In recent news, the devastating earthquakes in 2022 brought the Turkey to the forefront of global attention. Amidst the coverage, an interesting linguistic twist has emerged: the request by the Turkish government to use the name "Türkiye" instead of "Turkey" in all official matters. This move is part of a broader effort to align the world's perception with how the Turkish people have referred to their nation for nearly a century.
Since the establishment of the modern Turkish republic in 1923, the country has been officially spelled and pronounced as Türkiye (Tur-kee-yeah) in Turkish. While English speakers have historically referred to it as Turkey, the government's initiative in 2021 aims to bring consistency to the global stage.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Cavuşoğlu has emphasized that this change will "increase our country's brand value." By adopting the correct name, Türkiye seeks to better represent its identity and culture on the international stage.
The English term "Turkey" carries a less flattering connotation, defined as something that fails badly or a foolish person. This association stems from a centuries-old mix-up. Aligning with Türkiye helps dissociate the country's image from the large bird of the same name.
Türkiye's request for a name change is not unprecedented. Iran, formerly known as Persia, and Sri Lanka, previously called Ceylon, have both successfully transitioned to names that better reflect their national identity.
Iran: In 1935, the Shah of Persia urged foreign governments to use the term Iran, shedding the colonial-era moniker of Persia. Despite this change, the language spoken in the country is still known as Persian.
Sri Lanka: The island nation made a significant shift in 1972 when it became a republic, adopting the name Sri Lanka. This change marked its independence from British colonial rule. While some businesses still use the name Ceylon for brand recognition, the move towards Sri Lanka is a step towards embracing the country's cultural heritage.
Names hold a powerful significance, not only reflecting a nation's identity but also influencing how it is perceived on the global stage. The push for Türkiye is a testament to the country's desire to shape its own narrative and strengthen its place in the international community.
As Türkiye grapples with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, its call for a name change provides a unique opportunity for the world to acknowledge and respect the nation's cultural identity. By adopting Türkiye, we can demonstrate solidarity and support for a country that has held onto its heritage for nearly a century.