Exploring the Potential Name for a Proposed Merger Between Turkey and Azerbaijan
The idea of merging Turkey and Azerbaijan into a single entity has sparked numerous discussions, particularly in light of their shared cultural, linguistic, and historical ties. This hypothetical merger presents a unique opportunity to explore a new identity for the combined nation, with names that reflect unity and shared heritage. In this article, we will delve into the potential names that a merged country might adopt, drawing from a rich tapestry of Turkic heritage and historical considerations.
Potential Names for the Merged Country
Turkistan
This name evokes a broader Turkic identity, encompassing a wide range of Turkic-speaking peoples. Historically, Turkistan has been a term used to refer to an extensive region of Central Asia where Turkic peoples have traditionally lived. Given the significant Turkic influence in both Turkey and Azerbaijan, this name would be fitting and reflective of their shared cultural heritage.
Azer-Turkey and Turk-Azerbaijan
A straightforward combination of the two country names, Azer-Turkey or Turk-Azerbaijan, retains elements of both and emphasizes the unity of the two nations. This approach is straightforward and easy to articulate, reflecting the shared identity while maintaining distinct elements of each nation.
Turkic Republic and Republic of the Turkic Union
These names highlight the shared Turkic heritage of both nations and signify a political alliance. A Turkic Republic would emphasize the unity in the region, while the Republic of the Turkic Union could imply a more formal political alliance, signifying a stronger bond and cooperation between the two nations.
AzerTurk Commonwealth
This name suggests a partnership and cooperation between the two nations. AzerTurk Commonwealth would encourage collaboration in various sectors, including economy, culture, and politics, while maintaining a sense of shared identity and unity.
Considering Cultural and Historical Facts
Land or a country of Turkic people may only be called as 'Turkistan,' a term that reflects a broader historical and cultural identity. Given that Turkey and Azerbaijan are at the western edges of Turkistan, their Turkic dialects being Western Turkish or Western Oghuz Turkish, merging the two could be appropriately named as 'Western Turkistan.' This could also encourage other Turkic nations to join and identify themselves as part of the broader Turkic identity.
Neo-Seljuk State and Inclusive Naming
While the inclusion of Arabic and Iranian nations would further expand the cultural significance, the name of the combined nation needs to reflect unity and shared identity. The Neo-Seljuk State, while historically significant, might be less inclusive and could potentially cause tensions with other ethnicities in the region.
Türkeli: A Unique and Inclusive Name
Türkeli is a compound of two Turkish words that convey a sense of unity and territorial identity. Unlike Türkiye, which has suffixes derived from either Arabic or Latin, Türkeli is fully Turkic in origin, emphasizing a more cohesive and accessible identity. Türkeli translates to 'Turkland' in English, but it carries a more direct and resonant meaning within the context of the Turkic-speaking world.
Modern Implications and Legal Considerations
According to Turkish law, every republic within Turkey considers itself as part of the greater Turkish identity. Hence, if Turkey and Azerbaijan were to merge, the name of the much larger entity could be considered as Türkeli. The country name itself would not change, but the internal regions, such as Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan, would become states with their own distinct names, reflecting the rich and diverse cultural landscape of the region.
In conclusion, the choice of name for a merged Turkey and Azerbaijan would reflect the values and identities that the new nation wishes to emphasize. Names like Turkistan, Türkeli, and Türkic Republic encapsulate the shared Turkic heritage and the desire for unity and cooperation.