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.

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.