Turkish months


The month names in Turkish are derived from three languages: either from Latin, Levantine Arabic, or from a genuine Turkish word. The Arabic-Hebrew-Aramaic month names themselves originate in the ancient Babylonian calendar, and are therefore akin to the names of months in the Hebrew Calendar, specifically Shevat, Nisan, Tammuz and Elul. The original Babylonian months were actual lunar months, as the Hebrew months of the same names are to this day, much like months in the Islamic calendar. Turkey has used Gregorian AD year numbering officially since 1926, though Gregorian calendar dates were in use since March 1917. The names of the months from February to September had been used in the now abandoned Rumi calendar, with the other four still retaining their old Arabic/Aramaic names. In 1945, these four received names of Turkish origin.
EnglishTurkishEtymology
JanuaryocakTurkish origin, meaning "oven" or "stove". Literal translation of Arabic word "kānūn".
FebruaryşubatArabic origin, taken from Aramaic
MarchmartLatin origin
AprilnisanArabic origin, taken from Aramaic
MaymayısLatin origin
JunehaziranArabic origin, taken from Aramaic
JulytemmuzArabic origin, taken from Aramaic
AugustağustosLatin origin
SeptembereylülArabic origin, taken from Aramaic
OctoberekimTurkish origin, meaning "sowing"
NovemberkasımArabic origin word which is meaning "divider". This word referring to beginning of winter. According to a Turkish weather proverb winter begins on 8 November.
DecemberaralıkTurkish origin, meaning "gap"