Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Yes, in Turkey, wives traditionally adopt their husband's surname upon marriage. This practice is rooted in both Turkish law and cultural tradition, symbolizing the unity of the family unit and the legal bond between spouses.
When a couple marries in Turkey, the wife can legally change her surname to her husband's. The process involves officially registering the name change with the relevant government authorities—typically the Population Directorate (Nüfus Müdürlüğü)—and updating identity documents such as the national identity card (kimlik) and passport.
While the tradition remains widespread, modern Turkish law also allows couples to choose a double-barreled surname or, in some cases, for the husband to take the wife's surname, reflecting evolving gender norms. However, the husband's surname remains the default and most common choice.