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 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.

Due to İSKİ’s network failure in Beykoz, the residents of Gümüşsuyu District rebelled against the prolonged suffering. Neighborhood residents who were left without water said that they called call centers many times to reach İSKİ, but they could not receive clear information. Due to the lack of water in the neighborhood, citizens took to the streets with jerrycans, demijohns and buckets in their hands. While long queues formed at the water tankers, some citizens had to walk for meters to take water to their homes with the cans they carried. The resulting images reminded us of the water shortage experienced in Istanbul in the 1990s. As the crisis in the neighborhood grew, Beykoz Municipality stepped in. Municipal teams started to meet the urgent water needs of the citizens by dispatching water tankers to the neighborhood. Citizens were able to meet their basic needs by filling their jerrycans and buckets with water from tankers.

“I went to the toilet in the morning and there was no water.”

Expressing his grievance, neighborhood resident İbrahim Özdemir said, “I bought ablution water from tankers and use rain water in the sinks. They said it would come yesterday, I went to the toilet in the morning, there was no water, I filled the bidet faucet with rain water.”

“We are living the nineties in 2026, we are living the old Istanbul”

Neighborhood resident Eray Külyat said that they have been victimized for five days and said, “There is water 2 streets above my house, but there is no water here. We are living in the nineties, such a thing cannot happen. People are sick, you cannot burn natural gas, combi boilers have broken down. We call İSKİ and they say it will come, then it says it will come at 19.00 in the evening, be realistic. We are living the nineties in 2026, we are living the old Istanbul, he said ‘everything will be fine’, you know, we are waiting. “Let the metropolitan city see this, it is not appropriate.” he said

“I perform ablution with drinking water at midnight”

Kadir Özkaya said, “In 2026, we call it the digital age, we call it artificial intelligence, but for some reason they cannot provide water. I call, they say there is low pressure and air. There is a huge communication gap. We are afraid to go to the toilet, as a citizen who prays, I perform ablution with drinking water at midnight. I do not go to bed after ablution, so that my ablution will not be spoiled, I cannot even go to the mosque. I call 185 and get information from them as well.” “I can’t get it, the situation is dire,” he said.

President Erdoğan’s statements are as follows:

My dear nation, valuable members of our Ministry of Family and Social Services, valuable representatives of our non-governmental organizations, very valuable guests; I greet you with my most heartfelt feelings, respect and affection.

I am honored to be with you in the promotion program of the Family and Population 10 Year Vision Document covering the period 2025-2026-2035. I would like to thank each and every one of you for attending the program. Right at the beginning of my words; We respectfully salute every home of our beloved nation, which still keeps the consciousness of being a family alive despite the difficulties that started with the electronic age and culminated with the digital age; I pray to God for health, peace and happiness for all our households.

I wholeheartedly congratulate our Ministry of Family and Social Services, which has demonstrated a strong will to strengthen our families, increase our population, and consolidate the central role of the family in all areas of social and economic life in a 10-year period. Likewise, I would like to wholeheartedly thank our non-governmental organizations that contribute to the family institution fulfilling its primary mission in the face of increasing threats and dangers, and every brother who supports this struggle in the media and social media.

It is a fact that; The power of a nation cannot be measured only by the strength of its army, the size of its economy or the advanced technology. In addition to these, the power of a nation; It is hidden in the smoldering furnace in their homes, in the children growing up in their cradles, and in the values ​​passed down from generation to generation. Our Family and Population 10 Year Vision Document believes that the steps to be taken in this direction will add even greater strength to the family institution; I hope it will be beneficial for our country, our nation and all our families.

WHEN THE FAMILY IS WEAK, THE INDIVIDUAL IS WEAK AND THE SOCIETY LOSES BLOOD.

Today, we will also present the awards to our siblings who won in various competitions organized within the scope of the 2025 Family Year. I also congratulate all our brothers and sisters who were deemed worthy of awards, especially in the photography and short film competitions themed ‘Our Family is Our Future’.

We are all children of one mother and one father. We all owe our existence to our families. It is thanks to our families that we become children and parents. Family is both man’s most protected shelter and his first school. Preparation for life is first in the family. Mercy, compassion and empathy are first learned in the family. The first seeds of love and brotherhood are planted in the family. The first address of love for homeland and nation is family. Personality is formed in the family and evolves under that roof. It is the family that ensures the survival of the human race. When the family is strong, individuals are strong, therefore society is strong. When the family is weakened, the individual becomes weak and the society loses blood.

The peace of the family cannot be considered separately from the peace of the nation, the happiness of the family from the happiness of the nation, the security of the family from the security of the nation, the unity of the family from the unity and solidarity of the nation. The principle of ‘Family is the foundation of Turkish society’, included in Article 41 of our Constitution, is an extremely concise statement that reveals both an obligation and the essential identity of our nation.

Yes, the Turkish nation has maintained its existence throughout history thanks to the strength and continuity of family ties, eliminated all the threats it was exposed to and managed to preserve its cultural codes. It is not a coincidence that our country – this expression is important – is the motherland. It is not a coincidence that our state is the mother state. It is never a coincidence that the hearth that warms our people’s hearts is the family hearth, the mother’s hearth, the father’s hearth. At the basis of each of these concepts are our ancient values ​​that stem from thousands of years of life experience, cultural heritage and our world of faith.

Just as strong and healthy individuals are the basis of a strong and healthy family, which we define as households with a high problem-solving capacity, where rights and duties are distributed evenly among its members, strong and healthy families are the assurance of the happy and prosperous future of our beloved nation and the safest haven to take shelter in the face of increasing attacks.

“SAYING AT LEAST 3 CHILDREN…”

In the age of digital technoculture, like almost everything about humans and life, the family transforms, changes form, and of course faces serious challenges. We are in a period when conventional structures are dissolving and people’s search for path and direction is increasing. In such a period, as the staff responsible for 86 million people, we strive to do the best for our country and nation, and to prepare Türkiye for the future by foreseeing possible risks, threats and opportunities.

Actually, we haven’t just started this. We have been fighting for this since 2002, when we took over the task of governing the country. If you remember, in 2007, we drew attention to a rapidly approaching danger by saying at least 3 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 interference in lifestyle to arrogance targeting our religious values.

What happened after all? In the meantime, our calls for 3 children have been proven right. Those who criticized us in those days are forced to give up our rights today. Be assured that history will repeat itself tomorrow. The absurdity of the claims of those who accuse us of trivializing the individual or 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.