The Turkish Minister of Education is proposing the renaming of Central Asia to “Turkistan”, arguing that the new name would better reflect what he calls “the Geography of Our Heart.”

Following a pattern reminiscent of Trump’s model in the Gulf of Mexico, Ankara seems to be embracing its own version, as the Turkish Minister of Education calls for the renaming of “Central Asia” to “Turkistan.” According to him, this would properly represent the region’s historical and cultural identity.

“Central Asia” is a Russian Concept, Says Tekin

During his speech at the “Return to the Roots 2025-2026” forum, Yusuf Tekin expressed his opposition to the use of the term “Central Asia,” which, he claimed, was a designation introduced by Russia to assert its hegemony in the region after World War II.

He stressed that “by saying ‘Central Asia,’ we abandon our cultural and heartfelt bond.”

Thus, he was quick to propose that the region be called “Turkistan” because, as he put it, “this is the authentic and correct name of the area.”

Teaching the “Geography of Our Heart”

Tekin also made a call to educate Turkish students about the “Geography of Our Heart,” which, according to him, stretches from Palestine to Central Asia, from the Balkans to the Middle East.

He argued that students should not have to wonder in the future, “What connection do we have with Jerusalem, Palestine, and Cyprus?” To reinforce this vision, he justified the inclusion of the “Geography of Our Heart” in the school curriculum and announced the establishment of a “Culture and Geography of Our Heart” Committee.

Minority Education in Thrace Also on the Agenda

In the same speech, the Turkish Minister of Education raised the issue of minority education in Thrace.

He asserted that Turkey must “ensure the right to education for the Turkish minority in Western Thrace,” claiming that the number of “Turkish minority” schools in the region has dropped to just a quarter of what it was when the Treaty of Lausanne was signed.

Furthermore, he alleged that while Greece is ‘closing schools,’ Turkey is ensuring the continued operation of minority schools.