New Delhi: As India looks at the idea of renaming itself ‘Bharat,’ a trend of nations shedding their former names is gaining attention worldwide. These transformations often symbolize a move toward greater autonomy and a departure from colonial legacies. While the Indian government considers this change, let’s explore the motives behind such renaming decisions by looking at nine other countries that have already embarked on this path.
Turkey to Turkiye
In June 2022, Turkey informed the United Nations of its wish to be referred to as Turkiye in all languages. This change aims to better represent Turkey’s culture, civilization, and values, aligning them with the nation’s rich history.
Holland to Netherlands
The Dutch government opted to shift from Holland to the Netherlands to rebrand its global image. This move seeks to redirect international focus away from specific aspects of national life, including recreational drug culture and Amsterdam’s red-light district.
Czech Republic to Czechia
To facilitate the use of its name on products and clothing, the Czech Republic adopted Czechia as its shorter, more convenient identity. This change has been in official use alongside the former name since 2016.
Burma to Myanmar
In 1989, the country shifted from being known as Burma to Myanmar. This change came one year after a repressive junta quashed a pro-democracy uprising and sought to reshape the nation’s image.
Ceylon to Sri Lanka
In 1972, Sri Lanka severed colonial associations by transforming from Ceylon into Sri Lanka. In 2011, the country further solidified this change by removing Ceylon from government use.
Kampuchea to Cambodia
While Cambodia didn’t officially change its name, the current name derives from Kampuchea. In 1976, the communist government adopted Kampuchea, but after the regime’s fall, the nation resumed its official title, Cambodia.
Swaziland to Eswatini
King Mswati III announced in April 2018 that Swaziland would henceforth be known as Eswatini, aiming to eliminate confusion between Swaziland and Switzerland.
Republic of Macedonia to Republic of North Macedonia
In 2019, the Republic of Macedonia transitioned to the Republic of North Macedonia. However, the citizens retained the title Macedonians, rather than North Macedonians.
Persia to Iran
Formerly known as Persia, the nation transitioned to Iran in 1935 during Reza Shah’s rule, signifying a fresh start. Although Iran predominantly refers to the nation-state, Persian cultural exports like food, art, and literature maintain their historical identity.
As India explores the possibility of renaming itself Bharat, it joins a league of nations that have embraced change to better reflect their identity and values. These transformations illustrate the power of a name in shaping a nation’s narrative and international perception.
