Following a request from Ankara for the change, the United Nations has changed the Republic of Turkey’s country name at the organization from “Turkey” to “Türkiye”.
A letter had been received on Wednesday from Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu addressed to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, requesting the use of “Türkiye” instead of “Turkey” for all affairs, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.
“The country name change became effective from the moment the letter was received,” the spokesperson said.
The letter’s official submission to the UN and other international organizations was announced by Cavusoglu on Tuesday.
The letter expressed, “Together with our Directorate of Communications, we have been successful in preparing a good ground for this.”
Cavusoglu further said, “We have made it possible for the UN and other international organizations, countries to see this change to using ‘Türkiye’.”
After Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan released a memorandum and asked the public to use Türkiye to describe the country in every language, Turkey began the move to change its internationally recognized official name in English in December.
At the time, Erdogan said, “Türkiye is accepted as an umbrella brand for our country in national and international venues.” He added, “Türkiye is the best representation and expression of the Turkish people’s culture, civilization and values.”
Erdogan also advised companies to use “made in Türkiye” for their exported goods, and instructed state agencies to use Türkiye in their correspondence.
