What Happened to Türkiye vs. Turkey (Country Name Change)?

The Republic of Turkey embarked on a significant rebranding initiative in late 2021, seeking to change its internationally recognized name from 'Turkey' to 'Türkiye'. This decision was rooted in a multifaceted desire to assert cultural sovereignty, enhance the nation's global brand, and distance itself from undesirable associations. For Turkish citizens, 'Türkiye' has always been the authentic name for their country since its declaration of independence in 1923.

The primary motivations behind the name change were articulated by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He stated that 'Türkiye' best represents and expresses the culture, civilization, and values of the Turkish nation. A key driver was also to eliminate the confusion and negative connotations associated with the English word 'turkey', which refers to a North American bird and is also used colloquially to denote a failure or a silly person. The government also aimed to unify its international branding, mandating 'Made in Türkiye' on all exported goods.

The process gained momentum in December 2021 when President Erdoğan issued a circular promoting the use of 'Türkiye' in all official communications and for exports. This was followed by a 'Hello Türkiye' promotional campaign in early 2022, aimed at educating international audiences. The pivotal moment occurred on May 26, 2022, when Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu formally requested the United Nations to adopt 'Türkiye'. The UN Secretary-General received the letter on June 1, 2022, and the name change became effective immediately, with the UN officially recognizing 'Türkiye' on June 2, 2022.

Following the UN's recognition, other major international organizations and countries progressively adopted the new name. NATO formally acknowledged the change in June 2022, and the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) followed suit on June 8, 2022. The World Trade Organization (WTO) and other European Union institutions also accepted the change by mid-2022. After some deliberation, the United States State Department announced on January 5, 2023, that it would begin using 'Türkiye' in most formal, diplomatic, and bilateral contexts, though acknowledging that 'Turkey' might still be used for broader public understanding.

As of June 24, 2026, 'Türkiye' is firmly established as the official name in international diplomatic and institutional settings. Sporting bodies like FIFA and UEFA have also adopted the name, with the country participating as 'Türkiye' in events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite official adoption, the transition in public and media usage, particularly in English-speaking countries, remains ongoing. While Turkish state media and many international organizations consistently use 'Türkiye', some global news outlets and the general public still frequently use 'Turkey' in informal contexts. The name change is seen by some critics as also serving domestic political agendas, including strengthening nationalist sentiment and diverting attention from economic challenges.