Suleyman

Suleyman is a masculine given name used primarily in Turkish and other Turkic languages, with broader use in the Arabic-speaking and Muslim world. It is a transliteration of Sulayman/Sulayman, the Arabic form of Solomon, and has many variants, including Suleiman, Süleyman, Soliman, and Sulayman. The name is commonly found in Turkey and in communities across the Balkans, the Caucasus, the Middle East, and Central Asia.

Historical figures: The most famous bearer is Suleiman the Magnificent (Süleyman I), ruler of the Ottoman Empire from 1520 to 1566, under whom the empire expanded and legal reforms (the Kanun) were codified. Other Ottoman sultans named Suleiman include Suleiman II. In Islamic tradition, the Prophet Solomon is referred to as Suleiman in the Qur’an and Islamic literature, celebrated for wisdom and authority over jinn and animals.

Modern usage and notable people: The name remains common in Turkey; a notable contemporary bearer is Süleyman Demirel (1924–2015), who served as Prime Minister and later President of Turkey. The spelling Suleyman is also found in international media and among diasporic communities.

In culture and religion, Solomon is recognized in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions, with Suleiman representing the same figure across these sources. The name continues to be used across generations and regions, reflecting its long-standing historical and cultural connections.