The United States is gearing up for its third match at the World Cup on Thursday night, set to unfold in Los Angeles. This encounter features a well-known opponent, yet they will be identified by a name that’s less familiar to many.
Turkey: Historical Background
The modern Republic of Turkey was established in 1923, following the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire. In English-speaking contexts, the nation has predominantly been referred to as “Turkey.” For example, historical editions of The New York Times utilized this name at pivotal moments, including the country’s formation and subsequent NATO membership. Even today, the publication continues to use “Turkey” in its reports.
Despite this, it’s essential to note that various languages have their own terms for the nation. For instance, in French, it is “Turquie,” in German, it’s “Türkei,” and in Spanish, it appears as “Turquía.”
Rebranding Efforts and Cultural Significance
The push to rebrand the country began about ten years ago, spurred by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his political party, the AKP. According to Doğuş Düzgün, a scholar of political toponymy, this rebranding aligns with the narrative of a “new Turkey,” which seeks to represent a more confident and independent presence on the global stage. The name switch is part of a broader strategy aimed at fostering visibility and asserting autonomy from Western influences.
However, the rebranding is not universally endorsed. While some segments of the population have embraced this change, many others remain skeptical, questioning both its timing and its authenticity. “It wasn’t something that had built into a broad social movement over the years,” notes Düzgün, underscoring the varied public response to this initiative.
Türkiye: The New Global Identity
What’s interesting is that, similar to how the German-speaking population refers to Germany as “Deutschland,” the Turkish people call their country “Türkiye.” Since the government’s efforts, the name is starting to gain traction internationally. The United Nations officially adopted “Türkiye” in 2022, and the U.S. State Department started using it in 2023, although both names currently coexist on its site. For many, the World Cup may serve as their initial encounter with this new nomenclature, as it features prominently during televised matches.
Furthermore, other national teams, such as the Czech Republic, are undergoing similar transitions. FIFA recognizes “Czechia,” while many still default to the Czech Republic. Likewise, the African island nation of Cabo Verde is often referred to as Cape Verde in English-speaking circles.
The Lesser-Known Context Behind the Name Change
A less frequently discussed aspect of the name transition relates to the bird known as the turkey. The name, which has historical ties to the Ottomans, has also been associated with a domesticated bird introduced to Europe. Interestingly, this linguistic overlap has become a source of discomfort among some Turkish citizens. The connotation tied to the name “turkey” in English can be perceived as dismissive, given the bird’s reputation.
In fact, a 2025 study published in the journal Names noted that some motivations for the name change stem from a desire to escape ridicule often associated with the word “turkey.” Researchers pointed out that Turkish citizens are likely interested in retiring jokes that link the nation to the bird, favoring the dignified “Türkiye” instead.
The ongoing evolution of Turkey into Türkiye represents a significant cultural moment, aiming to redefine its international image while shedding unwanted associations. As the country continues to assert its identity in the global arena, this renaming effort is emblematic of the broader narrative of empowerment and self-determination.