Surname Law (Turkey)

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The Surname Law of Republic of Turkey was adopted on June 21, 1934^[1]. The Muslim citizens of Turkey adopted the use of surnames with the enforcement of this surname law.

The Christian and Jewish members of the Ottoman Empire were using surnames, but the Muslims didn't use Western-style surnames. The Surname law aimed to change this. The Muslims in Ottoman Empire carried titles such as "Pasha", "Hoca", "Bey", "Hanım", "Efendi", etc., These titles either defined their formal profession (such as Pasha, Hoca, etc.) or their informal status within the society (such as Bey, Hanım, Efendi, etc.) Ottoman prime ministers (Sadrazam/Vezir-î Azam or Grand Vizier), ministers (Nazır/Vezir or Vizier) and other high-ranking civil servants also carried the title Pasha. Retired generals/admirals or high-ranking civil servants continued to carry this title in civilian life. A "Pasha" did not become a "Bey" after retiring from active military or political service.