Turkish Language Day (13 May 1277)

Turkish Language Day is an annual holiday celebrated on May 13 in commemoration of the decree issued on May 13, 1277, regarded as one of the pivotal milestones in the historical journey of the Turkish language. This decree was issued by Karamanoğlu Mehmed Bey and marked a turning point in the official and administrative use of Turkish in Anatolia.

Video Introducing Turkish Language Day (Republic of Türkiye Presidency of Communication)

History

With the settlement of the Oghuz tribes in Anatolia from the 11th century onward, the foundations of a written language based on Oghuz Turkish began to take shape in the region. However, Arabic and Persian remained dominant as the languages of literature and official correspondence in both the Great Seljuk State and the Anatolian Seljuk State. By the end of the 13th century, with the emergence of the Anatolian Beyliks, the public use of Turkish increased significantly.

The 1277 Decree and Karamanoğlu Mehmed Bey

On May 13, 1277, Karamanoğlu Mehmed Bey proclaimed the following famous decree at a gathering in Konya:

“Şimden girü hiç kimesne kapuda ve divanda ve mecalis ve seyranda Türkî dilinden gayri dil söylemeye.”

This statement is interpreted in modern Turkish as “From today onward, no one shall use any language other than Turkish in the palace, the divan, assemblies, or among the people.”

Karamanoğlu Mehmed Bey’s decision has been regarded as an early example of a language policy challenging the dominance of Arabic and Persian. This event is considered one of the foundational stones of national identity and the emerging written Turkish language in Anatolia.

Video on Why May 13 Is Turkish Language Day (TRT Avaz)

Debates and Academic Evaluations

Although it was long asserted that this decision was directly issued by Karamanoğlu Mehmed Bey, some historians (such as Erdoğan Merçil) have offered critical perspectives on this view. According to Merçil, the decision was made by the Seljuk Divan, and Karamanoğlu Mehmed Bey only became vizier a few days later. Thus, it is argued that the decision was not individual but collective, shaped within the political turmoil of the period.

Nevertheless, in historical memory and cultural symbolism, this step has been attributed to Karamanoğlu Mehmed Bey and is recognized as the beginning of Turkish’s public dominance in Anatolia.

The Republican Era and Institutionalization of Turkish Language Day

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, placed great importance on the Turkish language. The establishment of the Turkish Language Association (Türk Dil Kurumu) on July 12, 1932, and the First Turkish Language Congress convened on September 26, 1932, played a crucial role in the development of modern Turkish.

Following these developments in 1932, September 26 was celebrated for many years as Language Day. However, the date of May 13, in reference to Karamanoğlu Mehmed Bey’s decree and through the initiative of Karaman Province and Karaman University, was also adopted as “Turkish Language Day” and began to be commemorated alongside the existing observance.

Turkish Language Day Today

Today, May 13 is commemorated with ceremonies in many cities of Türkiye, especially in Karaman and Konya. Additionally, this holiday is being promoted and celebrated in various regions of the Turkish world. To enhance the influence of Turkish in scientific, artistic, and social life, language symposia, literary events, and competitions are organized.