There is a 15-item road map in the “Family and Population Decade Vision Document” prepared by the Ministry of Family and Social Services, signed by President Erdoğan and published in the Official Gazette.
1- Our country priorities regarding the protection and strengthening of family and population structure will be included in national policy documents and institutions’ strategic plans and programs.
2- All public policies, regulations, practices and research conducted or supported by public institutions will be evaluated in terms of their effects on the family institution and population change.
3- Public institutions and organizations will act with a family-protective and population-increasing approach in their activities related to their concrete areas of duty, and will carry out their practices accordingly.
4- Sexualization movements and addictions will be addressed with a holistic approach to protect generations.
5- The social reputation of the marriage institution will be protected, and mechanisms that will facilitate the marriage of young people will be strengthened.
6- “Motherhood and fatherhood” will be strengthened as a social value; Practices that encourage having children and support families with multiple children will be implemented.
7- Policies for raising young people as well-equipped individuals will be strengthened, sustainable social security and health systems for the welfare of the elderly and diversified care and support models, especially family-centered, will be developed.
8- In an integrated framework that considers the balanced distribution of the population, holistic measures will be implemented to prevent population loss in rural areas, to encourage the return of the population concentrated in cities to rural areas, and to transform urban spaces with a family and child-oriented perspective.
9- Existing legal regulations will be reviewed with an approach to protecting and strengthening the family and population structure, and studies on new legal regulations will be carried out in line with the identified needs.
10- Changes in family and population structure will be regularly monitored and examined.
11- For the effective implementation of the Family and Population Decade Vision Document, institutional structuring, local implementation capacity, cooperation, technical and digital infrastructure will be strengthened, and the professional competence of the staff will be improved.
12- Diplomatic activities that reinforce Türkiye’s leading role in international arenas regarding the issue will be carried out, and cooperation will be developed with countries that have similar attitudes to Türkiye.
13- Necessary measures will be taken within the scope of the relevant legislation, especially the creation of a digital family shield for the detection, evaluation and prevention of harmful elements in all mass media, family-friendly broadcasting will be encouraged and awareness of responsible media use will be disseminated.
14- Communication campaigns regarding strong family and population goals will be carried out, and these issues will be addressed as a basic component of formal and non-formal education programs.
15- Every year, the last week of May will be celebrated as “National Family Week”, and events appropriate to the meaning and importance of this week will be organized by public institutions and organizations.

CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTION
In the circular, it was emphasized that the stable existence of societies depends on a strong family and population structure. It was reminded that Article 41 of the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey places the family under the protection of the state, and it was stated that the family is defined as the “natural and basic unit of society” in international agreements.

THANKS FROM EMINE ERDOĞAN
First Lady Erdoğan said, “I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this valuable work that protects the family, which is the strongest pillar of our society, and strengthens the bond between generations.”

The institution of family and generations will be protected
The institution of marriage will be encouraged
Fertility rate will be increased
Qualified training of young people and welfare of the elderly will be realized
Balanced distribution of the population and on-site development of the rural area will be ensured

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke at the Family and Population 10 Year Vision Promotion Program held by the Ministry of Family and Social Services at the Haliç Congress Center: Family and Population 10 Year is the manifestation of a strong state will that sees the family as the basis of society and the population as the guarantee of the future of our nation. Our vision document is the road map of the vision of Türkiye, which starts with people, roots with family, grows with generations, strengthens with population, and moves towards the future. We built our document on five complementary strategic priorities. Our first strategic priority is to protect the family institution and generations. Our second priority is the promotion of the institution of marriage. While our third priority is increasing the fertility rate, our fourth is the qualified education of young people and the welfare of the elderly. Our fifth and last strategic priority is the on-site development of the rural area and the balanced distribution of the population. We will also carry out work on research, institutional capacity, legislation, communication and diplomacy to implement the priorities of the 10 years. From now on, we will celebrate the last week of May as ‘National Family Week’ and ensure that social awareness is increased.

OUR CALL FOR THREE CHILDREN HAS BEEN PROVEN RIGHT
In 2007, we pointed out a rapidly approaching danger by saying at least three children. This call attracted the reaction of those who viewed every issue regarding the country through ideological lenses, and they criticized us with extremely low-level expressions. We have been exposed to many irrational and immoral accusations, slanders and rudeness, ranging from arrogance that interferes with our lifestyle to targeting our belief values. What happened after all? In the meantime, our calls for three children have been proven right.

THEIR CLAIMS ARE ABSURD

Those who criticized us in those days are forced to give up our rights today. We are sure that history will repeat itself tomorrow. The absurdity of the claims of those who accuse us of trivializing the individual and weakening women because we give importance and priority to the family will be revealed.

The accuracy of our efforts to protect and strengthen the family will be better understood in the future. As Türkiye, we have not only felt the effects of the rapid changes in the world regarding family and population issues. At the same time, we faced the negative consequences of the wrong policies and perceptions put in place since the 1960s.

THEY MADE PROPAGANDA

Especially those over 50 will remember it very well. Our country has been bombarded with propaganda for years. We are told that there is an opposing relationship between population and development. In other words, it was stated that as population and fertility increase, poverty will increase and welfare will decrease.

THE NUMBERS ARE WORRIING

The rate of single-person households reached 20.5 percent. While the age of first marriage has increased to 28.5 for men and 26 for women, the rate of never-married women between the ages of 20-24 is 79 percent and 94 percent for men. The age of marriage is increasing, divorce rates are increasing, and as a result, our fertility rate is decreasing. In other words, as a nation, we have a situation in front of us where we need to worry about our future, and not only that, but also take action to solve it. Our fertility rate dropped to 1.48 in 2024. While 1 million 351 thousand babies were born annually in 2014, it decreased to less than 1 million in 2023. While the median age is approaching 35 in our country, it is 45 in Europe. Türkiye is still 10 years younger than the European Union, but despite this, we must take the necessary measures now. We are developing our family-centered policy by increasing the support for our young people who are getting married and increasing the maternity leave to 24 weeks.

THEY CALLED FAMILIES WITH MANY CHILDREN IGNORANT AND COUNTRY

While corpses were taken hostage in hospitals in the heart of Istanbul simply because they were not paid, resources that should have been used to improve the health system were wasted with population control policies prescribed from outside. Today, the mentality that sees children as a burden to the family and the population as a burden to the country is completely bankrupt. Almost all of the countries that are shown as examples to the world as welfare societies complained about the decrease in population growth rate. They made population control policies a taboo and did not allow even the slightest contradictory voice or idea. They also devalued the family and accused families with many children of ignorance, provincialism and bigotry.

SACRIFICE AND LOYALTY AWARD
The Sacrifice and Loyalty Award was received by the relatives of the martyr Özlem Emir and Kıvanç Emir, the hearing-impaired family Gizem, Burak and their children Okan Ali Uyanık, the foster family Merve and Seydullah Yuyucu, and the four-generation family Ahmet Demirci, Metin Demirci, Havva Demirci, Gülşah Doğan, Murat Doğan and Eren Doğan. Fatima-Şahin Alkan and her children Ali Asaf, who established a home by benefiting from the Family and Youth Fund, were deemed worthy of the Young Family Award. President Erdoğan also gave the couple a gift. Ercüment Öztürk received the first prize in the Our Family is Our Future Photography Competition, and Mehmet Ali Alkış received the first prize in the “Family” themed short film competition.

TREE OF LIFE FROM ZERO WASTE
Minister Göktaş presented First Lady Erdoğan with the work titled “The Root of the Tree of Life, Our Family is Our Strength, Population”, which was produced from recycled materials based on the Zero Waste vision, symbolizing the family and the new generations that arise from it.

Clinical Psychologist Mehmet Yasir Cebeci, one of the Sumud Flotilla activists who survived Israel’s attack in international waters, made special statements to SABAH. Stating that they are still anchored off the coast of Crete, Cebeci said:

We were at the rear of the fleet that night. Warships began to attack some boats. When we saw the Zodiac boats, we quickly steered towards Crete. We covered the 30-40 mile distance in a matter of hours. The drones followed us for a while. They then focused on the boats behind. We are waiting for the weather to improve in Crete. An Israeli attack could occur at any moment. Because they were afraid of us breaking the blockade, they attacked us 800 miles from their so-called territorial waters. But we will set out with more ships. We will break that blockade.

There were reports that warships were seen sailing off the coast of Crete. We were traveling in groups. We had been watched by spotter drones since we left Italy, but we thought of the drones as Israel’s psychological intimidation tool. At that time, we were 30 miles from Greek territorial waters. We later confirmed that the ships were warships.

Later in the day, we saw the Zodiac boats. We saw red lights 5-6 miles away to our right. We learned that there was an attack on the ships around us. “We are currently waiting off the coast of Crete with 31 ships.”

Activists of the Sumud Flotilla, who were detained by Israel in international waters, were brought to Türkiye from Crete Island with a special flight of THY. 59 activists, including 18 Turkish citizens, talked about the inhumane treatment Israel applied to them.

Activist Sijaad Hussain: “We were carrying humanitarian aid towards Gaza. They attacked us with rubber bullets in international waters. There were injuries. They raided our boats, took us to a large container ship and placed us there. Hopefully, when Palestine is free, we will be free too. I want to thank the Turkish nation for everything they have provided.”

‘WE WERE TAKEN TO THE FLOATING PRISON’
British activist Katy Davidson: “They told us to move to the front of the boat. They threatened us, ‘If you don’t move forward, we’ll shoot.’ However, we were in international waters and we were not doing anything illegal. We were taken to a floating prison. From there we were taken by boats and kept in a temporary area made of containers. Everything was surrounded by barbed wire, there were armed people around us, and they treated us like animals. We were forced to sleep in wet beds throughout the night. The beds were specially wet. They gave us limited amounts of food and water, they were hard and hard, and they treated us like animals.” “They showed a threatening attitude. Everyone needs to react to what is happening, because this situation will not be limited to Palestine, it will spread throughout the world, because they are Zionists and they do not care about anyone but themselves.”

‘THEY FIT 45 PEOPLE IN EACH CONTAINER’
Australian Doctor Bianca Webb-Pullman, one of the flotilla activists, said: “As soon as they got on the boat, they pointed a gun at us. They tied everyone’s hands and took us to a navy ship in their boat. We got down on our knees and waited. Then they put us in a yard with shipping containers and fit 45 people into each container. They not only think they control Gaza, they now seem to believe they control the entire Mediterranean, and this cannot be tolerated. The Turkish government and world governments are on this issue.” “It’s really important that he takes a strong stand.”

‘WE MUST FORCE YOU TO BE ACCOUNTABLE’
Retired US emergency room physician John Francis Reuwer: “Why are people who show sensitivity to the killing of children every day treated like criminals, and why are those who kill children treated with respect? During the intervention, we were laid on the ground, forced to kneel, and beaten when we tried to move. We must force the USA and Israel to account.”
Activist Halil Erdoğmuş: “Some of our friends suffered great blows. Our captors brought water and dry bread as food. They threw these in front of us. You don’t throw them to animals. You don’t treat your cat or dog that disgracefully.”

OUR STATE DID NOT LEAVE IT UNAUTHORIZED
Activist Ali Deniz: “These are not worth even one moment lived by the innocent people in Gaza. On behalf of the fleet, we express our gratitude and gratitude to all our state officials and bureaucrats, especially our President. We are very honored to be citizens of the Republic of Turkey. Even though we arrived at the Greek airport in the evening from the early hours of the morning, our ambassador and his team were waiting there to greet us in the morning. They did not leave us alone until they got on the plane.”

Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy and President of the World Ethnosport Union and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Knowledge Dissemination Foundation Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan also attended the opening of the İsabeyli Local Products and Culture and Arts Festival held in Nazilli district of Aydın. In his speech at the opening, Bilal Erdoğan said, “I do not see such festivals as ordinary. ‘If we can keep our old customs alive, can we revive those old feelings? If we can transfer our old traditions to the children and young people of today, can we keep those old conversations and kindness alive again?’ I say. Any activity that will help us transfer our ancient culture, identity, food, faith, and the values that make us who we are to new generations is very valuable. If we can keep these values alive and pass them on to new generations, the minds of our young people will remain pure. “If we can manage to guide them correctly, our youth and children will make significant contributions to the 21st century world,” he said.

Aydın Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Özlem Çerçioğlu also attended the program, where the Aydın Metropolitan Municipality Women’s Mehter Band gave a concert and the folk dance team presented a zeybek show. At the end of the program, Bilal Erdoğan visited the stands where local products were introduced. Tasting chestnut candy at one of the stands, Bilal Erdoğan asked: “Is this product from Aydın?” he asked. When he received the answer ‘Yes’, he turned to Minister Ersoy and said, “We knew it belonged to Bursa, but it belonged to Aydın.”

Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek stated in his post that the Family and Population Decade Vision Document, implemented under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, is a strategic step that protects the family structure, which is the basis of a strong society, and secures the future.

Stating that the first and strongest basis of justice is family, Gürlek said, “A sense of justice, awareness of responsibility and social order flourish in a strong family structure. I hope that this important vision will be beneficial to our country and nation, and I would like to thank everyone who contributed, especially the Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş and the Ministry of Family and Social Services.” he said.

“OUR COUNTRY IS PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE”

Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan said, “Turkey protects its young population and moves towards a strong future with its strong families. Our country is preparing for the future with the Family and Population Decade Vision Document.” shared.

“FAMILY IS THE FUTURE OF THE NATION”

Minister of Internal Affairs Mustafa Çiftçi also stated that the family is the foundation of the society and the future of the population and the nation.

Ciftci stated that the Decade of Family and Population, declared under the leadership of President Erdogan, is a historical step that secures the future of the nation and directs the construction of a strong future, and wished it good luck.

“ROAD MAP THAT WILL LAST FOR GENERATIONS”

Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, in his post, said, “The Family and Population Decade Presidential Circular and Vision Document is a strategic step that builds Türkiye’s future today. It not only determines today’s needs, but also draws the road map for a climate of peace that will last for generations. With the strong will and support of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, we will continue to do much better for our nation with strong moves that center the family.” he said.

“STRONG FAMILY, STRONG TOMORROW”

Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin emphasized that Türkiye protects its young population, moves towards a strong future with its strong families, and that the country is preparing for the future with the Family and Population Decade Vision Document.

“May the new era be a blessing”

Minister of Health Kemal Memişoğlu said, “I hope that this new period, which will bring very important policies to our nation, extending from the Year of the Family to the Decade of Family and Population, under the leadership of our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, will be beneficial.” shared his message.