NEWS
The 19th Anatolian Meetings, organized by the Anatolian Federation from August 13-17, 2025, under the theme "Smoking Hearth: The Future of the Family," began with welcoming remarks by Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, Minister of Family and Social Services.
Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş noted that the fertility rate has fallen to 1.48, the lowest rate in Turkey's history, and said, "This figure is well below the population's self-renewal level of 2.1. If effective measures are not taken, it is projected that the median age in our country will rise to 60 by 2100."
In his speech at the 19th Anatolian Meetings program, organized by the Anatolian Federation at a hotel in Kızılcahamam under the theme "Smoking Hearth: The Future of the Family," Minister Göktaş stated that the family is one of civilization's most ancient and deeply rooted institutions.
Göktaş pointed out that throughout history, the state and nation experienced their most prosperous eras when social consciousness was strongly woven around the family, and therefore, the weakening of the family poses a major threat to the country's stability.
"THE ROLES OF MOTHERHOOD AND PATERNITY ARE BEING DISREGARDED"
Göktaş pointed out that the world is undergoing a period of major change and transformation, continuing: "Multidimensional processes such as globalization, urbanization, and digitalization are profoundly disrupting the structure, functions, and values of the family institution. The rapid spread of urban life and the centralization of technology are reshaping individuals and families. This rapid transformation is weakening traditional family values and bonds, as well as social networks of solidarity. The roles of motherhood and fatherhood are being discredited."
Göktaş, emphasizing that digital platforms weaken family communication, said, "In this age, technological advances, digitalization, gender neutralization, and economic, social, and cultural transformations are profoundly shaking the family structure. Lifestyles that prioritize individuality are becoming more widespread, especially among our youth. People are becoming increasingly isolated. Therefore, we must approach strengthening the family and preserving our family values with a strategic reflex." "WE ARE SEEING A SERIOUS DECLINE IN THE YOUNG POPULATION RATE"
Göktaş stated that another issue they are working on is demographic change, saying: "We have always been a country proud of its young and dynamic population. However, in recent years, as is the case throughout the world, we have seen a significant decline in the youth population in our country. There is a similar decline in birth rates. We have fallen to 1.48 in the fertility rate, the lowest in our country's history. This figure is well below the population's renewal level of 2.1. If effective measures are not taken, the median age in our country is projected to rise to 60 by 2100. This means half of the population will be 60 or older. Similar declines are currently causing serious population problems in other countries. If we don't take action now, we will inevitably face a similar situation. Because the population issue is not just a matter of the number of children a family has. It is a national security issue that affects everything from economic growth to social structure, from production to health."
Göktaş emphasized that the decline in marriages, the rise in divorce rates, and the increasing prevalence of single-parent families could push the country to a point where it's difficult to recover. He said: "This issue, in the words of our President, 'goes beyond a demographic challenge and poses an existential threat to the future of our nation.' This entire picture has shown us one thing: protecting the family is the only way to secure our future. Therefore, with the approval of our President, we declared 2025 the 'Year of the Family.' We wanted to raise nationwide awareness of the threats facing the family. Our goal is not only to support population growth but also to strengthen the concept of family in every aspect. In these seven months, we organized 8,394 events across the country. We conducted training, seminars, media campaigns, and fieldwork." Göktaş stated that they are carrying out comprehensive work to protect and strengthen the family structure, and that incentives such as maternity benefits and child support, as well as marriage loans for young people, announced as part of the "Year of the Family" are examples of this.
"WE ARE TAKING STEPS TO RECONCILE WORK AND FAMILY LIFE"
Minister Göktaş emphasized that the "Vision Document and Action Plan for the Protection and Strengthening of the Family," launched last year on May 15th, International Family Day, serves as a roadmap for the Ministry of Family Affairs. He stated that this plan is of particular importance as it is the first action plan to place the family at the center.
Göktaş also noted that they have established the Population Policies Board, chaired by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, to address population policies with a holistic approach. He also stated that they have established the Family Institute to conduct research that will inform social policies.
Göktaş stated that they are also taking steps to reconcile work and family life, and that the regulation enacted last month regarding the right of civil servants to work part-time is the latest example of this. Göktaş stated that Türkiye has become an exemplary country in the international arena with its family-focused social policies. He added that they held the International Family Forum on May 22-23, and with ministers and high-level participants from 26 countries, they discussed solutions that will strengthen the family against rising threats on a global scale. Göktaş emphasized that the vision presented at the forum will be an inspiration not only for Turkey but also for all countries that prioritize family and population protection, stating:
"The vision outlined by our President at the closing of the forum, declaring the 2026-2035 period the 'Decade of Family and Population,' is a clear demonstration of our country's determination and leadership in this area. Over the next 10 years, we will work to strengthen our demographic resilience and increase intergenerational solidarity. We embarked on this journey with the motto 'Our family is our future.' The Anatolian Gatherings held today are a valuable part of this effort. In this sense, I would like to reiterate that we see this gathering as a major family gathering."
"CONCERNING THE FAMILY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT GAIN OF THIS PROCESS"
Turgay Aldemir, President of the Anatolian Federation, stated that humans are not individual beings; they exist within their environment and geography, and are shaped accordingly.
Aldemir, stating that a person acquires their first social experience within their family, said, "Many of the crises currently experienced by humanity are actually problems stemming from the neglected lack of love, affection, trust, and peace within the family." Aldemir announced that the symposium would address the role of the family, the challenges it faces, and its future, saying, "Strengthening the family institution and addressing it in a multifaceted manner is the most important gain of this process. Therefore, our entire strategy is to strengthen this issue and take it to a further level."
Following the speeches, Anatolian Federation President Turgay Aldemir presented Minister Göktaş with gifts made by women working in workshops in the earthquake zone.
