Starting in ancient times before the adoption of surnames, individuals in Turkey were commonly identified by their given names, followed by titles or descriptors to differentiate between individuals with the same name. The Surname Law, passed in 1934, mandated the adoption of surnames for all Turkish citizens. Atatürk himself played a significant role in this process, selecting the surname "Atatürk" (meaning "Father of the Turks") for himself and encouraging others to choose meaningful and patriotic surnames. Many Turkish surnames have deep cultural, historical, or geographical significance. They often reflect family lineage, professions, geographic origins, or notable characteristics. For example, surnames like Yılmaz (fearless), Demir (iron), Çelik (steel), and Kaya (rock) may indicate traits or occupations, while others like Erdoğan (brave hawk) and Güneş (sun) have symbolic meanings. Turkish immigration to the United States has occurred in waves, with significant numbers arriving in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as more recent migrations. Turkish Americans often retain their original Turkish surnames, contributing to the preservation of their cultural identity in their adopted country.
Legal Process
The process begins with an application submitted to the local Civil Registry Office (Nüfus Müdürlüğü) where the applicant is registered. This office oversees civil registration, including births, marriages, divorces, and name changes. Applicants must provide necessary documentation, including identification documents such as identity cards or passports, as well as any additional documents required by the Civil Registry Office.
Naming Customs
In Turkish culture, there are certain naming customs and conventions that individuals may consider when changing their last name. For example, individuals may adhere to naming patterns such as using patronymic or matronymic elements, honoring ancestors, or following regional naming traditions.In some cases, last name changes may be symbolic gestures to mark significant life events or personal transformations. For example, individuals may choose to change their last name after marriage, divorce, or adoption to reflect their new familial status or identity.
Name Order
Turkish names follow a similar pattern that most Western countries do. In most settings, the proper name order is the first name followed by the surname. In formal settings, the surname may be the sole name used, while in personal settings the first name may be the only name used.
Marriage
Turkish law allows spouses to choose their last name upon marriage. While it's common for each spouse to retain their last name, they also have the option to adopt the other spouse's last name or choose a completely new last name altogether. Some couples opt for a hyphenated last name, combining elements of both spouses' surnames. This practice allows individuals to retain their original surnames while also acknowledging their marital union.
Adoption
When a child is adopted in Turkey, their name may be changed as part of the adoption process. This typically involves submitting a formal application for a name change to the local civil registry office (Nüfus Müdürlüğü). After the name change is approved and registered, the civil registry office issues a new birth certificate reflecting the child's updated name. This document serves as official proof of the child's legal name following the adoption.
Family Approval
Traditionally, individuals seeking to change their last names often discuss their decision with family members and seek their approval, especially if the change is significant or carries cultural or personal significance. Choosing a new last name is a significant decision. Some individuals may opt for names that reflect personal or familial significance, while others may select names based on cultural, historical, or symbolic meanings.
Reason for Change
Applicants are typically required to provide a reason for the desired name change. Valid reasons may include marriage, divorce, adoption, or personal preference. After applying, the proposed name change is published in the Official Gazette (Resmi Gazete) to notify the public. This allows interested parties to raise objections within a specified timeframe if they believe the name change may cause harm or confusion.
This prefix means "star" in Turkish. It may indicate a connection to the celestial or could symbolize someone with high aspirations or lofty goals.
"Demir" translates to "iron" in Turkish. It could signify strength, resilience, or durability, suggesting characteristics associated with iron.
"Kaya" means "rock" or "cliff" in Turkish. It may indicate solidity, steadfastness, or a connection to rugged landscapes.
This prefix derives from the Turkish word "erdem," which means "virtue" or "morality." It might denote someone virtuous, ethical, or honorable.
"Güneş" translates to "sun" in Turkish. It could symbolize brightness, warmth, or vitality, similar to the qualities associated with the sun.
This suffix means "son of" in Turkish. It indicates paternal lineage, so a surname like "Yıldızoğlu" would mean "son of Yıldız."
Similar to the previous suffix, this also means "son of" but is used in combination with certain root names.
Another variation of the "son of" suffix.
"Tepe" means "hill" or "summit" in Turkish. It might suggest a connection to elevated terrain or prominence.
This suffix means "star" in Turkish and might be used to indicate a connection to celestial or spiritual themes.
The historical migration patterns of Turks out of the country have been influenced by various factors, including economic opportunities, political instability, and social upheavals. During the height of the Ottoman Empire's power, there were significant population movements as the empire expanded into Europe, Asia, and Africa. Turkish populations migrated and settled in various regions, influencing local cultures and demographics.
The Balkan Wars (1912-1913) and the subsequent Treaty of Lausanne (1923) led to the exchange of populations between Turkey and Greece, resulting in the migration of ethnic Turks from Greece to Turkey and ethnic Greeks from Turkey to Greece.
Following World War II, there was a wave of migration from Turkey to Western European countries, particularly Germany, as part of labor agreements between Turkey and European nations to address labor shortages.
The division of Cyprus in 1974 led to population movements between Turkey and Cyprus. Ethnic Turks from mainland Turkey migrated to Northern Cyprus, while ethnic Greeks from Northern Cyprus moved to the south. The Kurdish conflict in southeastern Turkey has resulted in the internal displacement of Kurdish populations within Turkey, as well as the migration of Kurds to other countries, including Europe.
Turkish migration to the United States has occurred in waves since the 19th century, influenced by various factors such as economic opportunities, political developments, and cultural exchanges.
1800s
The earliest documented Turkish migrants to the United States arrived in the 19th century. Many were sailors, merchants, or diplomats who came for trade purposes or diplomatic assignments. Some Ottoman subjects, particularly Armenians, Greeks, and Jews, also migrated to the United States during this period.
Early 1900s:
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw increased Turkish migration to the United States, primarily driven by economic opportunities and political instability in the Ottoman Empire. Many immigrants from the Ottoman Empire settled in cities like New York, Boston, and Chicago, where they established communities and engaged in various professions, including entrepreneurship, trade, and labor.
Post-World War II Immigration from Turkey:
Following World War II, Turkish migration to the United States surged, fueled by labor agreements between Turkey and Western European countries, particularly Germany. Many Turkish nationals migrated to Germany as guest workers (Gastarbeiter), but some eventually immigrated to the United States, seeking better economic prospects or joining family members who had already settled there.