08.01.2026 10:21
The Minister of Family and Social Services, Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, stated that the fertility rate in Turkey has fallen below the critical threshold of 2.1, saying, "This decline is a future issue that affects many areas, from the economy to national security." President Erdoğan also included the statement in a recent announcement, saying, "We are currently experiencing a disaster."
The Minister of Family and Social Services, Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, met with representatives of media organizations at the Darülaceze Social Living City in Istanbul, making striking statements regarding population policies, family supports, and children's digital safety. Göktaş emphasized that the fertility rate in Turkey has dropped to 1.48, stating that they consider this process a "national security and survival issue."
EMPHASIS ON "SURVIVAL" IN POPULATION DECLINE Stating that the family is the cornerstone of society, Göktaş said, "Without a strong family, there can be no strong society, and without a strong society, there can be no strong state. We place the family at the center of all our policies." The Minister noted that the fertility rate in Turkey has fallen below the critical threshold of 2.1, expressing that "This decline is not just a demographic data; it is a future issue affecting many areas from the economy to national security."
POPULATION MAY DROP TO 25-54 MILLION BY 2100 Göktaş stated that if trends continue, Turkey's population could decline to a range of 25 to 54 million by 2100, expressing that the population issue is therefore addressed as a "national security and survival problem."
CHILDREN'S VOICES ARE DIMINISHING IN HOMES Minister Göktaş pointed out that the average age of first-time mothers has increased from 25.8 in 2001 to 29.3 in 2024. Stating that 57% of households do not have children, Göktaş said, "Today, in more than half of our households, there are no children's voices. This situation shows the silent transformation in our social structure."
Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş FAMILY AND YOUTH FUND IN 81 PROVINCES Göktaş stated that the Family and Youth Fund has spread to 81 provinces as part of the Family Year, mentioning that 68,763 couples have benefited from the fund, with a total payment of 8 billion 466 million lira. Sharing the number of children born to the young beneficiaries of the fund, the Minister reported that 4,715 young people have given birth to 4,765 children.
NEW ERA IN BIRTH SUPPORTS Göktaş announced that they have reformed birth supports, stating that the one-time support for the first child has been increased to 5,000 lira, with monthly payments of 1,500 lira for the second child and 5,000 lira for the third and subsequent children. The Minister expressed that these payments will be regularly deposited into the mothers' accounts until the child turns 5, noting that a total payment of 8.7 billion lira has been made for 721,000 children.
"2026-2035 FAMILY AND POPULATION DECADE" Göktaş announced that the period of 2026-2035 has been declared the "Decade of Family and Population," stating that the works will be structured with a circular and introduced next month with the participation of the President.
30% FREE CARE FOR THE ELDERLY Göktaş stated that they see it as a priority for the elderly to live with dignity in their homes and with their families, sharing data on nursing homes and home care supports. He noted that 14,885 elderly people are served in 173 nursing homes affiliated with the Ministry, while 13,740 elderly people are served in private nursing homes, stating that 30% of the elderly receive free care. He also reported that under the home care support, 517,000 elderly and their relatives received monthly payments of 11,702 lira in 2025.
REGULATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA COMING TO THE ASSEMBLY Göktaş stated that efforts are ongoing to ensure children's safety in the digital realm, mentioning that risky content can be reported directly through the "Children are Safe" website and application. The Minister noted that they intervene in harmful content 24/7 and that direct intervention has been made in 2,904 pieces of content. Göktaş also announced that the draft law containing social media regulations for those under 15 will be sent to the Assembly Commission at the end of the month.