Turkish national carrier to change name to 'Türkiye' airline

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday the Turkish national carrier will rebrand as 'œTürkiye Hava Yolları'ť instead of 'œTurkish Airlines'ť as part of a push for his country to be known internationally as 'œTürkiye'ť instead of 'œTurkey.'ť

Earlier this month, Ankara sent a letter to the United Nations, formally registering the country's name as 'œTürkiye'ť - as it is spelled and pronounced in Turkish. The country called itself 'œTürkiye'ť in 1923 after its declaration of independence.

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

'œTurkey no longer exists. It is Türkiye,'ť Erdogan said during a ceremony marking the launch of a new communications satellite.

Erdogan continued: 'œTürkiye Hava Yolları will be inscribed on the bodies of our planes instead of Turkish Airlines.'ť

'œHava Yolları'ť is airlines in Turkish.

The U.N. and NATO have formally begun using 'œTürkiye'ť instead of 'œTurkey.'ť Some high-ranking foreign dignitaries visiting Ankara have also made the switch.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg referred to the country as 'œTürkiye'ť during visits to Helsinki and Stockholm this week, as did Finnish President Sauli Niinisto and Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson. The two countries are trying to overcome a Turkish objection to their bid to join the military alliance.

As a NATO ally, Ankara has the power to block their membership bids. The country accuses the two Nordic nations of backing Kurdish militant groups.