Turkish flag carrier changing name to ‘Türkiye’ Airline

Dhaka: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on June 14 that the Turkish flagh carrier will rebrand as “Türkiye Hava Yolları” instead of “Turkish Airlines” in a move to push the country to be known internationally as “Türkiye” instead of “Turkey.”

Earlier in June, Ankara sent a letter to the United Nations, formally registering the country’s name as “Türkiye” — as it is spelled and pronounced in Turkish. The country called itself “Türkiye” in 1923 after its declaration of independence.

Erdogan’s government said the name “Türkiye” better represents Turkish culture and values although observers say the move is part of an effort to dissociate its name from the bird, turkey.

“Turkey no longer exists. It is Türkiye,” Erdogan said during a ceremony marking the launch of a new communications satellite.

Erdogan continued, “Türkiye Hava Yolları will be inscribed on the bodies of our planes instead of Turkish Airlines.”

“Hava Yolları” is airlines in Turkish.

The UN and NATO have formally begun using “Türkiye” instead of “Turkey.” Some high-ranking foreign dignitaries visiting Ankara have also made the switch.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg referred to the country as “Türkiye” during visits to Helsinki and Stockholm in June, as did Finnish President Sauli Niinisto and Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson.