Turkey officially changed the country’s name

According to the station CNNcampaign renamed Türkiye of Turkey started in December of last year. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu wrote on Twitter that the new name represents the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, aimed at enhancing the country’s brand value.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu – Photo: REUTERS

In a letter to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Mr. Cavusoglu wrote: “I would like to inform you that this is in line with the President’s Circular on Language and Branding Strategies of the 2nd. 12-2021”.

Accordingly, it requested that the name “Republic of Türkiye” replace the old names “Turkey”, “Turkei” and “Turquie” that were used in the past to refer to an old Turkey.

United Nations Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told CNN on June 2 that the United Nations had accepted the change. This takes effect as soon as they receive the request and ensure that the document is legitimate.

“Countries are free to choose the naming they want. It doesn’t happen every day, but it’s not unusual for countries to change names,” – Mr. Dujarric. He also said that Côte d’Ivoire – once known as the Ivory Coast in English – had also asked to be called Côte d’Ivoire.

Minister Cavusoglu told Turkish state news agency Anadolu on June 1 that by working with Turkey’s General Directorate of Communications, which is subordinate to the presidential office, the government was able to lay the ground successful rebranding. “We have made it possible for the United Nations and other international organizations as well as countries to see this change,” he added.

The head of the Turkish government’s communications agency Fahretin Altun posted a video on Twitter on June 1 with the hashtag #HelloTürkiye.