to several ancient civilizations, including the Hittites (c. 1600–1200 BCE), Phrygians (c. 1200–700 BCE), and Lydians (c. 700–546 BCE). The Hittites, in particular, established a powerful empire that rivaled ancient Egypt.
2) Greek and Roman Periods (c. 600 BCE – 476 CE)
Anatolia became part of the Greek cultural sphere, particularly after the conquests of Alexander the Great. Following his death, the region was divided among Hellenistic states before coming under Roman rule in 133 BCE. Eventually, Anatolia became a central part of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire.
3) Byzantine Empire and the Rise of the Ottomans (476 CE – 1922 CE)
In 330 CE, Roman Emperor Constantine I moved the empire’s capital to Byzantium, renaming it Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). The Byzantine Empire ruled Anatolia for centuries until the rise of the Seljuk Turks in the 11th century.
The Ottoman Empire was established in 1299 and expanded rapidly, eventually conquering Constantinople in 1453. This marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and the beginning of a powerful Islamic empire that spanned Europe, Asia, and Africa for nearly 600 years.
4) The Birth of the Republic of Türkiye (1923 – Present)
After World War I, the Ottoman Empire collapsed, and Turkish nationalist leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk led a war of independence (1919–1922) against foreign occupation. In 1923, the Republic of Türkiye was officially established, with Atatürk implementing major reforms to modernize the country and align it with Western ideals.
3. What Does the Name Change Mean?
The shift from ‘Turkey’ to ‘Türkiye’ is more than just a linguistic adjustment—it represents a broader effort to reinforce national sovereignty and identity. The government of Türkiye sees this as a way to reshape global perceptions of the country while aligning its international representation with the Turkish language.
Additionally, this move reflects a cultural and historical affirmation. The name ‘Türkiye’ is derived from ‘Türk,’ meaning ‘land of the Turks,’ and has been used by Turkish people for centuries.
4. Future Implications
The United Nations, international organizations, and foreign governments have started using ‘Türkiye’ in their official communications. Additionally, domestic and international companies are gradually adapting to the new name. However, given that many people around the world are still accustomed to calling the country ‘Turkey,’ the transition will take time.
The most important takeaway from this change is that Türkiye aims to strengthen its national identity and improve its image on the global stage. Going forward, Türkiye is expected to continue its efforts to enhance its presence in global diplomacy, economy, and culture.
Conclusion
Türkiye has a rich and diverse history, shaped by countless civilizations over millennia. The recent name change is not just about branding—it’s a statement of cultural pride and sovereignty. This shift underscores Türkiye’s desire to redefine its identity and eliminate outdated or misleading perceptions.
As the name ‘Türkiye’ gains wider international recognition, it will be interesting to see how the country continues to evolve on the global stage. What do you think—does ‘Türkiye’ feel more fitting than ‘Turkey’? 😊
