Can I change my name in Turkey?

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Bix

If you have a good reason to change your name ('good reason' is a legal term which can't be interpreted by a layman) you have the right to change your name if you become a Turkish citizen (this is a so called 'good reason' according to Turkish law).

Due to fact that American law is applicable if you want to change your name (because you are an American citizen right now) you have to ask an American lawyer.

Personally, I wouldn't advise this because it would cause many many problems.

Totally Blunt

If you get citizenship, yes you can and only once. I advise a name that can be used easily by your family and Turks, like Yasmin, Yasemin, Defne (Daphne), Deniz (Denise).

Matt

About changing your name... If you are worried about not fitting in... don't worry. People are open and welcoming to foreigners in Turkey.

But, if you do decide to change it, it is true that you must change it in the country of your citizenship. You can talk to the US consulates or embassy once you get here.

Brad Johnson

Yes you sure can legally change your middle name (not first one) in Turkey. You need a lawyer that will prepare much of the necessary paperwork to get the case started.Fyi, you can either change or keep your last name (surname) it's up to you.

Ali T

Try to go to Buyuksehir belediyesi nufus mudurlugu

t_maia2000

As a rule name law is governed by your home country's laws. You would have to ask a lawyer in the US whether you can legally change your name through the US embassy while living in Turkey.

I personally would not do it, since it is bound to cause a ton of problems with your residency permit.

deborahvaral

In order to change your name you would have to do it through the Embassy of your country if you do it from Turkey. However if you want to change it before you go then you do it through your government/state office. Though it is easy to do, you are responsible to inform everybody in writting.....such as your social security, driving licence, passport etc etc etc... I know I have done it................................

canmom

my question to you is why would you want to ?? and what differences would it make...there are many foreigners living here and with a variety of names...yours will not be any different..

istanbul bogazi in the Queendom

Names are not a big deal in Turkey since it is a multicultural country. And at the moment we hear many interesting names. So if you want to change the name just to fit in don't bother.
You can keep your last name. Most of the women carry their own last names. Women have two last names most of the time.

If you want to change your name because you just want to do it you can do it without any problem. You go to Asliye Hukuk Court and tell that you would like to change your name.

Gul V

Yes of course it is your given right. You can change it through your social security office before you leave or you can do it in Turkey at your Embassy office. All you need is your passport and birth certificate and 4 recent photographs.

Sarah Alholandia Umm Bilqys

Why do you not consider a kunya??

Whenever you go you let yourself been called after that kunya. Only on official papers you have your name.

I have two firstnames and i use the second one, the first nobody doesn't excactly know, since i only use the the first letter in documents (J.). Only if it is usefull i say the name.

A kunya can be umm ...... (for example i let myself call trough internet umm Bilqys.)

Many Arabic words are also Turkish. when you say kunya most of the Turkish religious (muslims) people would understand that.

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