How to Pronounce Turkey

Meaning and Context

Turkey, officially the Republic of Türkiye, is a transcontinental nation uniquely positioned at the nexus of Europe and Asia, with the majority of its landmass on the Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia and a significant portion, Eastern Thrace, in Southeastern Europe. This strategic location, straddling the Bosphorus Strait, has made it a historical crossroads of civilizations, from the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires to the modern secular republic founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1923. Renowned for its profound cultural heritage, Turkey boasts a landscape as diverse as its history, featuring the otherworldly rock formations of Cappadocia, the pristine turquoise coast of the Mediterranean, and the bustling metropolis of Istanbul. Its rich tapestry is woven from ancient sites like Ephesus, vibrant bazaars, and a culinary tradition that is a cornerstone of world cuisine, making it a premier destination for cultural tourism and historical exploration. The country's geopolitical significance and dynamic economy further cement its role as a pivotal bridge between continents and cultures.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary spelling in English is "Turkey," which refers to the country. However, in June 2022, the United Nations, at the request of the government, officially recognized the country's name as "Türkiye" (pronounced tur-key-YAY) in all languages. This change aims to disassociate the nation's name from the bird of the same spelling and to better reflect the Turkish language's pronunciation and orthography. Consequently, "Türkiye" is increasingly used in diplomatic, formal, and media contexts. Common typos and errors include "Turkey" (adding an extra 'e'), "Turkiy" (omitting the final 'e'), and "Turky." The demonym is "Turkish," though people sometimes mistakenly write "Turkian" or "Turkeish." When referring to the bird, the spelling remains "turkey," with a lowercase 't'.

Example Sentences

We spent two weeks exploring Turkey, from the ancient ruins of Pergamon to the stunning travertine terraces of Pamukkale.

The government's "Türkiye" tourism campaign has successfully highlighted the country's lesser-known archaeological sites and natural wonders.

Istanbul's Hagia Sophia stands as a monumental testament to Turkey's layered history as both a Byzantine church and an Ottoman mosque.

Understanding Turkey's strategic position is key to analyzing its foreign policy and role in NATO.

Many travelers find that a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia is the highlight of their Turkish holiday.

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