Learn How to Pronounce Abdullah Gül | YouPronounce.it

How to Pronounce Abdullah Gül

Quick Answer: In Turkish, the name Abdullah Gül is pronounced [ɑbduɫˈɫɑh ɟyl].
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)

Meaning and Context

Abdullah Gül, the 11th President of the Republic of Turkey, served a full term from 2007 to 2014, marking a significant era in the nation's political evolution. A founding member and leading figure of the Justice and Development Party (AKP), Gül's presidency was historically notable as he was the first to hail from a political tradition with roots in political Islam, representing a shift from Turkey's staunchly secularist head-of-state precedent. His tenure, often described as conciliatory, focused on strengthening Turkey's role in international diplomacy and pursuing European Union accession talks, while navigating complex domestic dynamics between the government, military, and judiciary. An economist by training, Gül previously held key positions including Prime Minister in 2002 and Minister of Foreign Affairs, where he championed a policy of "zero problems with neighbors." His legacy remains a pivotal reference point in discussions on Turkish politics, presidential authority, and the interplay between secularism and democracy in the modern Turkish state.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The standard and correct spelling is "Abdullah Gül." The primary point of confusion arises from the Turkish letter "ü," which is not present in the English alphabet. Common misspellings or Anglicized versions include "Abdullah Gul" (dropping the umlaut), "Abdullah Gool," or "Abdullah Ghul," as readers may attempt to approximate the pronunciation. The surname is sometimes incorrectly written as "Gul" with an umlaut over the 'u' (Gül) being omitted in non-Turkish media, though this changes the pronunciation significantly—"Gul" would rhyme with "dull," while "Gül" is pronounced closer to "ghoul" or the German "fühl." Another occasional error is the misspelling of his first name as "Abdulah" or "Abdalla." In formal writing, it is considered correct to preserve the original diacritic.

Example Sentences

Following his election by parliament in 2007, Abdullah Gül assumed the presidency, a role he described as a "symbol of unity and stability" for all Turkish citizens.

As a seasoned diplomat, President Gül's foreign policy initiatives sought to position Turkey as a crucial bridge between East and West.

Analysts often cite Abdullah Gül's earlier work as Foreign Minister as foundational to the AKP's proactive international stance.

Despite his party affiliation, Gül was frequently viewed as a more moderate figure within the AKP, especially in his later years.

Historical accounts of early 21st-century Turkish politics invariably highlight Abdullah Gül's pivotal role in the party's founding and subsequent electoral successes.

Related Pronunciations

📂 Browse all words in the Asian Politicians and Leaders category ➔