To be a Turkish citizen, do you need a Muslim name?

Question

My older sister told me that some soccer star had to change his name so that it sounded more Muslim to become a Turkish citizen. I don't believe it, given that Turkey is a secular state, but I can't prove her wrong. Is it actually true? Sources please!!! Thanks!

Answer 1

What on earth is a "Muslim name"?

Answer 2

NO

She is talking about Marco Aurelio, who changed his name to Mehmet Aurelio, but he didnt have to, it was his choice perhaps he wanted it to sound more Turkish no one pressured him or did any thing similar

"Turkish citizenship [2] in 2006 and consequently adopted a Turkish name of Mehmet" the keyword is adopt

my name isnt of muslim origin either, it is of turkish origin

there are turkish players with Turkish names(not muslim) like Tuncay there is no pressure on the name

Answer 3

Not at all, and even if you accept islam as your religion you dont have to change your name. Turkey does not rule under religious issue any how. The only thing would happen is that, if a woman got married to a Turkish man and she wanna be Turkish citizen when she be on time to get the citizenship she will get the last name of her husband as a her last name  in her Turkey ID but if she does not wanna lose her previous last name she can add her husband last name as a second last name...

The fact of that soccer players must be that they may be embraced islam and by their own will they change their name for an "muslim"  or as above is said as a fancy way to look more turkish and they chose it for their citizenship but again this is free choise nothign to do with turkish laws.

Answer 4

No. You don't need to have one.

I don't have a Muslim name, but I'm a Turkish citizen. Tons of people have Jewish or Christian names. They are also Turkish citizens.

Answer 5

No I live in the Turkish republic of North Cyprus and still have the same name I was born with.

Answer 6

I heard the same thing too when I was watching the Turkish match yesterday, but I don't think that's 100% true.  I think the player they were referring to wanted to change their name, thinking it could give them a better chance at gaining citizenship, but I don't think it's recquired to change it.