SMOKING STOVE THE FUTURE OF THE FAMILY

The 19th Anatolia Meetings, organized by the Anatolia Federation between August 13 and 17, 2025, with the theme “Tüten Ocak Ailenin Geleceği” (The Future of the Family), were held at the Eliz Hotel in Kızılcahamam, Ankara. 

The first day of the Anatolia Meetings began with welcoming speeches. The program continued with a recitation from the Quran, followed by welcoming speeches. The first speech was delivered by Turgay Aldemir, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Anatolia Federation. This was followed by a welcoming speech by Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, Minister of Family and Social Services. After the welcoming speeches, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Görmez delivered the opening seminar. After the opening and welcoming speeches, the Family Research Launch was held as part of the Anatolia Meetings. Following the launch, a Family Forum was held with the participants. Moderated by Atabay Çelik, the forum featured discussions on what the Anatolia Meetings mean for the participants and the importance of the concept of family.

ANATOLIA MEETINGS DAY 2

The first session of the second day of the Anatolia Meetings was held under the title “Family: The Genealogy of a Concept.” The session, moderated by Prof. Dr. Şeyhmus Demir, featured guests Şeref Malkoç, Prof. Dr. Muhammet Ruhat Yaşar, and Prof. Dr. Mahsum Aytepe. The discussion focused not on how the concept of family is experienced in a nostalgic sense, but on how it can shape perspectives for the future. 

The second day's second session was titled “The Effects of Urbanization and Architectural Structure on the Family.” Moderated by Prof. Dr. Fatih Altun, the session featured Doç. Dr. Yusuf Civelek, Dr. Öğretim Üyesi Onur Şimşek, and Dr. Öğretim Üyesi Enes Uyar as speakers. The session addressed the effects of urbanization and architectural structure on the family.

The third session of the second day was held under the title “Being a Family in Big Cities.” Üner Karabıyık participated as a speaker in the session. The session discussed the effects of living in big cities on the family.

ANATOLIA MEETINGS DAY 3

The first session of Day 3 of the Anatolia Meetings was held under the title “The Effects of Technology and Digitalization on the Family.” The session, moderated by Prof. Dr. Nusret Akpolat, featured presentations by Dr. İpek Coşkun Armağan, Prof. Dr. Hasan Hüseyin Taylan, and Dr. Ahmet Kaplan. The session discussed various topics including the effects of technology on the family, digital addiction, privacy, and social media.

The second session of the third day was titled “The Culture Industry and the Family - 1.” In the session, Prof. Dr. Zeki Bayraktar spoke on the topic of “Family and Gender Surgery: Change or Cancellation?” The definition of gender, its fundamental differences, its subcomponents, surgical operations, and psychological effects were evaluated.

The third day's third session continued under the title “Culture Industry and Family - 2.” In the session, which featured a presentation by Ayşe Böhürler, the future of the family institution within the scope of the culture industry, the expectations of young people, and social transformation were discussed.

The fourth and final session of the third day was held under the title “Youth and Family.” The session, moderated by Fatih Eren, featured speakers Emin Bulut, Gülsüm Çelik, Betül Üce, and Tarık Ergenç. Gülsüm Çelik delivered a speech during the session titled “Youth and Family.” Young people who were given the floor during the session evaluated the concepts of family and youth from their own perspectives.

ANATOLIAN MEETINGS DAY 4

The first session of Day 4 was held under the title “Religions and Family: Tradition, Modernity, and Social Transformation.” Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yayla moderated the session, with Prof. Dr. Mehmet Türkeri and Prof. Dr. Saffet Köse participating as speakers. The session discussed the impact of modernity on social transformation.

The second and final session of Day 4 was held under the title “The Future of Family and Society: The Role of NGOs and Institutions.” The session, moderated by Gazi Kılıçpar, featured Prof. Dr. Nihat Erdoğmuş, Mehmet Koca, and Rabia Aldemir as speakers. The session discussed the impact of NGOs on society and the family and presented solutions.

MEETINGS CONTINUED WITH INTERMEDIATE SESSIONS AND EVENTS

Intermediate sessions and events held during the Anatolia Meetings included the Akadder Organization Meeting, Children's Meetings, Secondary Education Workshops, Middle School Workshops, Teacher Introduction Meeting, AÖB 19. Student Council, Akadder Get-Together Meeting, AÖB Hasbihal, AÖB Discussion Circle, AÖB Music Recital, Effective Speech Session, Akadder Special Session, Teacher Special Session, Anatolia Federation Migration Meeting, General Administration Council, Emotion Workshop, Teacher Hasbihal, AÖB Workshop, Secondary Education Performance Rehearsal, Secondary Education Youth and Search for Meaning, AÖB Evaluation, Akaddder Evaluation, and Expanded General Administration Board. The units held various special sessions with the participants. Additionally, as part of the Erasmus+ KA151 project, seminars on “Civil Society Volunteering” and “Active Citizenship,” station activities, and quizzes were held with the participation of nearly 50 young people from five countries.

Following the 19th Anatolian Gatherings, gifts were presented to the volunteers who contributed to the gathering process after the evaluation session conducted by the board of directors. The program concluded with the traditional family photo.

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude for your interest and valuable participation in the 19th Anatolia Meetings. Your presence added meaning and strength to our gathering. We hope that the wonderful atmosphere we shared together will lead to new friendships, shared ideas, and lasting memories. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Anadolu Federation family who participated in the 19th Anadolu Gathering, to all participants who showed great interest, to the organizing teams, and to all volunteers who generously offered their support.”

“Smoking Stove, The Future of the Family” 19th Anatolian Meetings VTRs