Which Turkey Came First: the Bird or the Country?

It’s a classic question that can trip up even the sharpest minds: when we say “turkey,” are we talking about the bird or the country? And which one got its name first? The answer might surprise you!

The Bird Named Turkey

The turkey bird, native to North America, was first encountered by European explorers in the early 1500s. These large, plump birds became a prized source of food and soon made their way back across the Atlantic. But here’s the twist — the name “turkey” actually has roots far from North America.

When the bird arrived in Europe, traders believed it came from Turkey — the country — or more accurately, from the trade routes that passed through the Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey). Because these birds were brought to Europe via Turkey, they became known as “turkeys.” It was less about where the bird originated and more about the trading path it took.

The Country Named Turkey

Turkey, the country straddling Europe and Asia, has had its name for centuries. The name itself comes from the Medieval Latin “Turchia,” meaning “land of the Turks.” The Turks are a people who migrated into the region over a thousand years ago, establishing a rich cultural and political history.

So Which Came First?

The country of Turkey existed long before the turkey bird was known to Europeans. The bird was named after the country (or the trade route through it), not the other way around. It’s a fascinating example of how trade, language, and exploration intertwined to give us some unexpected names.

Fun Fact

In Turkey, the bird we call “turkey” is actually called “hindi,” which means “from India.” That’s because, during the Age of Exploration, many exotic goods and animals were often associated with India, the known land of riches at the time.

So next time you sit down for a Thanksgiving meal, remember that the name of your turkey has a story stretching across continents and centuries — a true tale of history on your plate!