Turkey or Türkiye? The Country’s Name Explained

Both are correct: Türkiye is the country’s official name in every language, and Turkey is still the everyday English name. The Turkish government asked the world to use Türkiye, and the United Nations adopted it in 2022. For your trip, nothing changes: it is the same country, the same passport stamp and the same visa rules.

Is it Turkey or Türkiye?

It is Turkey or Türkiye depending on who is speaking. Türkiye is the official name, used by the Turkish state, the United Nations and many governments and international bodies. Turkey remains the common English name in news, guidebooks and everyday speech in the United States. On this site, we write Turkey, the common English name, and we use Türkiye wherever an official name appears.

Are Turkey and Türkiye the same country?

Yes, Turkey and Türkiye are the same country. Türkiye is the name in Turkish, and since 2022 it is also the official name in English. Turkey is the long-standing English name. So a trip to Turkey is a trip to Türkiye, and the full official name is the Republic of Türkiye.

When did Turkey change its name to Türkiye?

Turkey changed its name to Türkiye in 2022. The change was an initiative of the Turkish president, and Turkish products also moved from “Made in Turkey” to “Made in Türkiye” labels. In June 2022, the United Nations began using Türkiye after it received a formal request from the Turkish foreign minister. The UN member states page now lists the country as the Republic of Türkiye.

How do you pronounce Türkiye?

You pronounce Türkiye in three syllables: “tur-kee-yeh”. The ü is like the vowel in the French word tu, said with rounded lips, and the stress falls lightly on the last syllable. Turks have always called their country Türkiye, so you will hear this name everywhere once you arrive.

Does the name Türkiye change anything for travelers?

No, the name Türkiye changes nothing practical for travelers. Your flights, hotel bookings and travel documents work as before, and on official forms you may see either name. The national tourism brand is now Go Türkiye, and airport signs and government websites use Türkiye. Before you go, read our guide to the useful Turkish phrases that help you say a few words in the language of Türkiye.

Should you say Turkey or Türkiye in Turkey?

You can say either in Turkey, and no one will mind. Turks who speak English understand both names. Saying Türkiye, with a good “ü”, is a small courtesy that people often notice and enjoy. For more on customs, read our guide to Turkish etiquette.

Which Turkish words help on a trip to Turkey or Türkiye?

A few words go a long way, whichever name you use. Say Merhaba (mehr-hah-BAH) for hello, and Teşekkür ederim (teh-shek-KEWR eh-deh-reem) for thank you. Then practice Türkiye itself: “tur-kee-yeh,” in three syllables, with the stress falling lightly on the last one. Turks will smile when they hear it.

Turkey or Türkiye, the welcome is the same. Whatever you call it, send us your dates and your wishes, and we will plan the trip. Start with a tailor-made trip. For a first visit, our Classic Turkey tour in 10 days links Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale. On your first morning in Istanbul, our Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque tour opens the old city with a private guide. Book it on its own, or as the first day of a longer trip with us.