What Is the Old Name of Turkey? A Journey Through History, Empires, and Identity

When people hear the name Turkey, they often think of a modern nation bridging Europe and Asia, rich with culture, cuisine, and history. But Turkey’s land has carried many names long before it became the Republic of Türkiye in the 20th century. Understanding the old names of Turkey is more than a geography lesson—it is a journey through ancient civilizations, powerful empires, and shifting identities that shaped the world.
Anatolia: The Earliest Known Name
The oldest and most widely used historical name for much of modern-day Turkey is Anatolia. Derived from the Greek word Anatolē, meaning “the east” or “sunrise,” Anatolia referred to the lands east of mainland Greece. For ancient Greeks, this region was literally where the sun rose.
Anatolia was not a single kingdom but a vast region that hosted some of the world’s earliest civilizations, including the Hittites, Phrygians, Lydians, and Urartians. Archaeological discoveries show that Anatolia was a cradle of early human settlement, agriculture, and trade, making it one of the most historically dense regions on Earth.
Even today, historians and scholars frequently use “Anatolia” to describe Turkey’s Asian portion, which makes up about 97% of the country.
Asia Minor: A Roman and Byzantine Label
Another well-known old name for Turkey is Asia Minor. This term was popularized during the Roman and Byzantine Empires to distinguish the region from the larger continent of Asia. “Asia Minor” literally means “Lesser Asia,” emphasizing its role as a western extension of the Asian landmass.
Under Roman and later Byzantine rule, Asia Minor became a hub of administration, commerce, and Christianity. Many early Christian communities, councils, and churches—mentioned in biblical texts—were located in this region. Cities like Ephesus, Smyrna, and Nicaea were central to religious and political life for centuries.
Constantinople and the Byzantine Identity
While the land itself had regional names, the capital city—Constantinople—often symbolized the entire territory. Founded by Roman Emperor Constantine the Great in 330 AD, Constantinople became the heart of the Byzantine Empire.
For over a thousand years, the Byzantine Empire ruled much of what is now Turkey, blending Roman governance, Greek culture, and Christian theology. During this period, the region was not called Turkey at all, as the term “Turk” had not yet become dominant in Anatolia.
The Arrival of the Turks and the Name “Turkey”
The name Turkey comes from the word “Turk”, referring to the Turkic peoples who migrated from Central Asia. After the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, Seljuk Turks defeated the Byzantine army, opening Anatolia to Turkish settlement.
Over time, European sources began referring to the region as “Turcia” or “Turkey,” meaning “the land of the Turks.” This marked a major shift in identity—from a Greco-Roman-Christian region to a predominantly Turkic and Muslim one.
The Ottoman Empire: A Global Power Without the Name “Turkey”
Interestingly, during the height of Turkish power, the state was not officially called Turkey. Instead, it was known as the Ottoman Empire, named after its founder Osman I. From the late 13th century until the early 20th century, the Ottoman Empire controlled vast territories across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Ottoman rulers referred to their realm as the Devlet-i Aliyye-i Osmaniye (The Sublime Ottoman State). However, European diplomats and writers still casually referred to the empire’s core lands as Turkey, reinforcing the name internationally.
From Ottoman Empire to the Republic of Turkey
After World War I and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk led a successful independence movement. In 1923, the modern Republic of Turkey was officially established.
This marked the first time “Turkey” became the formal name of the state, symbolizing a break from imperial rule and the beginning of a secular, nation-based identity. In recent years, the country has also emphasized the spelling “Türkiye” internationally to reflect its native pronunciation and cultural identity.
Why These Old Names Still Matter
The old names of Turkey—Anatolia, Asia Minor, Byzantine lands, and Ottoman domains—tell a story of continuity and transformation. They reveal how geography, culture, religion, and power shape national identity over time.
Turkey is not just a modern nation-state; it is a living archive of human civilization. Each old name represents a chapter in its long and complex story, making Turkey one of the most historically layered countries in the world.
Final Thoughts
So, what is the old name of Turkey? The answer depends on the era. From Anatolia and Asia Minor to Byzantine territories and the Ottoman Empire, Turkey has worn many names—each reflecting the people and powers of its time. Understanding these names helps us appreciate Turkey not just as a country, but as a crossroads of civilizations that continues to influence global history today.