Why is Muhammad called Mehmed in Turkish?

A lot of Turks also find the frequency of the name Mohammad in other nations distasteful.

By Kozan Soykal

-qoura.org

Turks don’t think regular people are worthy to carry the name of the Prophet, but want their kids to carry it regardless. So Muhammad is broken into Mehmed (Mehmet).

Muhammad (Muhammet) is also a given name in Turkey, but is much less common.

There are some other nuances as well. The name Mehmet is common and there are a number of famous Mehmet’s in Turkish history. Turkish soldiers are also called Mehmets (like Tommy or Johnny etc). The name Mehmet does not necessarily mean a religious family. The name Muhammet is more assertive – it indicates a religious family.

A lot of Turks also find the frequency of the name Mohammad in other nations distasteful.

We do not call the prophet Mehmed or Mehmed. We call him Muhammet. Muhammet is a name that is distinct from Mehmet in Turkish. Yes, the name Mehmet is derived from Muhammet. No, they are not the same. Seriously… I’d understand people not speaking Turkish; but Turks at least should realize there is no Hz. Mehmet in use…