2025 was declared as the Year of Family… Is finances the only obstacle for marriages?
According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), the fertility rate, which was 2.38% in 2001, dropped to its lowest level of 1.51% in 2023. Between 2004 and 2023, the number of divorces increased by 89%, while the marriage rate declined by nearly 10%. These statistics are among the reasons why 2025 has been declared the "Year of the Family." On the occasion of Valentine's Day, the Ministry of Family and Social Services made a humorous post saying, “If you love, go get married.” As of January, financial support packages have been implemented for those giving birth and getting married. However, what about social efforts? At a time when domestic violence against women is on the rise, can strengthening the family and increasing the birth rate be achieved solely through financial aid? We discussed this issue with Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, President of Üsküdar University, who has conducted field research and presented findings to the ministry.
IF THIS CONTINUES, IN 20 YEARS, HOLLYWOOD CULTURE WILL DOMINATE INSTEAD OF TURKISH CULTURE
- What should we understand by the "Year of the Family"?
The declaration of the Year of the Family is a result of statistical trends. In 2023, Türkiye’s population increased by only 51,000, and birth rates declined. Divorce rates increased while marriage rates fell. I presented these statistics in Parliament three weeks ago. If no action is taken now, we will face a serious social crisis within the next 20 years. This issue is also present in Europe, but we were not like them. The family used to be one of the safest institutions in Türkiye, but we are starting to lose this. If things continue as they are, influenced by social media and digital platforms, in 20 years, our children will not be growing up in Turkish culture but in Hollywood culture. We live in an era where narcissism, selfishness, hedonism, loneliness, and unhappiness are rapidly spreading. When we talk about the Year of the Family, we should understand it as protecting our values. This should not remain a slogan but be filled with meaningful action.
OUR PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE AND MARRIAGE HAS CHANGED
- Like many people, I avoid having children due to financial concerns or settle for just one. What do you think is the real problem?
I believe the main reason is not financial but social. Of course, economic factors and income inequality play a role. However, the younger generation now receives cultural influence not from their families but from social media, the Internet, and digital platforms. Social influence is much stronger. A new culture of pleasure has emerged: "Live for the moment, earn for the moment, spend as you please." There is now a self-centered, comfort-seeking, greedy approach to life that is spreading like an epidemic. Because of this, young people see marriage and family as a burden. Our philosophy of life and marriage has changed. We often ask if society is becoming morally corrupt, that is, well, we need to look at our values.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT IS NECESSARY BUT NOT SUFFICIENT
-Looking at our values, it is clear that there is moral decay. For example, in Bolu, while dozens of people lost their lives in a fire, others continued skiing nearby…
"That is right. Morality is not genetic, culture is not genetic. These things are learned and passed down. Mating is biological, but marriage is cultural. Cultural values are transmitted through social learning. What are the values that define us? Neighborliness, keeping one's word, honesty, sharing, fidelity, empathy for the weak, standing against wrongdoing... There is a decline in these areas. The normalization of evil is a major problem. Take daytime TV talk shows, for example. Some claim they 'raise awareness,' but in reality, they normalize bad behavior.
For this reason, while financial aid programs are valuable, such solutions are short-term. Long-term and permanent solutions must focus on social concepts. Our Ministry of Family has sufficient personnel, but most work behind desks. They need to go into the field, engage with society, conduct research, and shape policies based on the findings."
"Additionally, the Ministry of National Education must take ownership of this issue. In Japan, for example, children in primary school are taught their own culture, that is, everything from etiquette to moral values that keep their society strong. Ministries should not only focus on ‘sports’ but also on ‘youth,’ not just ‘tourism’ but also ‘culture.’ I am not pessimistic. We should embrace modernity but without sacrificing our identity."
THE FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION
"Addiction is also undermining families. Currently, there are 800,000 cases under probation, which means 2-3 million people are directly affected, not including those who haven’t sought legal action. Efforts in this area must also be expanded."
A PEACEFUL FAMILY IS ESSENTIAL
"A peaceful home environment is extremely important. The more warm, safe, and harmonious a household is, the more likely a child or young adult, even if they face difficulties, will return to their family. They model their parents’ behavior. Fears about the future and marriage can only be overcome in a secure and loving family environment."
A MEDIATION SYSTEM SHOULD BE INTRODUCED IN DIVORCE CASES
-According to the We Will Stop Femicide Platform, 394 women were murdered and 259 suspicious female deaths occurred in Türkiye last year. In January alone, family massacres were reported in Ankara, Tekirdağ, and Balıkesir. In such an environment, how realistic is it to talk about strengthening families?
"Divorce is a major issue. Without addressing this, domestic violence cannot be prevented. A family mediation system should be introduced, where lawyers, spiritual advisors, psychologists, social workers, and the involved parties work together. Of course, mediation should not be forced in cases where there is clear violence. Think of it as a pre-trial stage for those who are undecided about separation. Additionally, alimony laws should be revised. Someone who was married for just six months should not be required to pay alimony for life. This discourages marriage. Law No. 6284, which addresses domestic violence and women's rights, should also be reconsidered. Right now, its solutions to family violence focus on punishment rather than prevention. For example, issuing restraining orders and using electronic bracelets, and these measures are already in place. But has violence decreased? No, it continues to increase. This is because offenders adopt a ‘I will get back at her’ mentality and commit even worse acts. Gender relations should not be about power. Of course, empowering women is crucial, but this can be achieved by providing economic independence. The government should provide insurance and financial support to married women with children who work from home. This kind of economic independence could be a woman’s greatest strength."