Which Countries Changed Their Names to Do Away With Colonial Past?
© AP Photo / Eugene Hoshiko
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As Indians have been thrilled with the idea of changing the country's name to 'Bharat' and doing away with the colonial legacy, Sputnik India (or should we say Sputnik Bharat?) takes a look at the countries that did some rebranding.
In June 2022, the Turkish government announced that the nation's name would be Türkiye from then on, in an apparent bid to put an end to unpleasant (though tasty) associations with the bird and other undesirable monikers tarnishing the country's image.
India Wants 'Bharat' Back
Now, Indians are mulling over the idea of returning to the country's original name of 'Bharat.'
In fact, Bharat is anchored in the Indian Constitution: it's the name of the country in Hindi and dates back to the country's two great epics, Mahabharata. The epic depicts King Bharat, a legendary monarch who is believed to be the forebear of all Indians. In this sense, Bharat basically means the land of Bharat's descendants.
As the horrors of colonial past still haunt many South Asian nations, Sputnik India takes a look at the countries who have decided to change their name in order to eradicate the remnants of the bloody colonial past and win back their national identity.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, experienced a series of name changes throughout its colonial history.
From 1815 to 1948, the island was under British rule and referred to as Ceylon.
However, as the push for independence gained momentum in the early 20th century, it was renamed Sri Lanka, a term coined by Marxist leader Lanka Sama Samaja Party. The Republic of Sri Lanka was officially recognized in 1972.
A Buddhist monk walks past the president's office as he prepares to vacate the premise along with other protestors in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 21, 2022.
© AP Photo / Eranga Jayawardena
Bangladesh
East Pakistan emerged as a result of the partition of Bengal based on the "Mountbatten Plan" in 1947 during the era of British India. It became part of the Dominion of Pakistan and was later renamed East Pakistan.
In 1971, after a bloody war for independence, it gained sovereignty and was officially recognized as Bangladesh, meaning "Bengali country."
These ten examples demonstrate the dynamic nature of nations and their ability to reinvent themselves. Through political changes, cultural shifts, and struggles for independence, these countries have embraced new identities, reflecting the aspirations and spirit of their people.
Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greets the gathering during an interaction with journalists after official election results gave her a third straight term, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Dec. 31, 2018.
© AP Photo / Anupam Nath
Myanmar
Until 1989, the country was officially known as the Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma, commonly referred to as Burma.
However, the government sought to shed its colonial past and introduced a series of name changes.
The country was renamed Myanmar officially, but not all nations recognized this change.
The country was renamed Myanmar officially, but not all nations recognized this change.
Thailand
Siam, the powerful kingdom in Indochina, experienced multiple political upheavals after 1932.
In an effort to reclaim national independence, the country changed its name to Thailand on June 24, 1939. This decision not only reflected a shift in governance but also marked a reconnection with its cultural and historical roots.
In an effort to reclaim national independence, the country changed its name to Thailand on June 24, 1939. This decision not only reflected a shift in governance but also marked a reconnection with its cultural and historical roots.
A Hill tribe child dressed in traditional attire waits at a mountain viewpoint to pose with tourists at sun rises Phu Chi Fa viewpoint, Chiang Rai, Thailand Friday, Nov. 27, 2020.
© AP Photo / Gemunu Amarasinghe
Cambodia
Cambodia has undergone several name changes throughout its tumultuous history.
From 1953 to 1970, it was known as the Kingdom of Cambodia. Under the influence of communist rule, it was renamed the Khmer Republic from 1970 to 1975 and later transformed into Democratic Kampuchea.
Following a change in power, it was referred to as the People's Republic of Kampuchea from 1983 to 1993.
Finally, with the restoration of the monarchy in 1993, it reclaimed its original name: Kingdom of Cambodia.
From 1953 to 1970, it was known as the Kingdom of Cambodia. Under the influence of communist rule, it was renamed the Khmer Republic from 1970 to 1975 and later transformed into Democratic Kampuchea.
Following a change in power, it was referred to as the People's Republic of Kampuchea from 1983 to 1993.
Finally, with the restoration of the monarchy in 1993, it reclaimed its original name: Kingdom of Cambodia.
Abyssinia/Ethiopia: Embracing a Timeless Identity
Ethiopia, formerly known as Abyssinia, has a rich history dating back to the 4th century.
The name "Ethiopia" has been in use since then, while "Abyssinia" was a term introduced by the Arabs at a later period.
During World War II, the country officially adopted the name Ethiopia, reaffirming its timeless identity.
Iran
While Iranians have referred to their country as Iran since ancient times, the rest of the world continued to use the Greek term "Persia" until 1935.
It was not until Shah Reza demanded that foreign nations also recognize the name Iran that the country's true identity was fully embraced.
Shah Cheragh Mosque (or Shahcheragh Holy Shrine) is the tomb of Ahmed bin Musa (Imam Reza's brother) in the center of Shiraz, Iran.
CC BY 4.0 / Diego Delso /
Iraq
The term "Mesopotamia "originated during Hellenistic times when Alexander the Great established an administrative district with that name.
In the Middle Ages, the region came to be known as "Lower Mesopotamia" or "Iraq" in Arabic.
However, it was only in 1921, with the proclamation of the Kingdom of Iraq that it gained official recognition as a sovereign state.
In the Middle Ages, the region came to be known as "Lower Mesopotamia" or "Iraq" in Arabic.
However, it was only in 1921, with the proclamation of the Kingdom of Iraq that it gained official recognition as a sovereign state.
Эллинистический Temple of Mrn в Харте.
© AFP 2023 Philippe Desmazes
Burkina Faso
Upper Volta, named after the Volta River, was bestowed upon the country by French colonialists. In August 1984, President Thomas Sankara changed the name to Burkina Faso.
The name was derived from two local languages, with "Burkina" meaning "honest people" in Mooré and "Faso" translating to "homeland" in Dioula. Together, they represent the land of honest people.
Colombia
New Granada ceased to exist in 1821 after the anti-Spanish uprising by the criollos.
It became part of Great Colombia and was known as the Republic of New Granada from 1831 to 1856. Eventually, it adopted the name Colombia, symbolizing its aspirations for independence and unity.
