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A recent opinion piece by journalist Muyesser Yildiz has brought renewed attention to the use of the title “Archbishop of Constantinople-New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch” by Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew in official correspondence, including a letter sent to former U.S. President Donald Trump, raising questions within Ankara over diplomatic language and legal status.
The discussion builds on a broader political and historical debate in Türkiye surrounding the use of the name “Constantinople,” the historical name of Istanbul. The issue has periodically surfaced in political discourse, including in 2019 when President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reacted strongly to references to the city by that name, emphasizing that “this is Istanbul” and rejecting alternative terminology.
More recently, the topic re-emerged after it was revealed that Bartholomew had been invited to an international summit in Switzerland under the title “Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.” Turkish officials reiterated at the time that there had been no change in the state’s longstanding policy regarding the Patriarchate’s status.
The issue has drawn strong reactions from political figures. Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli described the use of such titles in international settings as unacceptable, stressing that “there is no city called Constantinople within the borders of the Republic of Türkiye.” He also linked the matter to broader concerns over sovereignty and historical interpretation.
Similarly, statements surrounding a planned visit by Pope Leo XIV to Türkiye prompted further clarification from the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications. The office rejected claims that such visits or references would alter the legal or political status of the Patriarchate, emphasizing that its position remains defined by the Treaty of Lausanne.
Despite official statements, Yildiz’s article highlights that Bartholomew has continued to use an expanded title combining “Ecumenical Patriarch” with “Patriarch of Constantinople–New Rome” in various international contexts.
Examples cited include a formal letter sent to Spain’s King Felipe VI earlier this year, participation in a global policy conference in France under the same designation, and most recently, a letter addressed to Donald Trump following a reported security incident at a White House Correspondents’ Association event. The letter, dated April 26, 2026, expresses concern and conveys prayers and well-wishes, while bearing the disputed title in the signature.
The article reiterates that under the Treaty of Lausanne, the Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate operates as a religious institution within Türkiye. Administratively, it is described as being linked to local authorities in Istanbul’s Fatih district, which ultimately fall under the Interior Ministry.
Against this backdrop, Yildiz raises a question directed at Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci, asking whether Ankara will respond to the continued use of the title in international correspondence. Referring to a previous instance in which the minister intervened in a labor dispute, the article questions whether a similar response might be considered in this case.
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