SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE Social Policies of the Century of Türkiye Contact Kızılırmak Mahallesi Mevlana Bulv. No:144 Çukurambar Ankara/TÜRKİYE T +90 312 590 20 00 | webinfo@iletisim.gov.tr Printing House Certificate No.: 45590 Printing House Publisher Certificate No: 45482 2nd Edition, İstanbul, 2026 © 2026 PUBLICATIONS OF THE PRESIDENCY’S DIRECTORATE OF COMMUNICATIONS Social Policies of the Century of Türkiye ISBN: 978-625-6281-25-7 Social Policies of the Century of Türkiye Foreword President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Preface Prof. Burhanettin Duran Introduction Prof. Vedat Işıkhan Chapter I Past and Present of Social Policies 1.1. Social Policies in Historical Perspective 1.2. Institutionalisation of Social Policies in Türkiye 1.2.1. Ministry of Family and Social Services 1.2.2. Ministry of Labour and Social Security 1.2.3. The Presidential Board for Social and Youth Policies 1.3. Fundamental Principles and Objectives of Türkiye’s Social Policies Chapter II Social Policies Implemented n Türkiye Between 2002 And 2026 2.1. Overview of Türkiye’s Key Indicators Between 2002 and 2026 2.2. Social Policies for Families 2.3. Social Policies for Children 2.4. Social Policies for the Youth 2.5. Social Policies for the Elderly 2.6. Social Policies for Persons with Disabilities 2.7. Social Policies for Women 2.8. Social Policies for Veterans and Relatives of Martyrs 2.9. Social Policies for Immigrants 2.10. Social Policies for Convicts and Ex-Convicts 2.11. Social Policies for Addiction Prevention 2.12. Social Policies for Seasonal Agricultural Workers 2.13. Social Policies for Citizens Residing Abroad 2.14. Social Policies for Roma Citizens 2.15. Social Policies for Low-Income Citizens 2.16. Social Policies for Natural Disasters 2.17. Social Policies for Working Life Conclusion and Evaluation 7 7 11 11 15 15 25 27 27 33 35 40 42 46 51 53 53 57 61 71 82 87 93 102 106 110 115 118 121 123 125 128 135 145 CONTENTS Social Policies of the Century of Türkiye FOREWORD W ith the confidence and support of our nation, we have now completed 24 years on this path of service we embarked upon. The defining characteristic of this journey is its placing of justice at its core and its embrace of an approach grounded in equal opportunity that reaches every segment of society. From the Orkhon Inscriptions to the works of Kınalızade Ali Efendi, the foundational texts of our civilisation clearly demonstrate the central importance accorded to justice, especially social justice. We continue to uphold our understanding of the social state, which we have inherited from our deep rooted tradition, by mobilizing all our resources. Today, it is necessary to approach social state practices with a multidimensional and visionary perspective. This is because social state practices encompass not only financial assistance but also inclusive, integrated, and sustainable services. I would like to reiterate that this vision lies at the heart of our social state approach within the framework of the Century of Türkiye. We are working to improve the lives of all segments of society, from our children to women, from the elderly to persons with disabilities, from the families of martyrs to veterans, and from low income groups to migrants. Our foremost objective is to enhance access for every individual to social security, education, and healthcare services, and to ensure that all members of society benefit from them on an equal footing. As we have stated on many occasions, we set out with the principle “Let the human live so that the state may live”, and we continue our efforts guided by this understanding. As is well known, we faced the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, which shook the entire world, and the earthquake disaster in 2023, which deeply affected our country. Through our strong culture of solidarity and the unity of state and nation, we have been able to overcome all these challenges. During the pandemic, healthcare and vaccination services were provided uninterruptedly, covering all segments of society. Aid was swiftly delivered to our cities devastated by the earthquake, and the wounds it caused were healed in a short time. FOREWORD | 7 With the understanding that the family is the foundation of a healthy society and sustainable social development, we have adopted a people centered approach to governance and placed particular emphasis on strengthening the family. In line with this vision, we established the Family Institute. By designating 2025 as the “Year of the Family”, we enhanced societal awareness and paved the way for the development of comprehensive, long-term plans to strengthen the family. We have scaled up nationwide the social assistance programmes that were initiated to support young people on the path to marriage. Through the 2030 Barrier-Free Vision Document, we have taken concrete steps to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. This valuable book, prepared by the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications, stands as a testament to the progress Türkiye has made and the transformation it has undergone in the field of social policies. I commend all those who contributed to this valuable work, which will convey to future generations that the Century of Türkiye is being built with dedication, knowledge, compassion, and solidarity, and I express my hope that it will bring auspicious outcomes for our country and our state. PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF TÜRKİYE RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN 8 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE FOREWORD | 9 I n a time of profound global transformation, the responsibility of the state to safeguard the well-being of its citizens has become more critical than ever. Social policies now cover a broad range of practices aimed at strengthening human dignity, ensuring equal opportunity, and supporting sustainable development. Within this framework, Türkiye has adopted a human-centred and inclusive approach that places the individual at the heart of governance. Under the leadership of our President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, our country has made significant progress in many areas, including strengthening the capacity of the social state, expanding access to public services, enhancing inclusivity, and reinforcing mechanisms that protect citizens against social risks. These efforts are guided by a vision that sees social policy as a strategic foundation for building a resilient, fair, and cohesive society. The core objectives of social policy include regulating and overseeing working life, increasing economic growth, employment, and labour force participation by addressing structural challenges in the labour market, developing a skilled workforce, expanding social security coverage, and ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for all employees. In this context, strengthening the culture of occupational health and safety remains a key priority. In line with these principles, Türkiye has developed a multidimensional social policy framework that prioritises accessibility and inclusivity. Comprehensive reforms have been implemented, ranging from the expansion of social security systems and healthcare services to the strengthening of education, employment, and social assistance mechanisms. Special attention has been given to disadvantaged groups, including women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and low-income individuals, thereby reinforcing the principle of social justice. PREFACE PREFACE | 11 The digital transformation of public services has significantly impro- ved citizens’ access to services and has made their interaction with the state faster and more transparent. At the same time, it has enhanced the efficiency and transparency of service delivery. Ensuring citizens’ access to public services, which is a defining feature of the social state, remains a priority. In this regard, digital infrastructure has been stren- gthened to enable individuals to access the services they need with ease. Through innovative e-government applications and integrated service models, citizens can submit their requests and benefit from services qu- ickly through digital platforms such as e-Devlet and CİMER. Bureaucra- tic barriers are being gradually reduced, while service quality continues to improve. The expansion of digital services, particularly in education, has made an important contribution to strengthening equal opportu- nity by allowing individuals to continue their education in line with the- ir needs. All these developments reflect the strong commitment of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye Directorate of Communications to effective, transparent, and citizen-oriented governance. As the Directorate of Communications, our primary mission is to communicate Türkiye’s vision, policies, and achievements to national and international audiences in an accurate, clear, and strategic manner. This publication, titled “Social Policies of the Century of Türkiye,” is an important work that presents the transformation our country has undergone in the field of social policy. It highlights not only the scope and impact of the reforms implemented, but also the guiding principles that shape Türkiye’s approach to social development. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to the preparation of this valuable work. I believe that this publication will serve as an important reference for policymakers, academics, and practitioners, and will contribute to a deeper understanding of Türkiye’s social policy approach. HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS OF THE PRESIDENCY OF THE REPUBLIC OF TÜRKİYE PROF. BURHANETTİN DURAN INTRODUCTION | 13 Throughout history, individuals have felt a fundamental need to support one another and to act collectively in addressing shared challenges. This sense of solidarity, which initially emerged as mutual assistance among individuals, has gradually evolved into a broader social phenomenon shaped by culture, customs, traditions, and societal values. Globally, social services and social assistance activities have developed along a trajectory influenced by human relations, religion, philanthropy, volunteerism, mutual benefit, and, more recently, the principles of the social and welfare state. In this context, the profession of social work can be traced back to the voluntary efforts of philanthropic individuals who provided various forms of assistance to those in need. Over time, these activities have been shaped by the social, economic, political, and cultural conditions of societies. The need to institutionalise and professionalise these long-standing practices of solidarity and support led to the establishment of educational institutions in the field of social work. The implementation of social policies aimed at addressing social challenges is carried out through organised social services. An Outlook on Social Policies Prof. Vedat Işıkhan Minister of Labour and Social Security INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION | 15 Social policy can be defined as a framework of principles and practices that regulate the relationships between individuals, groups, communities, and social institutions, and guide interventions within these interactions. These principles are shaped by societal values and traditions, and play a decisive role in the distribution of resources and the promotion of human well-being. Social policy encompasses government plans and programmes across a wide range of areas, including education, healthcare, crime and corrections, the economy, security, and social welfare.. Adopting a holistic perspective on society and addressing all groups without discrimination, social policy encompasses all policies aimed at shaping and transforming the structure of society. The scope of social policy has continuously evolved and expanded over time. Initially, following the Industrial Revolution, this field primarily focused on individuals employed under formal labour arrangements. However, its scope gradually widened to include groups sharing similar characteristics and needs under comparable conditions. Over time, employees in the service and public sectors were also incorporated. Subsequently, groups considered disadvantaged—including persons with disabilities, the elderly, children, women, and individuals in need of care—have been integrated into social policy frameworks. Today, the scope of social policy has further expanded to include emerging areas such as consumer rights and environmental issues. In recent years, social policies have increasingly aimed to enhance quality of life across multiple dimensions by focusing on the equitable distribution of resources and the well-being of all members of society. In general terms, social policy encompasses collective efforts directed towards addressing conditions that require social improvement. Human life and well-being are shaped by the broader social systems within which individuals exist, and social policies play a central role in regulating these systems. In this respect, social policy is also regarded as an approach aimed at reducing inequalities inherent in market mechanisms. 16 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE Within this framework, the primary objective of social welfare policies is to reduce social inequalities. These policies seek to balance the distribution of income, power, and services within society. They aim to improve the living conditions of groups experiencing deprivation or social exclusion and to ensure that such groups can access fundamental and social rights. In this sense, social welfare policies are closely linked to the realisation of human rights and freedoms. They also aim to empower individuals who have limited access to decision-making processes by promoting their participation. While contributing to the development of human capital, these policies also support broader economic development. Moreover, social policies addressing income distribution and inequality play a significant role in strengthening democratic processes. Decisions in social welfare policy determine how and where society’s resources are allocated. In this respect, there are strong linkages between social welfare policies and development. Social welfare policies ensure that increases in economic production are directed towards human well-being, on the premise that such an approach contributes to a healthier society. In other words, while economic development facilitates social development, it cannot, on its own, provide solutions to all social challenges. Social policy is concerned with addressing deprivations that play a significant role in the emergence of social problems. These deprivations may be classified as material deprivation, developmental deprivation, physical deprivation, deprivation of interpersonal relationships, lack of opportunities, and deprivation of individual rights. The social problems arising from these conditions fall within the core domain of social work, as they affect all dimensions of human life and ultimately have a negative impact on what social work defines as “social functioning”. Social policies are implemented through social services. Social work operates in continuous interaction with social policy in identifying social problems, determining underlying needs, and implementing policies and practices aimed at addressing these needs. While social INTRODUCTION | 17 work and social policy are distinct disciplines and fields of practice, they jointly contribute to meeting fundamental human needs. These needs can be categorised as personal and social protection, healthcare, housing, financial security, education, employment, leisure, transport, and access to community services and resources. The integration of social work into the social welfare system became possible with the development of social welfare institutions. Indeed, the profession of social work emerged as a response to the increasing complexity and diversification of social problems, which existing disciplines and institutions were no longer able to address adequately. Accordingly, the primary objective of social work is to resolve individual and societal problems within the broader socio-economic context. Beyond the field and literature of social work, the concepts of social assistance and social work are often used interchangeably in Türkiye. This reflects a perspective that reduces the profession of social work to the provision of material and tangible support. However, social assistance—primarily concerned with economic deprivation— represents only one of the many fields of practice within social work, alongside areas such as medical social work, gerontological social work, school social work, forensic social work, and psychiatric social work. Over time, as interventions have diversified in response to different categories of social problems, specialised fields of practice have emerged to address each of these issues. In this sense, a practice that initially focused on individuals experiencing poverty has, through the development of its methods, evolved into a broader professional discipline and service domain. Consequently, with the differentiation and reorganisation of services and programmes addressing poverty from those targeting other social issues, social assistance has emerged as a distinct and significant field within the profession. Türkiye possesses a deeply rooted tradition in the fields of social work and social assistance. Strong examples of social solidarity and assistance existed among Turks in both the pre-Islamic and post- Islamic periods. During the Ottoman era, social assistance for the poor, widows, orphans, the destitute, and persons with disabilities was 18 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE provided through traditional institutions such as foundations (waqfs), guilds, and charitable establishments, closely aligned with societal customs and traditions. In particular, institutions such as avarız funds (community-based solidarity funds) and müessesat-ı hayriyye (charitable foundations) played a significant role in organising assistance for those in need. Following the proclamation of the Republic, legal regulations were introduced to protect workers, particularly in the Zonguldak and Ereğli mining regions. During this period, important initiatives were also undertaken to safeguard maternal and child health. The Society for the Protection of Children (Himaye-i Etfal Cemiyeti), established in 1917, played a key role in addressing structural gaps in the field of child protection. By institutionalising child protection, the Society aimed to safeguard children against the challenges faced across the country. In the subsequent period, one of the most significant policy initiatives in the field of social assistance was the establishment of the Social Assistance and Solidarity Encouragement Fund under Law No. 3294, which entered into force on 14 June 1986. The objective of Law No. 3294, which forms the legal basis of the Fund, is defined as follows: “to assist citizens living in absolute poverty and in need, as well as individuals who have been accepted into or have arrived in Türkiye by any means, and to ensure a more equitable distribution of income by implementing measures that strengthen social justice.” Today, the local activities of the General Directorate of Social Assistance and Solidarity are carried out across 81 provinces and 1,003 districts through Social Assistance and Solidarity Foundations. These foundations operate under the chairmanship of governors at the provincial level and district governors at the district level. In this respect, they function as a bridge between the state and citizens in need, ensuring that social assistance is delivered directly and in a timely manner. Global dynamics such as economic challenges, conflicts, wars, pandemics, natural and environmental disasters, and climate INTRODUCTION | 19 change play a decisive role in shaping the instruments, services, and implementation of social policies. In Türkiye, many social challenges tend to intensify in parallel with international developments. Among the most prominent are unemployment—particularly among young people—population ageing due to the narrowing of the demographic window of opportunity, difficulties in aligning education with employment, and limited access to welfare through work arising from labour market constraints. The impact of these global challenges is felt more acutely by disadvantaged groups. These challenges can be summarised as follows: • Increase in global income inequality; • Continuous rise in poverty and unemployment worldwide; • Challenges in accessing healthcare services; • Issues in access to clean water and food; • Increase in migration flows resulting from regional conflicts, and the associated multidimensional crises in public health, housing, and food security; • The global repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic since 2019, leading to systemic disruptions in economic, social, and healthcare systems; • Decline in economic growth in numerous countries following recessions; • Challenges within social security systems and work processes emerging with the advent of new working models; • Escalation of environmental disasters caused by global warming and the climate crisis; • Rising public anxiety and concerns regarding political systems; • Increase in the number of challenges stemming from demographic 20 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE transformation (the increasing ratio of the elderly population in all societies, rising unemployment, the decrease in the labour force, etc.); • Intensification of global challenges (especially in terms of grain and energy) following the onset of the Russia–Ukraine crisis on 24 February 2022; • The global energy crisis triggered by the Iran War. Against this backdrop, by transforming emerging challenges and crises into opportunities, Türkiye has significantly increased its economic growth and development in its region despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Türkiye has implemented social policies that contribute to addressing these economic and social challenges and has consistently enhanced the welfare level of its citizens. Despite all pressures and the earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş, characterised as the disaster of the century, Türkiye has successfully implemented its investment, employment, production, export, and growth targets, which play a pivotal role in its economic development model. Türkiye ensures the redistribution of welfare through revenues generated from economic growth and exerts every effort to achieve the goal of a ‘Strong Türkiye’, where the needs of all social groups, particularly disadvantaged groups, can be met. As Türkiye’s economic power increases, the capacity to meet the basic needs of its citizens also expands. In this regard, establishing systems capable of addressing new or unmet needs of citizens requiring social policies, and ensuring the sustainability of these systems, is among Türkiye’s most vital objectives. The social policy objectives of the “Century of Türkiye” aim to project the nation into the future by consistently increasing the welfare level of citizens through a social state approach. This approach is founded upon the continuous development of human rights and freedoms, remains human-centred, supports green economic development, ensures equality and social justice, and strengthens the individual, the family, and society. Furthermore, it is based on a pluralistic, integrative, INTRODUCTION | 21 and participatory democracy that reinforces social solidarity and fosters confidence and unity across all segments of society. In the context of the social policies of the “Century of Türkiye”, a cardinal objective for Türkiye is to progress from its historical heritage toward new policy practices and goals. To this end, the primary targets will be to sustain and develop policies that encompass the entire society, aim for full employment, and never compromise on social justice, human rights, a rights-based approach, and equality. Furthermore, prioritising the equitable distribution and sharing of income, alongside access to welfare through work and the expansion of prosperity to all segments of society, will be central to these future advancements. This book attempts to summarise social services, social assistance, and social policies implemented in the construction of a Strong Türkiye over approximately the last twenty-four years, specifically between 2002 and 2026. Thus, it explores how the welfare regime has transformed and evolved during this period. As a guiding resource, this book is expected to make a significant contribution to both domestic and international researchers, experts, professionals, NGOs, public and private institutions, and universities working in the field of social policy. The Directorate of Communications, which provides a significant contribution to the communication processes of all public institutions, most notably those of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, and defines a contemporary vision for these processes, carries out pioneering work in many fields that shape the future of Türkiye. I would like to express my gratitude to the Directorate of Communications, to Professor Burhanettin Duran, Head of Communications, as well as his team for their support for our book titled ‘Social Policies of the Century of Türkiye’. I strongly believe that we will attain the goal set by our President, H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, that ‘the 21st century shall be the Century of Türkiye’ through strong, sustainable, and inclusive social policies encompassing the entire population. 22 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE 01 Past and Present of Social Policies 1.1. Social Policies in Historical Perspective S ocial policies emerged as a consequence of the profound destitution experienced by the working class, who generated immense wealth during the Industrial Revolution in 19th- century Western Europe but failed to receive an adequate share of it. By giving rise to new social classes, new interests, and new problems, the Industrial Revolution led to widespread social discontent and protest movements. Considerable challenges in terms of social policy emerged during this era. Urban unemployment and migration triggered an increase in crime and violence; the extended family was replaced by the nuclear family, and joblessness led to familial disintegration, resulting in a rise in divorce rates. New social issues such as old age, industrial accidents, divorce, urbanization, migration, and delinquency, which had not been prioritised until then, came to the forefront. In countries that industrialised during the Industrial Revolution, states began taking decisions and initiating social policy practices through laws enacted to protect labour relations and the lives of employees. These initiatives, envisaging special protection for women and children at the outset and for adult male workers in their labour relations and working lives later on, created a new field of study and PAST AND PRESENT OF SOCIAL POLICIES | 27 01 Past and Present of Social Policies led to the rise of a social science discipline which came to be known as “social policy”. During this period, social policy evolved into a field dealing with the principles adopted, decisions taken, and practices maintained by the state in order to protect the labour force, within the context of labour relations and working life, against adverse working conditions or employer practices. The concept of social policy, first used in the second half of the 19th century in a work by Professor Wilhelm Heinrich in Germany, gained prominence alongside the labour issues that emerged during the Industrial Revolution. Consequently, some scholars defined social policy as a scientific discipline aimed at mitigating conflicts, imbalances between classes, and fostering social harmony among them. Especially after the Second World War, the scope of social policy expanded alongside the development of the welfare state, which aimed to identify and meet the needs of citizens to ensure a minimum standard of living and level of well-being. In line with the ideal of ensuring societal welfare and social peace, social policy encompasses measures intended to mitigate the imbalances and injustices that economic developments may create within society. Within this context, social policy aims to ensure that social classes coexist harmoniously within the social structure. It generates policies directed towards resolving, through peaceful and consensual means, tensions and conflicts that tend to fragment social cohesion. The attainment of a function and character that provide social equality and social justice has been made possible by establishing these policies on a legal foundation, such as socio-economic rights, and by adding a social dimension to the concept of citizenship. Social policy plays a crucial role in maintaining social order. The state’s effort to establish consensus among social classes and interests, while aiming to provide a minimum standard of living to all citizens without discrimination, necessitates measures to reinforce social cohesion. Furthermore, the state’s obligation to provide services that cannot be left solely to market mechanisms, in order to protect the interests of society, makes such measures necessary. 28 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE Therefore, issues such as production, income and its redistribution, health, social services, education, and housing policies constitute the foundations of social policy in its broad sense. Today, social policies are directed towards combating issues that adversely affect social life and threaten social cohesion. From this perspective, social policy addresses the new social problems brought about by modern life in all systems, not merely within the capitalist system. Especially in Western societies, the increasing diversification of the problems and needs of individuals and groups has led to an expansion of the scope of social policy and a diversification of its practices. Consequently, the protection of rights related to social exclusion, discrimination, women, youth, children, the elderly, ex- convicts, migrants, persons with disabilities, the environment, and consumers has gained prominence as third-generation social policies. While these processes and developments in the field of social policy were unfolding globally, social policy practices in the form of social assistance and solidarity were also evident in Turkish history during the same periods. In ancient Turkish civilisation, segments of society in need of protection, including children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and women, were specifically protected, cared for, and supported. The Ottoman Empire maintained a responsive approach to social issues for 600 years. The poor, the incapacitated, the sick, the needy, the destitute, orphans, widows, children, and the elderly were addressed within this perspective, and appropriate social policies were developed for them. In smaller settlements of the Ottoman Empire, the need for social protection was largely met by family members, relatives, and neighbours within the framework of large families and a closed economic structure based on agriculture. Through a strong sense of solidarity, people served as each other’s supporters and protectors for centuries. Furthermore, it is well established that foundations established through the initiatives and donations of sovereigns, members of the dynasty, administrators, and wealthy families, and particularly the ‘avarız’ (community provident funds), whose sole purpose was social assistance, filled a significant gap for the poor, PAST AND PRESENT OF SOCIAL POLICIES | 29 widows, persons with disabilities, orphans, the sick, and the destitute elderly in need of protection. It can be argued that the social policy framework of the Ottoman Empire emerged following the reign of Mahmud II, beginning with the Tanzimat Edict. Meanwhile, at the global scale, the development of social policy progressed in parallel with the Industrial Revolution. From the last quarter of the 19th century onwards, the Ottoman Empire witnessed the introduction of regulations and policies pertaining to social policy. In particular, the reign of Abdulhamid II provided significant contributions to the advancement of this process through practices that began to cultivate an institutional welfare state identity. It can be stated that the formation of the modern welfare state generally commenced after 1850. In Türkiye, the first modern social policy practices were observed during the Tanzimat and Constitutional Monarchy (Meşrutiyet) periods, when Westernisation efforts emerged. Social policies in the Ottoman Empire can be categorised in broad terms into social assistance, social security, public health policies, and regulations pertaining to labour life. The delivery of social assistance to the populace was facilitated through social assistance institutions such as the Darülaceze, ‘avarız’ (community provident funds), “fukaraperver societies” (charitable societies), the Ottoman Red Crescent Society, and “darüleytamlar” (orphanages). During the Republic period, the state implemented policies aimed at protecting workers in the Zonguldak and Ereğli coalmines through legal regulations. Following the Great Depression of 1929, the planned mixed economy model adopted by Western societies and the underlying welfare state approach served as a model for Türkiye, providing an environment in which various legal frameworks took effect. Immediately following the Second World War, social policies in Türkiye experienced rapid expansion in terms of both scope and substance. Although it was not as significant or swift as the developments achieved between 1945 and 1950, the 1950s witnessed the introduction of new initiatives and sustained progress. The development of social policies in Türkiye regained momentum during 30 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE the 1960s. The political and economic crises experienced during the 1970s and 1980s led to numerous setbacks for social policies. Driven by global technological, economic, and political developments, social policies have undergone a profound transformation in both conceptual and practical terms. This shift has highlighted the necessity of formulating social policies that encompass the whole of society, rather than being limited solely to those within the social protection system. The persistent expansion of the remit of social policies has led to a diversification of the areas addressed by these policies over time. Consequently, the focus of social policies has evolved beyond being strictly confined to labour relations and working life, adopting a scope that encompasses all individuals throughout their lifespan. In parallel with this development, the focus of social policies no longer merely targets the adversities of working life, but now includes the individual, social, and economic risks, limitations, and barriers that individuals encounter or may encounter within social life. In this context, the concept of social protection has acquired a broader meaning, ranging from poverty to discrimination, and involving the provision of assistance, support, care, and the undertaking of social responsibilities. Social work and social policy operate in tandem to promote social justice, human rights, and social welfare at a societal level. The engagement of social work in the formulation of social policies is instrumental in the realisation of these strategic goals. Since its inception, social work has, within a framework of professional responsibility, contributed to shaping social policies that directly impact the welfare and well-being of individuals in need. In Türkiye, a significant portion of the services designed for children, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and women in need of protection and care is led by the Ministry of Family and Social Services (MoFSS). Moreover, social policy practices targeting families, youth, and society are maintained through a multi-actor framework that encompasses relevant ministries alongside civil society organisations, local authorities, and the private sector. PAST AND PRESENT OF SOCIAL POLICIES | 31 In the contemporary era, social policy implementations in Türkiye continue to evolve in alignment with the country’s welfare regime. It remains the duty of the state to formulate social policies of a preventive, protective, therapeutic, rehabilitative, developmental, and transformative nature to protect citizens against economic and social risks. As will be explored in the subsequent chapters of this book, Türkiye has implemented significant social policy measures over the past two decades with the aim of enhancing the welfare of its citizens. 32 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE 1.2. Institutionalisation of Social Policies in Türkiye Until the 1990s, an effective coordination and administrative mecha- nism among the organisations responsible for the implementation of social assistance policies could not be established in Türkiye. This fragmented structure in social assistance persisted until 2000; during this period, the lack of inter-institutional cooperation and the shorta- ge of qualified personnel limited the provision of services at the desi- red level and quality for those in need. Following the 2001 economic crisis, the segment of the population either living in poverty or at risk of falling below the poverty line expanded significantly. From 2002 onwards, a comprehensive transformation process was initiated in Türkiye across political, economic, and social assistance spheres. The policies developed and implemented during this period to address the needs of the unemployed, the elderly requiring care, and other disadvantaged groups facilitated a substantial improvement in the socio-economic status of lower- and middle-income groups. While the resources allocated to social assistance in Türkiye have increased steadily over the years, a distinct institutional diversification among the implementing agencies has also been observed. Social Assistance (Resources allocated to social assistance have steadily increased) 2002 2024 Increase Amount of Social Assistance (Billion TL) 1,3 491,7 378-fold Rate of Social Assistance / GDP 0,38% 1,1% 3-fold Rate of Social Assistance / Central Budget 1,19% 4,5% 4-fold Distribution of Social Assistance to Institutions (2024) No Institution Transferred Amount (TL) Rate (%) 1 Ministry of Family and Social Services 351 Billion TL 71,4 2 Municipalities 77 Billion TL 15,6 3 General Directorate of Student Loans and Dormitories 29 Billion TL 5,9 4 Ministry of Labour and Social Security 15 Billion TL 3,1 TOTAL 491,7 Billion TL 100 PAST AND PRESENT OF SOCIAL POLICIES | 33 The General Directorate of Social Services, which commenced its activities in 1963 under Law No. 225, served until the establishment of the General Directorate of Social Services and Child Protection Agency (SHÇEK) under Law No. 2828 in 1983. This legislation consolidated the social services previously administered by various organisations in Türkiye under a single institutional structure. In 1986, the Social Assistance and Solidarity Encouragement Fund (SYDTF) was established under Law No. 3294 with the aim of providing sustainable solutions in the field of social assistance. The social assistance activities conducted under the Fund were implemented through the Social Assistance and Solidarity Foundations (SYDV). The General Directorate of Social Assistance and Solidarity, established in 2004, implemented social assistance programmes by utilising the resources of the Fund. The Administration for Disabled People, established under the Prime Ministry via Statutory Decree No. 571 in 1997 to ensure the orderly, effective, and efficient execution of services for persons with disabilities, expanded its mandate through Law No. 5378 on persons with disabilities, which entered into force on 7 July 2005 in alignment with the national disability policy. All operations of the General Directorate of Family and Social Research, the General Directorate on the Status of Women, the Social Services and Child Protection Agency, the General Directorate of Social Assistance and Solidarity, the Administration for People with Disabilities, and the General Directorate of Non-Contributory Payments were consolidated under the Ministry of Family and Social Policies, which was established in accordance with the provisions of Statutory Decree No. 633 in 2011. In Türkiye, social policies are implemented through a multi- actor framework led by the Ministry of Family and Social Services (MoFSS), involving the coordinated efforts of the Ministry of Interior (governorates and local authorities), the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MoLSS), the Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR), the Ministry of National Education, the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat), the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, the Housing Development Administration (TOKİ), the General Directorate of Foundations, and the Ministry of Health, alongside civil society organisations (CSOs), the private sector, and volunteers. 34 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE 1.2.1. Ministry of Family and Social Services The Family Research Institution, established under the Prime Mi- nistry in accordance with Statutory Decree No. 396 in 1989 to conduct studies for the protection of family integrity, its strengthening, and the enhancement of social welfare, was transformed into the General Directorate of Family and Social Research under the Prime Ministry in accordance with Law No. 5256 in 2004. Likewise, the General Di- rectorate on the Status and Problems of Women, which was establis- hed under the Prime Ministry in accordance with Statutory Decree No. 422 in 1990 to strengthen the status of women and protect their rights, was restructured under Law No. 5251 in 2004. The Ministry of Family and Social Policies was established in 2011 in accordance with Statutory Decree No. 633. Following the transition to the Presidential Government System in 2018, the Ministry of Family and Social Policies and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security were merged, as per Statutory Decree No. 703, to form the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Services. As per the Presidential Decree on Amending Certain Presidential Decrees, published in the Official Gazet- te No. 31461 of 21 April 2021, the Ministry of Family and Social Services and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security were established as inde- pendent administrative structures. The duties and responsibilities of the Ministry of Family and Social Services (MoFSS) are defined as formulating policies and strategies concerning social services and assistance, generating policies to pre- serve the structure and fabric of the family, combating child abuse and social inequality, safeguarding the rights of persons with disabi- lities, and protecting those in need of social assistance. PAST AND PRESENT OF SOCIAL POLICIES | 35 The duties and responsibilities of the Ministry of Family and Social Services (MoFSS) were established as follows: a) To conduct the necessary studies for the formulation of national- level policies and strategies concerning social services and assistance; to implement and monitor these policies; and to develop and update them in accordance with emerging service models. b) To ensure the healthy transfer of family structure and values to future generations by protecting them against social and cultural erosion; to coordinate the necessary efforts for the formulation of national policies and strategies; to execute social service and assistance activities aimed at preserving family integrity and enhancing family welfare; and to ensure cooperation and coordination among relevant public institutions, organisations, and voluntary entities in this field. c) To ensure the healthy development of children by protecting them against all forms of neglect and abuse; to coordinate the necessary efforts for the formulation of national policies and strategies; to execute social service and assistance activities for children; and to ensure cooperation and coordination among relevant public institutions, organisations, and voluntary entities in this field. ç) To ensure that women benefit equally from rights, opportunities, and services in all areas of social life by preventing discrimination against women and protecting and improving their human rights; to coordinate the necessary efforts for the formulation of national policies and strategies; to execute social service and assistance activities for women; and to ensure cooperation and coordination among relevant public institutions, organisations, and voluntary entities in this field. d) To ensure the effective participation of persons with disabilities and the elderly in social life without discrimination or exposure to barriers, neglect, or exclusion; to coordinate the implementation of national policies and strategies; to execute social service and assistance activities for persons with disabilities and the elderly; to ensure cooperation and coordination among relevant public 36 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE institutions, organisations, and voluntary entities in this field; and to take measures to support the vocational rehabilitation of persons with disabilities. e) In order to preserve the memory of martyrs and to ensure the protection of the relatives of martyrs and veterans against all forms of grievance or deprivation; to coordinate the necessary efforts for the formulation of national policies and strategies; to execute social service and assistance activities for the relatives of martyrs and veterans; and to ensure cooperation and coordination among relevant public institutions, organisations, and voluntary entities in this field. f) To execute assistance activities for segments of society in need of social assistance and protection in an orderly and effective manner; to coordinate the necessary efforts for the formulation of national policies and strategies concerning the fight against poverty; and to ensure cooperation and coordination among relevant public institutions, organisations, and voluntary entities in this field. Distribution of Social Assistance Activities Conducted by the Ministry of Family and Social Services (2024) 1 The elderly and persons with disabilities 161 Billion TL 2 Assistance to families 77 Billion TL 3 Assistance to Children 42 Billion TL 4 Assistance on Housing and Energy 32 Billion TL 5 Assistance on Health Services 21 Billion TL 6 Assistance on Education 10 Billion TL 7 Other types of assistance 8 Billion TL TOTAL 351 Billion TL g) To strengthen the family through education, counselling, and social assistance, primarily to ensure that the child is raised and supported within the family; to identify children, women, persons with disabilities, and the elderly in need of protection, care, and assistance; to execute the necessary services to ensure their protection, care, upbringing, and rehabilitation; and to establish and operate day-care and residential institutions for the delivery of these services. PAST AND PRESENT OF SOCIAL POLICIES | 37 ğ) To protect family integrity; to provide all forms of material, moral, and social support to the members and children of fragmented families in need of protection, assistance, and care; to carry out the necessary planning for this purpose; and to conduct educational activities. h) To determine the principles, procedures, and standards concerning social services and assistance conducted by public institutions and organisations, voluntary entities, and natural or legal persons; to carry out supervision and inspections within this framework; and to develop the mandatory qualifications required for institutions and organisations operating in this field, as well as programmes to guide them. ı) To process, control, and monitor information concerning social service and assistance activities and their beneficiaries through a database to be established within a centralised system; and to evaluate such information within the context of policies, strategies, and measures to be developed. i) To monitor international developments and activities in the field of social services and assistance; to contribute to and evaluate them for use in future studies; and to ensure the national implementation of international conventions and agreements to which the state is a party in this field. The vision of the Ministry of Family and Social Services (MoFSS) is to develop and implement holistic and equitable social service models aimed at the protection, strengthening, and development of the individual, the family, and social values. The mission of the MoFSS is to be a pioneering institution in the social development of Türkiye by reaching every member of society through effective social service delivery. The development and implementation of holistic and equitable social service models for the protection, strengthening, and development of the individual, the family, and social values fall within the scope of the mission of the MoFSS. 38 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE The share of social assistance in the general budget was 1.6 billion TL in 2002 and reached 5 Trillion TL in 2024. Through social assistance provided under various categories, inclu- ding family, disability, elderly care, housing, food, health, education, and project support, the Ministry of Family and Social Services (MoF- SS) supports those in need by administering comprehensive social support packages covering a wide range of areas. Support Provided Under Social Policy Social Protection Expenditure Home Care Fee Healthcare Budget Minimum Wage Education Budget Pension for Over-65s KYK Dormitory Count KYK Grant / Loan UN Development Index 0 13,5 Billion TL 2002 2022 184 TL 11 Billion TL 31 TL 190 45 TL 665 Billion TL (2020) 3.336,03 TL (July 2022) 304 Billion TL 4.253 TL 274 Billion TL 1.536,70 TL (July 2022) 790 850 TL Social Security Coverage AVERAGE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT ADVANCED HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Proportion of Women Represented Home Healthcare Recipient 46 Million Total population 0 857 Bin 4,4% 17,24% 33,5 Billion TL PAST AND PRESENT OF SOCIAL POLICIES | 39 1.2.2. Ministry of Labour and Social Security The Ministry of Labour was established on 7 June 1945 in accordance with Presidential Memorandum No. 4/591, based on Article 1 of Law No. 3271 on the Division of State Departments into Ministries, following a proposal by the Prime Ministry. Subsequently, Law No. 4763 on the Organisation and Duties of the Ministry of Labour was enacted on 22 June 1945. Law No. 4841 on the Organisation and Duties of the Ministry of Labour, dated 28 January 1946 (Official Gazette of 30 January 1946), provided a more comprehensive definition of duties compared to Law No. 4763 and introduced regulations concerning the central and provincial organisation. Various modifications were later made to the institutional structure of the Ministry through laws and Statutory Decrees enacted in 1974, 1983, 1985, and 2000. Within the scope of the transition to the Presidential Government System, the Ministry of Family and Social Policies and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MoLSS) were merged in 2018 in accordance with Statutory Decree No. 703 to form the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Services. Its powers, duties, and responsibilities were subsequently defined by Presidential Decree No. 1. Later, through the Presidential Decree on the Establishment of the Ministry of Family and Social Services and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, published in the Official Gazette No. 31461 of 21 April 2021, the Ministry of Family and Social Services and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security were re-established as separate ministries. 40 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE The duties and responsibilities of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MoLSS) are defined as regulating working life, taking protective measures in labour relations, promoting employment and full employment to improve the living standards of workers, developing policies concerning the international labour force, ensuring occupational health and safety, and supporting social justice and social welfare. The duties and powers of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security are as follows: a) To take regulatory and protective measures aimed at maintaining industrial peace in employee–employer relations; b) To conduct research on current and potential issues in working life and their possible solutions; c) To examine the measures required to provide the labour force needed by the economy and to support their implementation; d) To take measures to ensure employment and full employment, and to improve the living standards of workers; e) To take measures to provide vocational training for workers; f) To take measures to ensure the vocational rehabilitation of persons with disabilities; g) To take measures to ensure occupational health and safety; h) To inspect and supervise working life; i) To take the necessary measures to support social justice and social welfare; j) To implement social insurance services against various physiological, economic, and social risks; k) To provide social security services and to take the necessary measures for their expansion and development; l) To seek solutions to issues concerning the working life and social security of Turkish workers employed abroad, and to protect and develop their rights and interests; PAST AND PRESENT OF SOCIAL POLICIES | 41 m) To take measures to protect workers and support employment in order to develop working life; n) To ensure the administration and supervision of affiliated organisations in accordance with their mandates and relevant legislation; o) To compile and publish labour statistics; p) To perform other duties and services assigned by relevant legislation. The vision of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MoLSS) is to establish an innovative working life aligned with international norms and standards, in which labour and rights are fundamental within a social state governed by the rule of law, and where industrial harmony is maintained through effective dialogue mechanisms. The mission of the MoLSS is to regulate and inspect working life; to increase the contribution of economic growth to employment, as well as overall employment and labour force participation rates, by addressing structural issues in the labour market; to develop qualified human resources; to take measures to expand social security; and to ensure a healthy and safe working environment for all employees by promoting a strong occupational health and safety culture. 1.2.3. The Presidential Board for Social and Youth Policies With the entry into force of Law No. 6771 of 21/01/2017 on Amending the Constitution of the Republic of Türkiye, the transition from a parliamentary system to the Presidential Government System was completed, leading to significant changes in public policy actors and processes. According to Presidential Decree No. 1 on the Presidential Organisation, the presidential structure comprises the Private Secretariat of the President, the Secretariat General of the Presidency, Presidential Policy Boards, affiliated institutions and organisations, and Presidential Offices. 42 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE Since June 2018, under the Presidential Government System, nine boards have been established directly under the Presidency. One of these is the Board for Social and Youth Policies. The duties and powers of the Board for Social and Youth Policies are as follows: a) To formulate policy proposals to enhance the effectiveness of activities targeting segments of society in need, b) To formulate policy proposals for the protection and strengthening of the family institution and for ensuring harmony between work and family life, c) (Added Provision: Official Gazette No. 32855 of 28/3/2025 – Presidential Decree No. 183/Art. 5) To conduct research and provide policy proposals aimed at supporting the personal and social development of youth, ç) (Added Provision: Official Gazette No. 32855 of 28/3/2025 – Presidential Decree No. 183/Art. 5) To develop policy proposals to ensure the active participation of youth in all areas of social life, d) (Added Provision: Official Gazette No. 32855 of 28/3/2025 – Presidential Decree No. 183/Art. 5) To develop policy proposals for protecting youth from harmful habits, e) To develop policy proposals for improving working conditions, f) To develop policy proposals aimed at ensuring income security and fairness in income distribution, g) To develop policy proposals for the promotion of social welfare, ğ) To formulate policy proposals concerning disadvantaged groups, h) To develop policy proposals for addressing migration and immigrant-related issues. In essence, the mandate of the Board for Social and Youth Policies is to monitor, evaluate, and report on social policies implemented across Türkiye; to develop forward-looking policy strategies and recommendations; and to present these to the President. PAST AND PRESENT OF SOCIAL POLICIES | 43 A fundamental element in the formulation of social policies in Türkiye is the evaluation of the effectiveness and success of policies designed and implemented to address social issues. Another key responsibility of the Presidential Board for Social and Youth Policies is to identify the nature and scope of social policies implemented for society at large, with a particular focus on disadvantaged groups. This requi- res assessing how policies are perceived by citizens, identifying the specific social problems experienced at the local level, understanding citizens’ expectations regarding their resolution, and anticipating potential familial, economic, and social risks that may emerge in the future. Accordingly, planning and conducting scientific research and workshops in coordination with ministries and relevant stakeholders constitute one of the primary tasks of the Board. Presidential Organisation of the Republic of Türkiye MINISTRY OF JUSTICE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTRY OF INTERIOR MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENCE MINISTRY OF NATIONAL EDUCATION MINISTRY OF HEALTH MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, URBANISATION AND CLIMATE CHANGE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND TOURISM MINISTRY OF YOUTH AND SPORTS MINISTRY OF FAMILY AND SOCIAL SERVICES ORGANISATION OF THE PRESIDENCY OF THE REPUBLIC OF TÜRKIYE MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY MINISTRY OF TRADE MINISTRY OF TREASURY AND FINANCE MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION POLICIES BOARD OF EDUCATION AND TEACHING POLICIES BOARD OF ECONOMIC POLICIES COUNCIL OF SECURITY AND FOREIGN POLICIES COUNCIL OF LEGAL POLICIES COUNCIL OF CULTURAL AND ARTS POLICIES COUNCIL OF HEALTH POLICIES COUNCIL OF SOCIAL AND YOUTH POLICIES COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD POLICIES COUNCIL OF LOCAL ADMINISTRATIONS AND DISASTER POLICIES SECRETARIAT-GENERAL OF THE PRESIDENCY OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF CABINET TO THE PRESIDENT INVESTMENT AND FINANCE OFFICE VICE PRE SIDENT 44 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE As part of the “7 Regions, 7 Provinces Programme,” the Social Policies Council takes into account the requests and suggestions of provincial representatives to evaluate social policies and address issues arising from their implementation on-site in seven provinces selected to rep- resent the regions of Türkiye (Mardin, Konya, Artvin, Van, Edirne, İz- mir, Hatay). The reports, which outline the key pillars of social policy strategies, are prepared and submitted to the Presidency. These re- ports are also expected to contribute to the collection of data that will serve as a basis for the Social Policy Strategy Document. PAST AND PRESENT OF SOCIAL POLICIES | 45 1.3. Fundamental Principles and Objectives of Türkiye’s Social Policies Social policy, representing all efforts to address social issues, is expanding rapidly due to fast-paced changes in the economy, environment, technology, and social structure. Social issues are inherently dynamic. Globalisation and the resulting rapid changes in economic and social life have led to significant shifts in the objectives, functions, and tools of social policies. Social policy has moved beyond the sole aim of resolving conflicts of interest between workers and employers and has expanded to include the provision of education, healthcare, social services, social security, and housing. Today, it covers not only disadvantaged groups such as children, women, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and former convicts, but also encompasses new industrial relations, social security systems, the active participation of professional associations and NGOs, environmental issues, and consumer rights. Over the past twenty-four years, the social policies implemented by Türkiye under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have set notable precedents in terms of reaching people and addressing a wide range of social issues. Policy strategies are designed to offer citizens additional rights and opportunities, to ensure equality, and to promote a more equitable distribution of prosperity, thereby contributing to sustainable human development. Efforts have been made to build a strong and enduring welfare model that empowers citizens—particularly disadvantaged groups—to participate more fully in social life. During this period, Türkiye’s social policies have made significant progress in protective and preventive measures, particularly in the areas of family, education, housing, health, and workplace safety. Sustaining these achievements remains essential for overall social welfare. The primary objective of social policies in Türkiye is to ensure social justice and social welfare. Since the early 2000s, Türkiye has implemented rights-based social policies to improve citizens’ quality of life. The primary objective of social policy within the broader context of national development is to minimise disparities in access to healthcare, education, housing, and social services, as well as to 46 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE economic resources, among individuals and social groups that make up society. Individuals and social groups should benefit equally and fairly from all forms of public services, such as education, health, housing, and social assistance—regardless of the regions where they live. Public services need to focus on rural areas, low- income neighbourhoods, and underdeveloped regions, where people benefit the least from these services. Even in the most ideal societies, it is not possible to achieve full equality and balance among individuals and groups in all areas. Nevertheless, in a welfare state, reducing social and economic imbalances and inequalities remains a fundamental objective. From the perspective of the demographic dividend, social policies targeting younger generations are of great importance in Türkiye. The effective implementation of population, social services, education, and health policies to build a skilled workforce; fostering individuals’ ability to adapt to change and ensuring that they are not only users but also producers of knowledge and technology; the adoption of a green economy that integrates environmental considerations into economic development; and ensuring intergenerational equity and sustainability in regulations related to labour and social security, as well as in the use of natural resources (environmentally conscious social services)—all these issues play an essential role in shaping the future of social policies in Türkiye. Social justice is the core principle in the provision of social services. Social services, which are dedicated to advancing human rights and social welfare, share the same fundamental objective as social policy. Establishing service standards, employing qualified personnel, and strengthening service oversight in the fields of social services and social assistance are crucial for the future. In addition, it is necessary to develop alternative models for children in need of protection, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and women; to make the physical environment accessible to persons with disabilities; to increase their participation in education and the labour market; and to improve the quality of care and support services. The need to diversify and expand care services for the growing elderly population remains a critical priority in today’s social policies in Türkiye. PAST AND PRESENT OF SOCIAL POLICIES | 47 The social policy approach of Türkiye aims to enhance citizens’ well- being and build a strong future by upholding a social state philosophy that ensures human rights and freedoms, adopts a people-centred approach, supports green economic development, promotes social justice, and strengthens individuals, families, and society. It is also based on a multicultural, inclusive, and participatory democratic framework, thereby reinforcing social solidarity and fostering trust and unity across all segments of society. The mission of social policies embodies the following qualities: • Rights-based • Effective • Accessible • Efficient • Empowering the individual, family, and society • Accountable • Promoting well-being across the board • Fair • Measurable and evaluable • Disciplined • Innovative • Sustainable • Service and solution-oriented • Respectful of social values Since 2002, social policy objectives encompassing all segments of family and society have played a significant role in improving Türkiye’s standard of living. The social policy vision implemented over the past 24 years aims to establish systems that promote social integration, provide equal opportunities and rights for all, and ensure 48 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE greater justice, equality, material well-being, and participation within the framework of sustainable human development. Preserving the integrity of the family remains of utmost importance. The primary focus is to protect, support, and care for children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly within their own communities, enabling them to realise their full social potential and become self- reliant. Social policies, which are among the most important tools for reaching citizens—or, in other words, “touching the lives of citizens”—are in a constant state of change, just like individuals and societies. Within the social policy framework, analysing the evolving needs of citizens, identifying potential economic and social risks, developing solutions, and implementing them are crucial. Ensuring that all services related to social policies are accessible to citizens remains a key objective. The mission of Türkiye’s social policies is to plan, finance, deliver, and ensure the sustainability of services that address the needs of all citizens within the scope of social policy. Social policies play a critical role in economic well-being. The government continues its efforts to mitigate social issues arising from the economic development process and to enhance citizens’ well-being. To ensure sustainability in economic and social development on the path towards a social state, policy strategies such as promoting social integration, generating employment opportunities, strengthening social justice, and reducing poverty have been implemented. Through social policies, priority is given to practices that enable socially excluded groups— such as children, women, the elderly, persons with disabilities, the unemployed, and the poor—to participate in society. Currently, rights-based social policies that enhance citizens’ well- being and promote social justice and equality are being implemented in Türkiye. Social problems faced by citizens are addressed through a wide range of services focusing on education, housing, health, social assistance, and social services. Analysing the historical development of these services is essential in demonstrating the progress Türkiye has made over the past twenty-four years. PAST AND PRESENT OF SOCIAL POLICIES | 49 02 SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 2.1. Overview of Türkiye’s Key Indicators between 2002 and 2026 A key objective of social policies across countries is to re- duce income inequality and poverty. In this context, eco- nomic indicators provide important insights for shaping social policies. The data on the social policy and social service initiatives implemented by Türkiye over the past twenty ye- ars, as outlined below, are significant in demonstrating the progress achieved in social welfare. One of the most commonly used tools for measuring equity in income distribution is the Gini coefficient. The Gini coefficient is a statistical measure that reflects how a country’s national income is distributed among its population. This coefficient not only indicates the level of wealth but also shows how evenly that wealth is distributed. As the Gini coefficient approaches zero, income distribution becomes more equal; as it approaches one, inequality increases. According to the results of the latest Income and Living Conditions Survey (2024) conducted by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), Türkiye’s Gini coefficient is estimated at 0.433. The change between 2002 and 2026 is shown in the graph below. 02 Social Policies Implemented in Türkiye Between 2002 and 2026 GINI COEFFICIENT 0,440 0,433 2002 2024 Changes in the Gini Coefficient SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 53 Economic growth is generally defined as an increase in an economy’s productive capacity over a given period of time. It is measured by calculating the rise in a country’s real gross domestic product (GDP) over a quarter or a full year. According to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures for 2025 released by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), Türkiye’s economy grew by 3.6% over the year and by 3.4% in the fourth quarter of 2025. This indicates that the economy has maintained its growth trend for 22 consecutive quarters. In 2025, GDP at current prices, calculated using the production method, increased by 41.3% compared to the previous year, reaching 63 trillion 20 billion 906 million liras. GDP per capita was calculated at 712,200 liras (18,040 dollars) at current prices in 2025. 54 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE Household final consumption expenditure increased by 4.1% in 2025 compared to the previous year, based on the chain-linked volume index, and its share in GDP stood at 54.4%. In the fourth quarter of the year, household final consumption expenditure rose by 5.2% compared to the same period of the previous year. While government final consumption expenditure decreased by 0.9%, gross fixed capital formation increased by 5.4%. Compared to the previous year, exports of goods and services decreased by 0.3%, while imports increased by 4.9%. In the fourth quarter of 2025, exports of goods and services declined by 2.3% compared to the same quarter of the previous year, while imports increased by 3.8%. Labour compensation increased by 40.4% in 2025 compared to the previous year, while net operating surplus/mixed income rose by 44.2%. In the fourth quarter, labour compensation increased by 36.9% and net operating surplus/mixed income by 44.2% compared to the same period of the previous year. Based on current prices, the share of labour compensation in Gross Value Added was 36.9% in 2025. The share of net operating surplus/ mixed income, which was 43.1% in 2024, increased to 44.1% in 2025. While economic growth is generally measured by the size of a country’s national income, development is more complex to assess due to differences in countries’ economic, political, and social structures. Determining levels of development requires the use of various indicators, including not only economic but also social and cultural measures. The United Nations assesses countries’ development levels through the Human Development Index (HDI), which includes indicators related to education and health in addition to income. According to this index, Türkiye ranked 89th in 2002 and 45th in 2024. SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 55 Human Development Index 89th rank 45th rank 2002 2024 The ratio of cash assistance out of all forms of assistance The ratio of funds allocated to regular assistance to total The ratio of female social assistance rights holders to all regular social assistance rights holders The ratio of married social assistance right holders Average monthly social assistance amount per households receiving assistance 94% 83% 65% 72% 8900TL Human Development Index Key Indicators 56 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE 2.2. Social Policies for Families The family is one of the most important institutions at the centre of social policies. Families ensure the transmission of cultural, national, and moral values from one generation to the next. Children, regarded as the guarantee of the future, can only be raised effectively within a healthy family structure. The family holds a significant place in Turkish society. The role of women within the family is also substantial. In line with this, since the early 2000s, comprehensive constitutional and legal reforms targeting women have been developed and implemented. Women’s policies aim to strengthen women’s social status, prevent all forms of discrimination, and eliminate violence and abuse against women. Increasing women’s employment, supporting entrepreneurship, and combating poverty have become key priorities. Furthermore, women have gained greater representation in politics and have become more visible in decision-making processes. Access to education, participation in the workforce, and opportunities to assume senior positions within government have improved for women, without discrimination. Social policies that strengthen families, promote women’s rights and well-being, and ensure a secure future for children continue to be implemented. SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 57 ASDEP: The Family and Social Support Program The Family and Social Support Programme (ASDEP) is designed to identify families and individuals in need of social assistance and services based on objective criteria, to inform them, and to ensure their access to social assistance, social services, and other public services. The programme also aims to improve their quality of life and overall welfare, while providing guidance throughout all stages of the process. Launched in 2017 by the Ministry of Family and Social Policies (now dissolved) and the General Directorate of Social Services (ASHB), the ASDEP programme—now gaining increasing prominence— aims to assign a social support specialist to every family in need of social services. By shifting from a demand-driven to a supply-driven approach, assessments are conducted on-site without requiring individuals or families to submit applications. With a staff of 4,800, ASDEP has reached a total of 6.7 million households since October 2017. During the pandemic, ASDEP personnel also took part in the Vefa Social Support Groups established across provinces to ensure that citizens in need received the necessary social services and assistance. Family and Marriage Education Programs The importance of the family institution, which serves many social functions, has been emphasised in almost all cultures throughout history. The family is an integral part of the social system, and changes in society are reflected within the family. Efforts to protect and strengthen the family have consistently been a key focus of public policy. In this context, the Ministry of Family and Social Services carries out a wide range of activities. In this regard, “Family Education Programmes” are offered to families and individuals planning to get married. In 2025, 110,000 citizens participated in the “Pre-Marriage Education Programme”, and since 2013, the programme has reached a total of 2.3 million people. 58 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE Female Male Age: 22,7 Age: 24,6 Age: 25,8 Age: 28,3 2002 2024 Average First Marriage Age Reforms in the health sector in Türkiye have also had a significant impact on women’s lives, particularly in relation to maternal and in- fant health. Thanks to the expansion of reproductive health services and improvements in the quality of prenatal care, maternal and in- fant mortality rates have declined significantly. Through the imple- mentation of effective health policies, Türkiye has become one of the ten countries worldwide that have achieved the greatest reductions in maternal and infant mortality. Conditional Health Assistance (Overall Health and Pregnancy) This assistance is provided to families in need who do not have social security coverage and who are eligible under Law No. 3294, on the condition that their children undergo regular health check-ups, ex- pectant mothers attend health check-ups throughout pregnancy, and births take place in a hospital. Under the Conditional Health Assis- tance programme, approximately 2 million people received payments amounting to 3 billion TL in 2024, and these assistance programmes continue to be updated and expanded. SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 59 Conditional Education Assistance (ŞEY) Conditional education assistance is a form of financial aid provided to families without social security coverage who are classified as in need under Law No. 3294, on the condition that their children conti- nue formal education and do not miss more than three days of school per month during the school year. Payments are deposited directly into the mothers’ bank accounts. This assistance was introduced to support families unable to send their children to school due to finan- cial difficulties. Conditional Education Assistance payments are cal- culated on a monthly basis and disbursed every two months. Under the Conditional Education Assistance programme, 1.8 billion TL was paid out in 2024. These assistance programmes have also contributed to an increase in the school attendance rate of girls. Support for condi- tional education assistance targeting low-income families continues to be expanded. 60 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE 2.3. Social Policies for Children As of 2024, there are over 22 million children aged 0–18 in Türkiye. Social policies in Türkiye consistently prioritise the well-being and best interests of children. One of the primary objectives is to provi- de protective and preventive services by fostering social awareness regarding children. The ratification of the “Convention on the Rights of the Child” has enabled the more effective implementation of child- ren’s rights in Türkiye. An examination of social policy measures in Türkiye shows that children under the age of 18 are covered by the state’s social security system. The state’s coverage of all healthcare costs for children repre- sents another important step in this direction. Even if their parents lack social security coverage, the state covers the medical expenses of children between the ages of 0 and 18. The most fundamental right of every child is to grow up with their own family In terms of the child’s right to be protected, the first point to highlight is that family-centered services have become a priority policy of the Ministry. SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 61 Family-centred service models incorporate processes that contribute both to the child’s right to protection and to their healthy physical and mental development. In recent years, a policy approach that pri- oritises supporting children within their families has been adopted; accordingly, priority is given to ensuring the care and development of children within their families through social and economic services. The fundamental principle is that the most suitable care environment for children is their own family. Türkiye’s social policies are imple- mented with a family-centred approach, and economic and social support is provided to families to ensure that every child grows up within their own family. The Ministry of Family and Social Services takes all necessary measures to ensure that children, as the founda- tion of future generations, grow up as healthy individuals within a family environment. • As of June 2022, 146,000 children and adolescents have benefited from the temporary and time-limited Social and Economic Sup- port (SED) programme. • In order to effectively implement services focused on supporting children primarily within their families and to protect and support them, a total of 1,959,161,999 TL in funding was allocated in 2021. So- cial and economic support payments for children (except in excepti- onal cases) are deposited into mothers’ bank accounts. This practice ensures that the assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries. Achievements of Children in Care The academic and social achievements of children in care and under protection have improved compared to previous years. Young people who benefit from social service programmes and enrol in higher education also receive support throughout their educational journey. In terms of residential care, the transition to home-based services has contributed to improved educational outcomes for children. • To ensure that young people are aware of their rights and informed about the challenges they may face, a “Guide to Higher Education for Youth Benefiting from Social Service Programmes” has been prepared to support them with counselling and orientation. 62 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE • Young people under protection are prepared for the workforce through collaboration with career counsellors. To support their transition to independent life after care, training sessions on “Life Skills” and “Workplace and Legal Matters” are provided. A total of 733 children have participated in these seminars. • The number of children in foster care or under state protection attending private schools was 1,671 in 2022. In 2021, 18 children ranked within the top 15% in the LGS (High School Entrance Exam). • A total of 241 children have successfully passed university entrance exams and enrolled in higher education programmes. As of today, 774 students are enrolled in universities. • Children are supported not only in their education but also in areas such as art, culture, and sports to enhance their overall development. • A total of 4,687 children in foster care and under state protection participate in at least one sport. • Among children in foster care and under state protection, there are 14 national athletes, 2,394 licensed athletes, and 2,293 unlicensed participants. In addition, 1,223 children have taken part in various cultural and artistic activities. SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 63 The Goodwill Ambassadors Under the guidance of First Lady Emine Erdoğan, the “Goodwill Ambassadors Project” has been launched by ASHB to protect vulnerable children. The “Foster Family Model” has been strengthened through volunteerism and awareness campaigns. Where legally possible, measures are taken to ensure that children experience their developmental stages within the care of their families rather than in institutional settings. To provide children under state care with the family environment they need, ASHB has implemented a foster care system. Citizens can become foster parents through one of four models: “Kinship Foster Care”, “Temporary Foster Care”, “Short-Term Foster Care”, and “Specialised Foster Care”. 6.976 8.719 families ve 10.430 children 20.644 Family-Centered Service Models Foster Families Adoption 515 2002 2002 2024 2024 - cumulative 64 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE Adoption Services Adoption services are provided for children who can no longer live with their biological families. Within this framework, children in need of protection who are eligible for adoption are matched with suitable families following an assessment of adoption applications based on the child’s best interests. In 2024, approximately 589 children were placed with families throu- gh adoption. • As part of coordination efforts for children placed through in- ter-provincial matching, 113 children were placed with foster fa- milies outside their home provinces in 2024. • Under the foster care programme, a total of 2 billion TL in month- ly care allowances was provided in 2024 to cover children’s edu- cation, clothing, and school expenses. • To promote the expansion of foster care services and raise public awareness, 30 June has been designated as “Foster Family Day”. This date marks the founding of the Ankara Society for the Prote- ction of Children, which has long provided important services in the field of child protection. Providing Employment Opportunities in the Public Sector for Children in Institutional Care • Children placed under state care are employed in public institu- tions and organisations. The number of young people who have benefited from these social service models and, after being under state protection until the age of 18, have secured employment in the public sector is steadily increasing. • To date, 57,528 individuals who were raised under state care have been employed in the public sector. • 36,226 young people from state care entered public service between 2003 and 2022. SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 65 • Following a legislative amendment in 2018, young people from state care are now appointed to positions based on their educati- onal qualifications.. • As of today, the “Private Sector Employment Incentive” program- me has enabled 7,380 young people to secure employment in the private sector. • The “Career Counselling Training Project” was launched to sup- port the career planning of children aged between 13 and18, and under this initiative, 2,594 children have participated in career planning training sessions. 66 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE Care Facilities with a Home-Like Environment Significant reforms have been implemented in child care, exceeding many contemporary standards. Large-scale residential care facili- ties and orphanages providing group care services have been phased out and replaced by “Care Homes”, “Children’s Homes” (home-based units accommodating children aged 0–18 in need of protection), and “Children’s Home Complexes” (clusters of home-based social service units located on the same premises, designed to meet the needs of children requiring care and shelter). Where family-based care is not possible, children are placed in home-type care settings. Transformation in Child Care YEAR Foster Care Homes – Children’s Homes Sites of Children’s Homes Children’s Homes Child Support Centers Total Number of the Children taken care of 2002 186 0 0 0 19.000 2024 - 118 1.250 66 16.000 Free Daycare Services In 2024, 2,744 children in care benefited from free day care services within the quota allocated for children under state protection. Children have access to private day care centres and facilities, as well as kindergarten and pre-school services. In this context, free access to private day care services has contributed to children’s social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development, as well as their ability to build and maintain relationships with peers raised in a family environment. SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 67 Child Support Centers (ÇODEMs) The rehabilitation of children who have been involved in crime, who are victims of crime, who struggle with substance abuse, and who are street-connected is carried out at “Child Support Centres” (ÇODEM). As of 2024, approximately 1,421 children are receiving services at 66 ÇODEM centres. ANKA Children’s Support Programme The ANKA Children’s Support Programme, implemented for the first time at Child Support Centres, aims to minimise the effects of trauma resulting from involvement in crime, victimisation, and exposure to social risks on the streets. The ultimate goal is to support these children in becoming individuals who think independently, strive for self-improvement, have confidence in their abilities, enhance their life skills, develop their intellectual capacity, and improve their quality of life and overall well-being. 68 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE Te number of classrooms has been increased to levels comparable with developed countries. Free Textbooks Textbooks are fundamental resources used for educational purposes. As printed educational tools designed in accordance with the curriculum and tailored to the age and knowledge level of students, textbooks are among the most widely used teaching materials in the process of conveying knowledge. In 2003, the Ministry of National Education implemented a policy to distribute textbooks free of charge to students in primary education, which constitutes the compulsory stage of education in Türkiye, as part of a broader initiative to provide free textbooks in both primary and secondary education. SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 69 The share of education expenditure has shown a steady increase over the years. Support for Preschool Education By the second semester of the 2021–2022 academic year, more than 4,000 new nursery classes had been opened, enrolling a total of 79,000 children. The enrolment rate for five-year-olds increased from 78% to 84%. The total number of universities has reached 208, comprising 131 state universities and 77 foundation universities. Approximately 7 million students are currently enrolled in these institutions. Türkiye ranks as the second country in Europe with the highest number of higher education students. Number of Teachers 2002: 526,000 teachers 2022: 1,010,000 teachers THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM Education Budget 2002: 10.3 billion TL 2022: 304 billion TL Number of Classrooms 2002: 343,000 2022: 613,000 51.38% Net enrolment rate in pre-school (ages 3–5) 63.55% Net enrolment rate in pre-school (ages 4–5) 85.23% Net enrolment rate in pre-school (age 5) 70 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE 2.4. Social Policies for Youth Nearly half of Türkiye’s population, which is approaching 85 million, consists of citizens under the age of 30. As such, the country has the youngest population in Europe. Policies targeting young people are implemented to preserve and strengthen this demographic advantage. The primary objective in this area is to ensure that young people grow up healthy, educated, well-equipped, and morally grounded. It is essential to support young people at every stage of their lives in order to enhance their knowledge and skills for their professional careers and to foster their entrepreneurial spirit. Based on the understanding that Türkiye can achieve its 21st-century goals through education, this sector has consistently received one of the largest shares of the budget, including in the current year. The budget allocated to education, which stood at 11 billion TL in 2002, has been set at 1.45 trillion TL for 2025. This figure accounts for 14.84% of the 2025 central government budget. Youth Ratio (Ages 15-25) 20,05% 14,09% 2002 2025 SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 71 2,2 Trillion TL (MEB / YÖK) Budgetary Resources Allocated to Education 11 Bilion TL 2002 2025 A total of 836,000 teachers have been employed. A total of 4 billion textbooks have been provided free of charge. The student-to-teacher and student-to-classroom ratios have almost reached OECD averages.. Fibre infrastructure, ADSL, and satellite technologies have been deployed to provide internet access to 16,547 schools that lacked connectivity as of 2021. The construction of classrooms has been accelerated to enable a transition to full-day schooling across all schools and to phase out dual-shift education. As of the 2021–2022 academic year, a total of 71,320 schools— including 57,108 public schools—and 850,000 classrooms have been built and are in operation within the education system. Services in Education 72 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE Assistance Provided to Undergraduate Students University tuition fees have been abolished, relieving students of a significant financial burden. Today, Türkiye has one of the most comprehensive state-sponsored scholarship and loan systems. As part of this system, approximately 650,000 students receive scholarships and 950,000 students receive loans in 2025. Each year, an average of 150,000 new students become eligible for scholarships. A Wide Range of Services to Ensure Students’ Access to Healthy Nutrition. Dormitories Designed with Hotel-Level Comfort SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 73 All necessary measures have been taken to ensure that students in dormitories receive a healthy and balanced diet and have opportunities to develop socially, culturally, and athletically. The necessary measures have been taken to ensure that university students can live in comfortable environments that meet contemporary needs, with a strong sense of safety and well-being. To support students in their academic studies and scientific research, fast, secure, and free internet access has been provided Students who wish to spend their summer holidays travelling can stay free of charge in selected KYK dormitories across all 81 provinces. The bed capacity in KYK dormitories has increased nearly fourfold. The total number of beds in public, university, and private-sector student accommodation has reached 1,050,000. A total of 994,000 students stayed in dormitories affiliated with the Student Loans and Dormitories Institution. Students staying in KYK dormitories receive monthly meal allowances. Inequalities arising from dress code restrictions in education and public service have been eliminated, thereby ensuring equal opportunities in education and employment. As a result, female university students who wear headscarves are no longer deprived of these rights. Number of Dormitories 190 877 2002 2025 KYK Bed Capacity 182,258 1 Million 2002 2025 74 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE The inequities arising from the coefficient system in university admissions have been eliminated, enabling students to gain admission to universities of their choice based on their academic achievements. Youth Participation in the Labour Force Despite numerous global crises, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a growing population, Türkiye has been among the European countries with the highest increases in employment. The number of employed individuals exceeded 33.5 million at the beginning of 2025. According to the results of the Household Labour Force Survey, the labour force participation rate among young people increased from 39.1% in 2020 to 41.2% in 2024. The labour force participation rate for young men was 50.1% in 2020 and 59.5% in 2021, while for young women, it was 27.5% in 2020 and 29% in 2025. Financial support provided to participants in vocational training courses organised for the industrial sector has encouraged young people to pursue vocational training. In addition, İŞKUR has begun covering General Health Insurance premiums, as well as work acci- dent and occupational disease insurance, for young people attending vocational training programmes during the training period. SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 75 A measure has been introduced to encourage labour force participation among young people and women and to promote vocational and technical education. Under this measure, the unemployment insurance fund covers the full employer share of social security contributions (20.5%) for employers who hire men aged 18–29 and women of any age. Under the KOSGEB Entrepreneurship Support Programme, young individuals establishing new businesses are eligible for a grant of 50,000 TL. If this amount is insufficient, they may also access an interest-free loan of up to 100,000 TL with a two-year grace period. In addition, income tax is suspended for up to three years for young entrepreneurs establishing new businesses under this support scheme. Social Security Services for the Youth Unconditional health services are provided to children under the age of 18, regardless of whether their parents are covered by general health insurance. For young people who are no longer eligible for health benefits under their parents’ coverage after graduating, a regulation enacted in 2013 introduced an additional 120-day period during which they can continue to receive health services. Under a regulation implemented in 2016, students attending high schools and equivalent institutions are considered beneficiaries of general health insurance—with premiums covered by the state—for a period of two years following graduation, provided they are under the age of 20. Similarly, students attending higher education institutions are considered beneficiaries for the same period, provided they are under the age of 25, and are therefore able to benefit from health services. Fighting Against Addiction The fight against addiction is being addressed in all its dimensions, with initiatives implemented that have led to significant progress. In this context, the High Council for the Fight Against Addiction has been established. Outpatient clinics and specialised units for addiction treatment have been set up in hospitals. The quality of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment Centres (AMATEM) and Child and Adolescent Substance Abuse Centres (ÇEMATEM) has been enhanced in terms of both personnel and standards. 76 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE Through the launch of the NARKOTİM project, the establishment of narcotics units in all 81 provinces has been completed, with the aim of preventing crime and reducing the availability of drugs at the local level. The “Area Control Project,” designed to disrupt the link between in- dividuals with substance dependence and street dealers, has been launched in 20 major cities. Training programmes for primary care physicians have been conducted to strengthen efforts in combating addiction. Youth Centres To support young people in becoming socially, culturally, and physically well-rounded individuals through various educational programmes, projects have been launched to provide opportunities for self-development and social interaction within youth camps. The SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 77 Ministry of Youth and Sports covers participants’ transportation, accommodation, and meal expenses. Participants are also provided with travel health insurance during the camp period by the relevant ministries. In addition, priority is given to students with high academic achievement and to the relatives of martyrs and veterans. The number of youth centres increased from 283 to 561 over the past four years. In collaboration with various institutions and organisations, efforts have been made to establish at least one youth centre in every district and a “youth office” in every school. As a result of these investments, the number of licensed athletes reached 12,632,829 by 2025, while the number of clubs rose to 19,100. The membership of youth centres, which stood at 11,614 in 2002, reached 2.5 million by 2022. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, 75,000 young people participated in youth camps in 2021. Number of youth centers 74 561 2002 2025 Internship Initiative Established in 2019 as a special budget public legal entity with administrative and financial autonomy under the Presidency by Presidential Decree No. 1, the Office of Human Resources plays a key role in the development and implementation of policies for young people. In 2020, the Presidency’s Human Resources Office launched the Internship Initiative Programme to ensure that undergraduate students can benefit from internship opportunities offered by public institutions, non-profit organisations, and private sector entities, in line with the principles of equal opportunity and merit. In 2021, the programme was included in the Presidential Annual Programme and expanded to all public institutions under the theme “We Are Here for You.” In 2022, it was further expanded in line with Türkiye’s employment policies and renamed the “National Internship Programme”. 78 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE As part of this ongoing programme, in 2021, out of more than 136,000 candidates who completed the application process through the national digital platform “Kariyer Kapısı” (Career Portal), approximately 90,000 received internship offers, and nearly 45,000 were matched with employers. The stipends of young people who completed their internships in the public sector were covered by the state. In 2022, the candidate pool, comprising approximately 300,000 students, was made accessible to all employers on 9 May, and over 100,000 young people received internship offers within approximately one month. In addition to its national success, the programme has garnered wi- despread recognition internationally for its approach prioritising me- rit and equal opportunity, and has been cited twice by the OECD as a best practice for other member countries. To enhance students’ employability by enabling them to acquire the skills needed for their professional lives, and to facilitate their transi- tion from university to the labour market, efforts have been initiated to expand Career Centres. As of January 2020, Career Centres have been established at all universities through the Presidency’s Human Resources Office. WE ARE HERE FOR YOU Internship Initiative T.C. PRESIDENCY’S HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE APPLICATION DATES: 22 FEB – 22 MAR kariyerkapisi.cbiko.gov.tr SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 79 The “Talents Everywhere” fairs, organised since 2019 under the coor- dination of the Presidency’s Human Resources Office, aim to enhance the employability of undergraduate students, provide equal access to job and internship opportunities, and support young people in recog- nising their talents. Held annually in different regions of Türkiye, this year’s fairs were organised in 11 regions in collaboration with 151 universities, with the participation of 3,003 employers and 241,584 students. Recognising that talent today is increasingly mobile and no longer confined within national borders, TalentforBIZ events are organised. Aimed at attracting Turkish citizens or Blue Card holders pursuing higher education abroad back to Türkiye, TalentforBIZ is a series of career events that highlights Türkiye’s position as a global hub for ta- lent. It provides leading Turkish brands with the opportunity to con- nect with talent from around the world, including Turkish citizens living abroad. As of 2025, the administration of internship programmes falls under the responsibility of İŞKUR, operating within the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. The National Internship Programme is an earl- y-career initiative implemented under the auspices of the Presidency, in coordination with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR), to enable young talent to access career opportunities offered by public institutions and priva- te-sector organisations. The programme aims to enhance the emplo- yability of young people, support equal access to career opportuni- ties, and expand these opportunities across all university disciplines. Students applying to the National Internship Programme are evalu- ated through a transparent and innovative method that takes into account their academic performance, skill development activities, and overall achievements, based on academic/professional, artistic/ social, and athletic competency scores. Employers submit internship offers objectively, based solely on these scores, without access to stu- dents’ personal or institutional information. 80 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE In addition to its strong domestic performance, the Programme has gained international recognition and has been cited by the OECD as a best practice. It also provides many students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in the professional environment and to develop early career awareness while continuing their studies. The Right to Stand for Election and Military Service To ensure more effective political representation of young people and to increase political participation, the age of eligibility to stand for election, which was previously 25, was lowered to 18 as part of the 2017 constitutional amendment package introducing the presidential system, thereby enabling young people to participate more actively in politics. The duration of mandatory military service has been reduced from 18 months to 6 months to support the effective use of the educated workforce and to enable young people to contribute to national de- fence while continuing their education, training, and professional de- velopment. SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 81 2.5. Social Policies for The Elderly In today’s world, improvements in environmental conditions, rising income levels, advancements in technology and science, higher levels of education, access to adequate and balanced nutrition, improved housing conditions, and greater access to hygiene and health services are positively affecting both life expectancy and quality of life. The increase in life expectancy has led to a rise in the elderly population worldwide, including in Türkiye, and to the ageing of societies. Today, policies and programmes related to ageing focus on improving quality of life and overall health. Ensuring that individuals age actively and healthily depends not only on their personal characteristics but also on the psycho-social, economic, health, and care support services provided within society. Türkiye adopts a holistic, people-centred approach that views older persons not as a burden but as a valuable asset. It seeks to ensure their well-being and to enable them to age healthily and live in dignity. Older persons are regarded as carriers of experience and wisdom within family and social life, and respect for the elderly is recognised as a fundamental element of Turkish culture and tradition. Under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the issue of elderly care is addressed with a high level of priority, and comprehensive policies for older persons have been developed. 82 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE Home care services for older persons within the scope of social policies were first introduced in 2006. Older persons and individuals with disabilities who are unable to carry out their daily activities independently and who have a certified severe disability assessment from authorised health boards are able to access home care services. Under this programme, beneficiaries can choose their caregivers, and the wages of designated caregivers are covered by the state. Care at Home Pursuant to Article 7 of the Annex to Law No. 2828, ASHB provides “Home Care Assistance” to ensure home-based care for persons with disabilities whose Disability Health Board reports classify them as “totally dependent” or “severely disabled”, and whose per capita household income is below two-thirds of the net minimum wage. In 2025, a total of 67 billion TL was paid to 540,000 caregivers under the home care programme, which was introduced in 2006. Healthcare at Home Home-based healthca- re services are available to patients who are ho- meless, persons with disabilities, older per- sons, paralysed or bed- ridden, undergoing can- cer treatment, in need of palliative care, or who have been dischar- ged from hospital and require follow-up care at home, as well as to those recovering from accidents who require short-term nursing care. This service, introduced in 2010, reached 857,000 patients in 2025. Home healthcare services are provided across all 81 provinces throu- gh 86 Provincial Home Healthcare Services Coordination Centres, 722 hospitals, 147 Oral and Dental Health Centres and Hospitals, and 309 primary care facilities. SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 83 Palliative Care Centers “Palliative Care Centres” have been established to provide supportive care aimed at preventing and alleviating pain and improving quality of life by addressing the physical and psychosocial needs of patients and their families facing life-threatening illnesses. Life Centres for the Elderly Life Centres for Ol- der Persons represent another social poli- cy initiative aimed at enabling older persons who meet the admissi- on criteria for nursing homes, but prefer inde- pendent living, to ma- intain a high standard of living in a home-like environment (such as an apartment or a single-family home) without being isolated from their social circles. In this context, the Elders’ Home Project was launched on 17 August 2012. The programme is de- signed to accommodate three or four older residents per home, with one person per room. If requested by the individual or their family, the service may also be provided on a short-term basis. To support older persons in living within the community and to meet their bi- o-psycho-social needs, a model of elderly day care centres has been implemented. Under this model, services are provided to 532 older persons across 41 centres. Growth Rate of Bed Capacity in Palliative Care Centres Number of Beds Palliative Care Centers 3.899 297 facilities 7.098 437 facilities 2002 2023 84 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE Nursing Homes for Elderly Care and Rehabilitation Centres The system of quality accommodation in nursing homes has been expanded. Older persons with urgent care needs are admitted without delay to facilities affiliated with public institutions, regardless of waiting lists. In 2025, more than 17,000 older persons received care in 169 nursing homes with a total capacity of 17,091. Approximately 9,000 personnel are employed in public nursing homes. The total number of older persons receiving institutional care services in both the public and private sectors is nearly 31,000. Significant amendments have been made to the “Law on the Payment of Pensions to Elderly Citizens Aged 65 and Over Who Are Without Means of Support or Relatives”. As a result of this regulation, older persons with limited financial means and without caregivers are now entitled to receive pensions. Under the amendment, older persons are able to benefit from this pension even if they reside with their children. Within the scope of old-age pensions, a total of 65 billion TL has been paid to 1.05 million beneficiaries. Rights Granted for the Elderly As of 1 January 2014, a free travel card for municipal and private buses was introduced across Türkiye for citizens aged 65 and over, enabling them to benefit from local transport free of charge. In addition, dis- counts on train tickets have been introduced under a regulation of the General Directorate of Turkish State Railways: a 20% discount for citi- zens aged 60 and over, and a 50% discount for those aged 65 and over. Old Age Pension Benefits granted to old citizens 31.70 TL 6.393 TL 2002 2026 SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 85 Universities of Refreshment for Persons Aged 60 and Over The “Universities of Refreshment for Persons Aged 60 and Over” Project, based on the principle of lifelong learning, has been implemented through a protocol by the Ministry of Family and Social Services. Designed to contribute to both individual and societal well- being, the project offers adults aged 60 and over opportunities for personal development and aims to introduce new perspectives on ageing in an increasingly ageing society. In line with the protocol, all activities and procedures related to the project are carried out by the Ministry of Family and Social Services. Within this framework, training programmes are conducted at Anadolu University, Akdeniz University, Ege University, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, and the University of Kyrenia. In addition, more than 104 associate degree programmes in elderly care have been introduced under the Council of Higher Education. The number of academic disciplines related to geriatric studies continues to increase across Türkiye. Courses for elderly care assistants have also been introduced by the Ministry of National Education, ensuring the training of qualified personnel to provide professional services to older persons. Pursuant to a legal amendment, penalties for offences involving violence against older persons have been increased under the Turkish Penal Code No. 5237. 86 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE 2.6. Social Policies for Persons with Disabilities The participation of persons with disabilities in social and economic life is one of the key indicators of developed societies. Eliminating all barriers to such participation and establishing a shared living envi- ronment based on equal citizenship are key priorities. The approach to persons with disabilities and the social policies concerning them are shaped on a rights-based framework rather than one centred on assistance. Pursuant to the Law on Persons with Disabilities enacted in 2005, numerous improvements have been implemented across a wide range of areas, from education to care services, and from emp- loyment to the prevention of discrimination. Measures such as remo- ving bureaucratic barriers that hinder access to social services, pro- viding home care and home healthcare services, and ensuring equal opportunities in education represent only part of the efforts underta- ken in this field. International Standard in Legislation In 2013, a shift from a medical to a social perspective on disability was achieved by adopting the term “persons with disabilities” across all legislation, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and other human rights instruments, replacing outdated terms such as “crippled”, “handicapped”, or “unfit”. To ensure the consistent use of the term “persons with disabilities” in legal definitions, all laws and statutory decrees were reviewed, and the relevant terminology in the legislation was revised accordingly. SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 87 In 2012, the Public Personnel Selection Examination for Persons with Disabilities (EKPSS) was launched, leading to a significant increase in the number of civil servants with disabilities. Employment of Persons with Disabilities Public officials with disabilities are not assigned night duties or night shifts. Taking into account the nature of the disability, service requirements, and factors such as climate and transport conditions, working hours—including start and end times, as well as rest periods—are arranged accordingly for persons with disabilities. Financial support has been provided for projects related to assistive technologies that enable persons with disabilities to access employment, adapt to the workplace, and work effectively and safely. Support is also provided for projects that facilitate job readiness, job placement, and workplace adaptation, as well as those promoting social integration and rehabilitation, with the aim of enhancing employability. Following the introduction of mandatory employment quotas for persons with disabilities—set at 4% in the public sector and 3% in the private sector—participation of persons with disabilities in the labour market has increased. Disability Pension A monthly allowance is provided to persons with disabilities in accordance with their degree of disability. Individuals whose per capita household income is below one-third of the minimum wage are eligible for this support. While the disability pension stood at 24.48 TL in 2002, it has increased to 7,655 TL (for those with a disability rate of 70% and above). Furthermore, a total of 75.8 million TL in grants has been provided to 1,398 persons with disabilities from the beginning of 2020 to date. Number of Public Officers with Disabilities 5.777 82.626 2002 2025 Pension Increase for 70% Disability Rate and Above Pension Increase 24,48 TL 7.655 TL 2002 2024 88 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE Citizens are required to apply to the Social Assistance and Solidarity Foundations in their place of residence in order to be eligible for this support. In accordance with the relevant regulations, parents of children under the age of 18 with disabilities, as well as orphans in need and persons with a disability rate of 40% and above, are entitled to receive a need-based pension. With the aim of improving the living conditions of persons with severe disabilities, the Home Care Support service was introduced for the first time in 2006. Persons with disabilities may apply to the Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services in their place of residence to receive home care support. For individuals with severe disabilities, the home care benefit has been increased to 13,878 TL. As of 2025, the number of beneficiaries has reached 535,805, and the total amount of payments has increased to 67 billion TL. In line with the fundamental principles of education, persons with disabilities are able to exercise their right to general education, special education, and vocational training. Children, young people, and adults with disabilities are provided with equal access to education alongside their peers in inclusive learning environments, taking into account their individual needs and differences. The Ministry of National Education provides special education services to all persons with disabilities in need. Special Education Efforts are underway to support students requiring special education, enabling them to develop their abilities in line with their individual needs and to ensure the necessary conditions for their learning. During the COVID-19 pandemic, education activities were shifted to distance learning through the Education Information Network (EBA). Learning content tailored to the needs of students requiring special education was also developed. The mobile application “I am Special, I am Receiving Education”, which includes these learning materials and activities for students in special education and inclusive education settings, was subsequently launched. SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 89 Special education institutions, including special education nursery schools, special education classes, and special education vocational schools, have been established in all provinces for students who are unable to continue their education within inclusive education settings. The “Special Materials for Special Children” Project was implemented to provide high-quality and safe educational materials for students requiring special education, based on the most essential needs identified in the field. Within this framework, 220 practice units have been established to standardise the structure and content of these facilities across special education practice schools. Educational assessment, diagnosis, and guidance services for individuals requiring special education, along with school-based guidance and psychological counselling services, are provided through a total of 252 Guidance and Research Centres (RAM). Number of Students with Disabilities Receiving Special Education Number of Students 53.306 559 thousand 2002 2025 Individuals of compulsory school age who require special education and are unable to attend pre-school, primary, or special education institutions due to health conditions are provided with education services either at home or in hospital. 90 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE Textbooks in Braille alphabet prepared for students with visual disabilities have been distributed free of charge as of 2006-2007 academic year. Education Life Student loans, contribution grants, and dormitory allocation for suc- cessful and financially disadvantaged students with disabilities have been provided by the Higher Education Credit and Hostels Instituti- on. Free transport services are also provided to students with disa- bilities to enable access to their schools. Within this framework, ne- arly 114,000 students and trainees requiring special education were provided with free transport during the 2021 academic year. These students are also provided with free meals. Number of Students 6.901 135 thousand 2004 2025 Number of Students Benefiting From Free Transport A disability identity card is issued by the Ministry of Family and Soci- al Services to citizens with a disability rate of 40% and above, in order to establish a comprehensive database on persons with disabilities and to facilitate their access to rights and services. As of 28 August 2021, applications for the disability identity card can be submitted via e-Government. Within this framework, 47,343 persons have obtained a disability identity card through e-Government applications. Rights and Discounts Provided for Persons with Disabilities Positive measures are implemented for persons with disabilities across all areas. In line with the criteria established by relevant institutions, organisations, and local authorities, persons with disabilities are enabled to benefit from various rights and discounts. The rights and discounts granted to persons with disabilities are as follows: SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 91 • Free journeys in mass transport vehicles belonging and affiliated to municipalities, • Discount at intercity bus travels, • Free travels or travels at discount in Turkish State Railways (TCDD), • Turkish Airlines (THY) Flights at reduced price, • Internet at discount in Turkish Telecom (TTNET), • Tariffs at reduced price in GSM operators (mobile phones), • Discount in water fee, • Exemption from property tax, • Exemption from special consumption tax (ÖTV) and motor vehicles tax (MTV), • Discounts at entrance to national parks, nature reserve areas and nature parks, • Discounts at fees for entrance to museums and archaeological sites. Efforts are made to provide a wide range of opportunities aimed at facilitating the daily lives of persons with disabilities. With the support of local authorities and relevant institutions, assistive devices such as electric wheelchairs, white canes, accessibility aids, tablet computers, vision support devices for persons with visual impairments, and hearing aids are provided. Accessibility for persons with disabilities is further enhanced through the planning and design of indoor and outdoor spaces where healthcare services are delivered. These environments are arranged in line with accessibility standards, including features such as ramps, grab rails, and accessible sanitary facilities, taking into account the needs of persons with disabilities and the assistive devices they use. Persons who are not covered by social security legislation, who do not receive income or pensions from domestic or foreign social security institutions, and who have lost their capacity to work due to silicosis are granted pensions at varying levels. Pensions are also provided to the spouses and children of beneficiaries who have passed away. In addition, the medical expenses of pension beneficiaries and their dependants are covered under the Universal Health Insurance scheme. 92 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE 2.7. Social Policies for Women Empowering and supporting women economically and socially plays a crucial role in enabling countries to achieve sustainable development. The empowerment of women is also essential for strengthening family and social structures. Over the past 24 years, comprehensive constitutional and legal refor- ms have been implemented in Türkiye to strengthen the social sta- tus of women, ensure equal opportunities between women and men, safeguard women’s human rights, and eliminate violence and abuse against women. Policies for women are implemented on three main pillars: “empowering women”, “combating violence against women”, and “preventing early and forced marriages”. Following the “National Action Plan on Combating Violence against Women” (2016–2020), the “Strategic Document and Action Plan on the Empowerment of Women” (2018–2023), and the “National Action Plan on Combating Early and Forced Marriages” have been implemented. Efforts are made to ensure that women lead lives consistent with human dignity and are able to exercise their rights fully in all areas, SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 93 particularly in education, science, politics, the economy, and working life. Türkiye also brings the vision of empowering women to the forefront on international platforms. Based on the understanding that sustainable economic growth can only be achieved by strengthening the status of women, Türkiye played a pioneering role in the establishment of Women 20 (W20) during its G20 Presidency in 2015. During the same period, the “Women’s Consultative Council”, which addresses women’s issues in member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, was established under the leadership of Türkiye. The “Strategic Document and Action Plan on the Empowerment of Women” (2018– 2023) is expected to further advance progress in this field. Regulations in Legislation Over the past twenty years, comprehensive legal reforms have been introduced in the Constitution, the Turkish Civil Code, the Labour Law, the Turkish Penal Code, the Law on Municipalities, and the Income Tax Law, with the aim of strengthening the legal status of women. Family courts were established in 2003. The handling of family-related cases in specialised courts by experienced judges was ensured. In 2005, 94 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE provisions concerning gender equality and violence against women were incorporated into the Turkish Penal Code. In 2009, the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (GNAT) established the Commission on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men by law. The Commission has addressed a wide range of issues, including early marriages, workplace harassment (mobbing), violence against women, girls’ education, women and the media, gender-responsive budgeting, and the situation of women in rural areas. Through amendments to the Labour Law, the GNAT adopted the principle of “Equal Remuneration for Equal Work” to prevent discrimination in working life. In 2012, the principle of positive discrimination was incorporated into the Constitution. In the same year, Law No. 6284 on the “Protection of the Family and Prevention of Violence against Women” was enacted. Perpetrators of so-called “honour killings” have been subject to the most severe penalties. Women’s Participation in Politics The representation of women in politics is one of the most funda- mental democratic rights. The right to vote and to stand for election was granted to women in 1934. In Türkiye, the rate of women’s parti- cipation in politics has reached the highest level in the history of the Republic over the past two decades, rising from below 2% before the 2000s. The proportion of women members of parliament has increa- sed to 19.93%. As of 2026, out of a total of 592 members of parliament, 118 are women and 474 are men. In 2026, the proportion of women in the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (GNAT) stands at 19.93%, while the proportion of women ambassadors is 28.4%. Education and Participation in Labour Force It has been observed that women’s participation in the labour force increases with higher levels of education. In 2025, the labour force participation rate was 13.9% for illiterate women, 27.1% for women with education below high school level, 36.1% for high school graduates, 43.0% for graduates of vocational or technical high schools, and 68.8% for women with higher education qualifications. In the same year, the proportion of women in senior and middle management positions in companies was 21.5%. SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 95 According to data from the National Education Statistics Database, the proportion of individuals aged 25 and above who have completed at least one level of education increased steadily between 2008 and 2024. The proportion of individuals aged 25 and above who have completed at least one level of education within the total population was 96.5% in 2020. When examined by gender, this rate was 94.5% for women and 98.5% for men in 2024. The number of female judges and prosecutors has increased significantly in recent years. By 2022, the number of female public prosecutors had risen by 755%, and the number of female judges by 355%. The participation and representation of women in decision- making mechanisms have been strengthened through policy reforms, and women have become more prominent in local administrations. As a result of comprehensive reforms, women have gained equal access to positions such as ministers, governors, members of parliament, mayors, and municipal council members, without discrimination based on appearance. Women wearing headscarves have gained the right to work in public institutions and organisations, including in decision-making positions. This has contributed to the elimination of discriminatory practices that previously restricted fundamental rights. In 2013, for the first time, members of parliament wearing headscarves began to serve in the General Assembly of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (GNAT). Lifelong learning opportunities for girls and women have been expanded. Significant progress has been made in combating discrimination against women, particularly through education. The literacy rate among women has steadily increased over the years. Various projects and campaigns aimed at promoting women’s education have been implemented. Through initiatives such as “Girls, Time for School” and “At School as Mother and Daughter”, thousands of women and girls have gained literacy skills. In addition, training programmes addressing domestic violence, so-called “honour killings”, and child abuse have been delivered under the “Project on Education of Parents and Children”. 96 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE The policies, incentives, and activities implemented to promote women’s employment have yielded effective results within a short period. Women’s participation in the labour force and employment has increased significantly compared to previous years. Employment Rate of Women Employment rate 20% 31,3% 2002 2025 With the enactment of Law No. 6111 in 2011, positive measures were introduced for women, stipulating that, for women entering employment from the age of 18, the employer’s share of social security premiums would be covered by the Unemployment Insurance Fund for a period of 12 to 48 months, subject to certain conditions. The same law also enabled homemakers to benefit from retirement through voluntary insurance schemes. Rate of Women’s Participation in Labour Force Participation rate 23% 36,7% 2002 2025 Policies are being formulated to support working mothers, promote female employment, and increase the productive population. Literacy Rate of Girls (Aged above 6) Rate of literacy 79,9% 96,2% 2002 2024 SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 97 Female employees have been granted the right to work part-time for 60 days for their first child, 120 days for the second, and 180 days for the third. In addition, both female and male employees are entitled to work on a part-time basis until their children start primary school. To support the balance between family and professional life, initiatives have been launched to establish childcare facilities within organised industrial zones. Maternity benefits are granted to families in accordance with the number and order of children. Temporary incapacity and nursing benefits provided to insured mothers following childbirth have been increased. Maternity leave has been extended to 16 weeks, and to 18 weeks in the case of multiple pregnancies. The right to part-time work following childbirth has also been introduced. For mothers working part-time, half of their wages is covered by the Treasury. Measures have been implemented to facilitate childcare for working women. In addition, regulations enabling early retirement for homemakers and working mothers have been introduced. Year of the Family Comprehensive policies have been implemented in Türkiye to protect and strengthen the family, reduce potential risks, and support social development. In this context, the “Vision Document and Action Plan for the Protection and Strengthening of the Family (2024– 2028)” was prepared and implemented under the auspices of the Presidency and the coordination of the Ministry of Family and Social Services. The document sets out strategies, objectives, and measures aimed at supporting the institution of family and marriage within a comprehensive framework. Within this framework, 2025 has been declared the “Year of the Family” to highlight the importance of the family structure, strengthen social cohesion, and support families holistically in the face of current challenges. The core approach of the Year of the Family is to reinforce the institution of the family, strengthen interpersonal ties, and enhance the social structure through a family-centred 98 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE approach. In this context, numerous projects and initiatives have been implemented across social, cultural, and economic fields, with a strong emphasis on family-oriented policies. Awareness-raising activities were carried out nationwide under the coordination of the Ministry of Family and Social Services. Training programmes, seminars, and workshops aimed at strengthening family communication were also organised. In addition, a wide range of events—including exhibitions, theatre performances, films, concerts, cultural trips, interviews, competitions, and family festivals—were held across all 81 provinces, reaching a broad audience. Tens of thousands of activities were organised, including artistic and social events in which children and families participated together, as well as village visits and outreach initiatives. In this respect, the Year of the Family is not merely a time-bound initiative, but part of a long-term strategy aimed at ensuring that future generations are raised within a healthy family structure. Significant institutional steps have also been taken to ensure that population policies are implemented in a more systematic and holistic manner. The Population Policies Council was established within the Ministry of Family and Social Services by a decree issued on 25 December 2024. The Council is responsible for monitoring demographic developments, analysing changes in fertility rates, ensuring inter-institutional coordination, and developing policies to support a sustainable population structure. The aim is to manage population dynamics effectively through the development of short-, medium-, and long-term strategies. In addition, under the same regulation, the Family Institute was established to conduct scientific research aimed at strengthening the family structure, to develop educational programmes, and to contribute to policy development processes. The Institute operates as an important research and application centre for the advancement of family-oriented social policies. SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 99 Commission for the Investigation of Violence against Women Türkiye has become a party to international conventions aimed at strengthening efforts to combat violence and discrimination against women. The Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CE- DAW) entered into force in 2003. The pilot implementation of Violence Prevention and Monitoring Centres (ŞÖNİM) was initiated in 2012 under the Ministry of Family and Social Policies. The number of these centres has since reached 81. Institutional service units have also been developed to combat vio- lence against women. In 2021, a total of 296,399 individuals—inclu- ding 255,515 women, 23,158 men, and 17,726 children—received servi- ces from ŞÖNİM centres. The Women’s Emergency Support Application (KADES) was launc- hed in May 2018. Developed by the General Directorate of Security, KADES aims to prevent acts of violence and harassment against wo- men and children. It serves as a key digital tool for emergency situa- tions. In cases within police jurisdiction, the average response time following a report is approximately 5 minutes. To provide guidance and support to women victims of violence, the Regulation on the Establishment and Operation of Women’s Shelters was adopted in 2013 under the Ministry of Family and Social Policies. Women staying in shelters are referred to vocational training cour- ses, while their participation in artistic, social, and sports activities is also encouraged. In addition, educational support services have been strengthened through the establishment of nurseries and children’s clubs. Municipalities in districts with a population exceeding 100,000 are required to establish residential social service institutions—referred to as women’s guesthouses, shelters, women’s homes, compassion care homes, or similar facilities—where women subjected to physical, emotional, sexual, economic, or verbal violence can stay temporarily. The aim of these facilities is to protect women from violence, address their psycho-social and economic needs, empower them, and provide 100 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE support for both the women and their children during their stay. While there were only 8 women’s guesthouses with a total capacity of 170 in 2002, significant expansion has taken place. By 2022, services were provided through: • 33 women’s guesthouses affiliated with local governments in 11 provinces, with a total capacity of 2,743; • 1 women’s guesthouse affiliated with NGOs, with a capacity of 735; • 3 women’s guesthouses affiliated with other public institutions (Presidency of Migration Management), with a capacity of 20. In addition, the number of women’s guesthouses affiliated with the Ministry of Family and Social Services has increased to 154, with the aim of ensuring nationwide coverage across all 81 provinces. Violence Against Women Combating violence, abuse, and all forms of discrimination against women constitutes one of the main pillars of women’s policies. Significant steps have been taken to strengthen the status of women and prevent violence against women. On 9 March 2022, the report of the parliamentary commission established to investigate violence against women and identify necessary measures was adopted by the General Assembly of the Parliament and made publicly available. SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 101 2.8. Social Policies for Veterans and Relatives of Martyrs Through the policies and sustained efforts implemented in Türkiye over the past twenty years, comprehensive social rights have been recognised and a wide range of social services have been provided for veterans and the relatives of martyrs. Efforts are ongoing to address all challenges faced by the relatives of martyrs and veterans, covering areas such as employment, healthcare, education, and social life. Organisational Structure Under Statutory Decree No. 633, dated 8 June 2011, a dedicated unit titled the “Department for Martyrs’ Relatives and Veterans” was established within the Ministry of Family and Social Policies to regulate and coordinate the rights of the relatives of martyrs and veterans, for whom services are provided by various public institutions and organisations. This department was upgraded to a General Directorate by Presidential Decree No. 1, dated 10 July 2018, in order to enhance service delivery for the relatives of martyrs and veterans. As a result of these arrangements, the following outcomes were ac- hieved: 102 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE • All rights related to the relatives of martyrs and veterans, previously regulated under 43 separate pieces of legislation, were consolidated into a single framework with the enactment of Law No. 6353 in 2012. • Further improvements to the rights of the relatives of martyrs and veterans were introduced through legal amendments in 2014. • In 2011, the following provision was added to Article 10 of the Constitution of the Republic of Türkiye: • “Measures to be taken for the widows and orphans of those mart- yred in war or in the line of duty, as well as for persons with di- sabilities and veterans, shall not be considered contrary to the principle of equality,” thereby introducing affirmative measures. • Improvements in compensation rights and pensions were intro- duced for the relatives of martyrs and veterans through amend- ments to the Prevention of Terrorism Law No. 3713 and the Law on Cash Compensation and Pension Entitlement No. 2330. In ad- dition, since 2013, pensions have been granted to the relatives of civilians who lost their lives in terrorist acts. • In 2012, the employment entitlement granted to the relatives of martyrs was increased from one to two beneficiaries. Under this arrangement, priority employment is granted to the spouse or one of the children of the martyr, while the second entitlement is granted to one of the parents or siblings. The previous practice of making employment placements every six months has been rep- laced with a system that allows placements to be made without delay. As a result, the number of relatives of martyrs, veterans, and relatives of veterans employed in the public sector has reac- hed approximately 51,000. Granted Rights Free travel cards are issued to the relatives of martyrs, veterans, and the relatives of veterans. This entitlement has also been extended to the parents of veterans and their children under the age of 25. As of 2025, the total number of free travel cards issued has exceeded 255,000. SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 103 Legal Rights Legal assistance is provided in all case files involving the relatives of martyrs and veterans. This includes civil lawsuits filed by the relatives of those who lost their lives, as well as by individuals who were injured while assisting in the detection, prevention, mitigation, or elimination of ongoing offences. It also covers legal representation as victims, complainants, or intervening parties in criminal investigations and prosecutions related to offences defined under the Turkish Penal Code, particularly those concerning crimes against the security of the state, the constitutional order and its functioning, and national defence. Initially granted to the relatives of martyrs and veterans, eligibility for additional educational support payments has been extended to include the children of duty-disabled individuals. These children receive an annual education grant, with the amount varying according to their level of study. As of September 2021, the number of children of martyrs and veterans enrolled in private schools exceeds 6,000. In addition, these children are provided with free accommodation in dormitories operated by the Higher Education Student Loans and Dormitories Institution. Patient contributions and additional fees for medicines, prostheses and orthoses, other medical aids and devices, as well as assisted reproductive treatments, have been abolished for disabled personnel (including non-commissioned officers and privates) receiving invalidity pensions under Law No. 3713 on the Fight Against Terrorism, and for those in need of care among service-disabled and war-disabled veterans. The requirement to prove victimisation for families of duty martyrs and service-disabled personnel in order to receive pensions was abolished in 2014. Under this amendment, pensions are granted without requiring proof of victimisation. Pensions paid to severely disabled veterans—who are unable to live independently without care and support—as well as to civilian victims of terrorism, are regularly increased in line with changes in the minimum wage. 104 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE Service-disabled and war-disabled veterans who were previously unable to benefit from interest-free housing loans have now been granted access to this entitlement, in line with the rights provided to the relatives of martyrs and other veterans. Accordingly, eligible beneficiaries may utilise an interest-free housing loan of up to 1,233,000 TL for 2026. Individuals who were previously ineligible for discounts on water and electricity charges due to service-related or war-related disabilities have now been enabled to benefit from such discounts. Electricity charges for the residences of the relatives of martyrs and veterans have been reduced by up to 40%, and water charges by up to 50%. In addition, grade and step advancements have been introduced for privates, non-commissioned officers, and service-disabled public officials, resulting in increases in their monthly payments and greater consistency in implementation. SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 105 2.9. Social Policies for Immigrants International migration is an inherent feature of an increasingly globalised world. Owing to its geographical and strategic location, Türkiye has experienced numerous migration movements throughout its history, hosting millions of migrants and continuing to do so.Guided by a humanitarian approach rooted in the principles of ansar and muhajir, Türkiye has developed its policies towards asylum seekers within this framework. Currently, there are over five million foreign nationals in Türkiye, not all of whom are asylum seekers. This figure includes more than 3.7 million Syrians living under temporary protection who have sought refuge in Türkiye due to the Syrian civil war. Through its open-door policy, Türkiye continues to fulfil its historical, humanitarian, and legal responsibilities towards refugees forced to leave their homes. The “Temporary Protection” system, applied in cases of mass influx, has been given a legal basis under the Law on Foreigners and Interna- tional Protection. The Temporary Protection framework encompas- ses a wide range of rights, including admission to the country, regist- ration, access to education and healthcare services, and participation in the labour market. Türkiye’s progress in the field of migration and international protection (asylum) has been strengthened through the rights-based Law on Foreigners and International Protection, which reinforces the national protection framework. 106 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE Within the scope of temporary protection, Türkiye delivers services to asylum seekers through relevant ministerial units—particularly the Presidency of Migration Management and AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Authority)—as well as through non-gover- nmental organisations, notably the Turkish Red Crescent. Syrian nationals under temporary protection have been granted ac- cess to work permits in order to reduce their economic and social de- pendency and to support self-sufficiency. All beneficiaries may apply for a work permit valid for up to one year, provided that they reside in the province where they are registered under temporary protection and that at least six months have elapsed since their registration. Psycho-social support services are provided to help address the trau- ma and hardships experienced by Syrians. Educational programmes are also organised on the prevention of violence and abuse—particu- larly targeting children, women, persons with disabilities, and older persons—as well as on official marriage procedures and the rights of women and children. Informational materials are distributed in both Turkish and Arabic. To support the physical and mental development of Syrian children and young people, 116,000 m² of sports fields and 51,000 m² of playgrounds have been constructed in temporary accommodation centres. In addition, more than one thousand multi-purpose tents, along with recreation areas and internet lounges, have been established. Within the framework of the Social Cohesion Assistance Programme for Foreigners, the “Red Crescent Card” has been introduced by the Turkish Red Crescent to support refugees living outside camps. To ensure continuous access to assistance, the Alo 157 Call Line has been established within the Presidency of Migration Management, providing free 24/7 services in six languages. Through this service, a wide range of support—including counselling and translation—is offered. • Food, shelter, and other essential relief items have been distributed within the scope of humanitarian assistance. • Within the scope of healthcare services, 11 hospitals, 84 health centres, 16 private hospitals, 18 emergency health service stations, and 14 mobile health units have been constructed or renovated SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 107 in Syria. A total of 2,085 Syrian and 230 Turkish healthcare personnel—including doctors, nurses, midwives, health technicians, and pharmacists—are employed in these facilities. • As part of educational activities, approximately 320,000 students are currently receiving education in a total of 2,245 schools that have been rehabilitated and made operational. Adult education courses—such as hairdressing, sewing, and knitting—have also been introduced. • As part of family and social services, 5 social service centres, 2 family support centres, and 2 nursery and social assistance centres have been established in Syria. In addition, cultural centres have been opened for children and orphans affected by conflict. • Within the scope of youth and sports activities, 3 stadiums, 3 youth centres, 3 sports halls, 9 cultural centres, and 10 football fields have been constructed or rehabilitated and put into service. • Within the scope of religious services, a total of 773 mosques have been restored or constructed and made operational. • Within the scope of transportation and infrastructure activities, services such as road construction, water and electricity supply, GSM and internet provision, cleaning, and infrastructure development are carried out through local resources, with the support of non- governmental organisations and state contributions. 108 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE In addition to formal education, the Ministry of National Education organises a wide range of non-formal education courses through Public Education Centres across various fields. Between 2014 and 2021, a total of 195,387 trainees participated in vocational courses, while 1,305,793 trainees attended courses offered by these centres. A significant proportion of participants in general courses are enrolled in Turkish literacy programmes. Türkiye has become one of the world’s leading providers of humanitarian assistance relative to its national income, extending support from Palestine to Somalia and from Arakan to the Balkans, covering both disaster victims and refugees. SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 109 2.10. Social Policies for Convicts and Ex-Convicts Probation is a system of supervision and enforcement under which suspects, defendants, and offenders are monitored within the community, while being provided with the services, programmes, and resources necessary for their rehabilitation, with the aim of preventing reoffending and protecting society. On 15 August 2005, the Probation Department was established within the General Directorate of Prisons and Detention Houses of the Ministry of Justice. A Probation Services Advisory Board was also established. In addition, protection boards were formed through probation directorates in locations where judicial commissions operate, thereby facilitating the provision of probation services. Today, probation directorates operate in 144 locations—across 81 provinces and 63 districts—where judicial commissions are established. Within the scope of probation, rehabilitation activities are carried out in line with the identified risks and needs of individuals serving sentences in the community. These activities include individual counselling, group sessions, seminars, and structured leisure programmes. They are delivered by probation professionals trained in relevant fields, including social workers, psychologists, sociologists, and teachers. 110 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE The rehabilitation activities carried out by probation directorates are as follows: • Assessment Interviews • Individual Intervention Sessions (Long-Term Individual Counseling) • Anger Management Program in Probation Practices – ÖfkeSİZ (AngerFREE) • Tobacco, Alcohol, and Substance Addiction Awareness Program • Change for Life Program • Anger Management Intervention Program • Initiatives for children and youth: • Alcohol and Substance Intervention Program for Supervised Children • General Offending Behavior Intervention Program for Children • Aggression Prevention Intervention Program for Children • Tobacco, Alcohol, and Substance Addiction Awareness Program for Youth Electronic Monitoring In light of the experience gained from the pilot implementation, the necessary legal arrangements were made, and electronic monitoring systems in Europe and the United States were examined. On 19 October 2012, work commenced on the establishment of the Electronic Monitoring Centre within the General Directorate of Prisons and Detention Houses under the Ministry of Justice, and the Centre became operational on 20 January 2013. To date, approximately 59,164 individuals have been supervised through the electronic SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 111 monitoring system, while monitoring of around 339 individuals is currently ongoing. The Electronic Monitoring Centre has the capacity to supervise up to 5,000 offenders and operates on a 24/7 basis through a four-shift system. Since its establishment, approximately 60,000 offenders have been monitored under this system. Probation Pursuant to the Law on Probation Services No. 5402 and the Proba- tion Services Regulation, Protection Boards are bodies established within the scope of probation services to provide psychosocial and economic support to individuals released from penal institutions. To date, a total of 35,166 forms of assistance have been provided th- rough Protection Boards, including 15,939 in-kind supports, 2,878 cash assistance payments, 2,267 job placements, 309 loans, 4,197 edu- cational support services, 96 health-related supports, 417 psychosoci- al support services, and 2,404 other types of assistance (such as pro- ject activities, legal aid, information services, and housing support). In 2020, a total of 95,828 former convicts applied for job placement. Of these, 3,782 were employed in the private sector and 35,752 in the public sector. 112 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE Participation in Employment Projects are developed in cooperation with İŞKUR (the Turkish Emp- loyment Agency) to enable former convicts to practice their professi- ons and to support their economic and social reintegration by estab- lishing their own businesses. Projects deemed eligible are also provided with grant support, with the backing of the Turkish Employment Agency, not exceeding 15 ti- mes the minimum wage. Within this scope, a total of 2,299 projects have been implemented since 2014, enabling former convicts to es- tablish their own businesses. Through vocational training projects, efforts are made to support the development of the existing skills of former convicts and probatio- ners, to enable them to acquire a profession where necessary, to en- hance their qualifications and capacities, and thereby facilitate their access to employment. Within the scope of the Social Support Programme (SODES), the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organisation (KOS- GEB), and National Agency programmes, projects are developed ac- ross various areas, including employment, applied entrepreneurship, certified vocational training, business establishment, and social sup- port. These initiatives target probationers, former convicts, as well as children and young people at risk of offending due to socio-economic disadvantages. A public awareness campaign was carried out by the Directorate Ge- neral of Lifelong Learning under the Ministry of National Education, in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice and with the support of the European Union, within the framework of the “European Agenda for Adult Learning IV” project. The campaign aimed to raise aware- ness, reduce prejudice regarding the employment of former convicts, and promote socio-economic inclusion. The Workshops of the General Directorate of Prisons and Detention Houses aim to equip prisoners and detainees with the skills required by the labour market, taking into account their individual characte- ristics, interests, needs, and vocational aptitudes. Within this scope, SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 113 the activities carried out by these workshops in 2021 are presented below: Agricultural Activities: Greenhouse farming; cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and grains; beekeeping; olive and olive oil production; legume cultivation; and innovations in agricultural tools and equip- ment. Agro-Industrial Activities: Production of tahini halva, Turkish delight, cezerye, walnut paste, jam, tomato paste, molasses, and meat products. Textile Production Activities: Garment manufacturing; pro- duction of bedding (beds and pillows), shoes, and slippers. Industrial Production Activities: Furniture manufacturing, including the production of armchairs, tables, and chairs. Service Sector Activi- ties: Promoting the participation of convicts and former convicts in production processes and supporting their social integration. 114 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE 2.11. Social Policies for Addiction Prevention Within the scope of the “Türkiye Addiction Prevention Programme”, activities such as student education, awareness-raising and information sessions, family guidance, teacher training, and preventive counselling services are implemented. In this context, training is provided to administrators, teachers, students, and parents on topics including healthy lifestyles, and the prevention of alcohol, tobacco, substance, and technology addiction. In order to contribute to the policy development process on addicti- on, the “Study on Cigarette, Alcohol, Substance, and Technology Use among 16-year-old High School Students in Türkiye” was conducted. The data on the trainings carried out within the scope of the Türkiye Addiction Prevention (TAP) Training Program are provided below. Data of the Türkiye Addiction Prevention Training Program (2020) MODULE Administrators Students Parents Healthy lifestyle 42,517 2,727,642 387,510 Technology Addiction 55,858 3,443,611 1,031,324 Tobacco Addiction 21,469 1,167,683 158,942 Alcohol Addiction 9,910 207,678 42,130 Substance Abuse 20.754 390,926 82,448 SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 115 The “UYU-MA” mobile application, developed to facilitate the rapid reporting of drug-related incidents, has been downloaded by 502,294 users. A total of 42,249 reports have been submitted through the app- lication. In 2020, 1.362 billion TL was allocated to efforts to combat drug use. Services of the Green Crescent (Yeşilay) The Green Crescent Counselling Centre (YEDAM) was established in 2015 and initially began providing services through a counselling helpli- Türkiye Addiction Prevention (TAP) Training Program Te Journey of TBM 2014 2015 2017 2018 2020 2022 2019 2016 • Protocol with the Ministry of National Education and trainer trainings • Setting up a distance education system • Trainings of the Ministry of Family Trainings of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of National Detense, anc he Presidency or Religious Affairs • Content Development for TAP • Training of 32,000 practitioners • Ministry of Health trainings • International TBM Practitioner Training • Completion of TAP revisions • Initiation of trainer trainings and dissemination activities • Revision of TAP • Updating of digital content • Selection of TAP as a good practice example within the scope of the EFQM Excellence Award • Translations into English, French, • Arabic, Russian, Kazakh, and Bosnian • EBA Integration 43,477 TAP PRACTITIONERS Türkiye Addiction Prevention (TAP) Training Program 1,104 TRAINERS 10 MILLION STUDENTS 3 MILLION ADULTS 116 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE ne. The number of counselling centres operating under the Green Cres- cent, which work to combat all forms of addiction, has increased to 105. At the YEDAM Helpline, social workers and specialised psychologists provide accurate information and referral services to callers. In addi- tion, psychological support is offered to help individuals overcome addiction, addressing mental health issues such as stress, depression, anger management, and anxiety. Citizens can access YEDAM and re- ceive free support by calling the helpline at 115. The Green Crescent, as one of the leading institutions in Türkiye employing social wor- kers—with a total of 129 staff members—continues to provide social support services. To date, the Green Crescent Counselling Centre has: • Received 11,220 applications related to tobacco use; • 6,296 applications related to alcohol and substance addiction; • 3,814 applications related to gambling addiction; • and 900 applications related to internet addiction; • Organised 911 social events; • and provided counselling services through more than 500,000 calls to the helpline. The YEDAM Counselling Helpline, which provides information, re- ferral, and follow-up services in the areas of alcohol, tobacco, subs- tance, gambling, and internet addiction, also offered psychological support services to address conditions such as heightened anxiety, uncertainty, fear of illness, and changes in daily habits resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 117 2.12. Social Policies for Seasonal Agricultural Workers The “Prevention of Child Labour in Seasonal Agriculture” Project, the largest initiative implemented to date in Türkiye by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in the fight against child labour, was launched in October 2020. The project aims to carry out a range of activities for children who accompany their families in seasonal agricultural work and are engaged in such activities. A significant number of children accompany their families and work in seasonal agriculture, which can result in disruptions to their education and exposure to health risks. Efforts are supported to eliminate this situation, which is considered one of the worst forms of child labour. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MoLSS) launched the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Project (ME-TIP II) in 2017. Within this framework, the roles and responsibilities of relevant institutions have been clearly defined to address the challenges faced by seasonal agricultural workers and their families. Measures to be implemented 118 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE at the provincial level are carried out under the supervision and coordination of governors. Within the scope of the project, activities have been initiated in 22 provinces where seasonal agricultural labour is most prevalent. A total of approximately 87.9 million TL, including 27.4 million TL allocated in 2022, has been earmarked for the establishment of temporary settlement areas. These areas are equipped with electricity, water, and sanitation infrastructure, and provide seasonal agricultural workers with access to basic services, including education, healthcare, and social activities. The Seasonal Agricultural Workers Information System (e-METIP) has been established to ensure the effective delivery of public services to seasonal agricultural workers and to combat child labour in this sector. Within this framework, data on seasonal agricultural workers have been collected, and a seasonal migration map of Türkiye has been developed. A total of 23,240 children benefited from services in 2021 through the activities of Child Labour Units established in all 81 provinces since 2018, as well as through projects implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MoLSS) within the scope of combating child labour in seasonal agriculture. Efforts are ongoing to strengthen policies that support the participation of seasonal agricultural workers in employment within their places of residence. Comprehensive measures are being implemented in coordination with relevant ministries to address the economic, educational, health, social, and psychological challenges faced by seasonal agricultural workers. In addition, cooperation is maintained with civil society organisations, including the private sector and trade unions. To reduce the negative impact of seasonal agricultural labour on children, efforts are continuously made to improve their working, travel, and living conditions. Social benefits are provided to support families. All necessary measures are taken to safeguard children’s rights to life, development, education, and health throughout the seasonal migration period. In summary, policies aimed at mitigating the effects of seasonal agricultural labour on children seek to protect and promote all rights of the child. SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 119 Between 2017 and 2025, approximately 137 million TL in funding was allocated to governorships, and 32 METIP sites were established across 18 provinces. Following field studies conducted under Circular No. 2017/6 and feedback received from relevant stakeholders, revisions were introduced. Subsequently, the Presidential Circular on “Seasonal Agricultural Workers”, dated 27 April 2024 and numbered 2024/5, entered into force. The Circular sets out the procedures and principles governing activities aimed at addressing the challenges faced by individuals who travel from their home provinces to other regions for seasonal agricultural work, as well as those affecting their families. This Circular repeals Circular No. 2017/6. Circular No. 2024/5 classifies public services under distinct headings, thereby facilitating more effective monitoring by responsible institutions within their respective areas of competence. The areas covered include temporary settlement facilities; healthcare and education services; transportation and security; employment and social security; social services; the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Information System; financial resources; investment and coordination; the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Action Plan; and the Provincial and District Monitoring Committees, as well as the Monitoring and Evaluation Committee on Seasonal Agricultural Labour. 120 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE 2.13. Social Policies for Citizens Residing Abroad More than 6.5 million Turkish citizens live abroad, with approxima- tely 5.5 million residing in Western European countries. Taking into account the nearly 3 million citizens who have permanently returned to Türkiye, it is necessary to develop policies addressing a population of approximately 9.5 million people One of the primary objectives of Türkiye’s foreign policy is to address the needs of Turkish citizens living abroad and to resolve the chal- lenges they face. In this context, the development of targeted social policies for citizens abroad is of particular importance. The adaptation challenges experienced by third-generation migrants have become increasingly prominent. Positioned between two cultu- res, this generation faces a range of social issues, including family-re- lated challenges such as divorce. In response, support is provided to families living abroad. Various initiatives, projects, and social activities are planned to add- ress the needs of Turkish citizens residing outside the country. The fol- lowing measures are implemented to address the challenges they face: • Activities aimed at addressing the challenges faced by the third generation, including cultural conflicts related to integration, as well as material and emotional difficulties SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 121 • Legal advisory services (including custody, coordination of services, and family reunification) • Social security services • Integration support services • Education and Turkish mother-tongue instruction • Combating xenophobia, discrimination, racism, and Islamophobia • Religious and funeral services Services for Citizens Living Abroad Are Expanding • Approximately 6.5 million Turkish citizens living abroad can now complete administrative procedures more easily, both in their countries of residence and in Türkiye, thanks to legal reforms implemented across various fields, including education, transportation, law, the economy, social services, and trade. • With Recent Regulations, Citizens Can More Easily Access: • Notary services • Diploma equivalency procedures • Criminal record services • Border crossing procedures • Documents issued through notarial procedures conducted abroad are now recognised and can be used in Türkiye. • Applications for the recognition of higher education diplomas obtained abroad can be submitted via the e-Government portal or through the website of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK). • With the “Pre-Declaration for Vehicles” application, passengers entering Türkiye with foreign-plated private vehicles can now complete customs registration procedures more efficiently. • Citizens can obtain criminal record certificates from foreign representations in eight languages: German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Danish, and Portuguese. • Extended Duration for Vehicle Use • The period for the use of vehicles brought into Türkiye by citizens residing abroad and registered under a company has been extended from 30 days to 90 days. Comprehensive legal arrangements have been introduced across multiple sectors to improve the daily lives of approximately 6.5 million Turkish citizens living abroad. 122 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE 2.14. Social Policies for Roma Citizens Targeted social policies have been developed for Roma citizens living in the Republic of Türkiye, and this population group has been protected and supported through various legal regulations, projects, strategies, and action plans. Psychosocial and economic support services aimed at addressing the social challenges faced in areas with a high concentration of Roma citizens are being continuously expanded. To improve the living conditions of Roma citizens residing in substandard and inadequate housing, housing assistance programmes—including support for house construction and repair—are also being progressively enhanced. Within this framework, support provided to Roma citizens has been increased in the following areas: • Support for house purchase • Construction of reinforced concrete and prefabricated houses for ci- tizens who own land • Support for the renovation of houses for households living in ina- dequate conditions on their own properties, SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 123 • Support is provided for house construction and renovation for hou- seholds that do not have full ownership rights (such as those living in a relative’s home or in properties with co-owners outside the hou- sehold), but who have resided in substandard conditions without paying rent for at least five years. Within this framework, in 2021, housing assistance amounting to 15.1 million TL was provided to 1,005 households in need across 22 provinces with a high concentra- tion of Roman citizens. • A Social Housing Project has been implemented involving the const- ruction of 1+1 and 2+1 residential units for Roma citizens under affor- dable repayment conditions. • Within the scope of the project, 33,337 housing units have been cons- tructed, of which 6,603 were built and delivered in areas with a high concentration of Roma citizens. 124 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE 2.15. Social Policies for Low-Income Citizens Many countries have addressed the housing needs of disadvantaged groups through “social housing” projects, which constitute a core component of the social welfare state. The primary objective of such programmes is to meet one of the most fundamental needs of low- income citizens—housing—and to provide them with the opportunity to live in a dignified environment. Within this framework, a large- scale Social Housing Programme has been developed. Under the Social Housing Project launched in 2022, 2+1 and 3+1 housing units are offered at affordable prices and with favourable payment conditions.The project includes the construction of 250,000 social housing units, the development of 100,000 serviced housing plots on Treasury land, and the establishment of 10,000 industrial sites. Through this initiative, it is aimed to enable low-income citizens— who were previously unable to afford home ownership—to become homeowners at accessible prices across all 81 provinces. The Housing Development Administration (TOKİ), which continu- es its efforts to meet the need for quality housing for all citizens— particularly those with low and middle incomes—has constructed 1,170,000 housing units over the past twenty years. In addition, wit- hin the scope of urban transformation projects, the transformation of 3 million housing units has been completed. SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 125 A total of 446 National Garden Projects have been developed as part of initiatives aimed at providing recreational opportunities, enabling the public to engage with nature, and preserving historical, natural, and cultural values. Of these, 128 projects have been completed. In addition to coal and natural gas assistance provided as part of heating support for those in need, the electricity support programme for individuals with chronic illnesses has emerged as a significant social policy measure in recent years. This programme covers electricity expenses and ensures uninterrupted power supply for households with patients who rely on medical devices due to chronic conditions. Homeownership in 81 Provinces with Payments as Affordable as Rent WHAT WILL THE PROJECT INCLUDE? • Housing Units • Serviced Housing Plots • Industrial Sites FOR WHOM WILL QUOTAS BE RESERVED? • Youth • Retirees • Relatives of Martyrs and Veterans • Persons with Disabilities WHAT FEATURES WILL THE HOUSES HAVE? • Local and Horizontal Architecture • Zero-Waste Compliant • Energy-Efficient • Climate-Friendly Materials • Renewable Energy Systems THE LARGEST SOCIAL HOUSING PROJECT IN THE HISTORY OF THE REPUBLIC 126 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE SUPPORT FOR FAMILY, ENERGY, AND EDUCATION TO REACH 20-25 BILLION LIRAS The budget allocated for increasing family support amounts, providing sustained subsidies for natural gas and electricity bills, and offering stationery assistance to the children of families in need is projected to reach 20-25 billion liras. FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAMME • 1.6 million households have been granted eligibility. • 831,000 Households > 427,9 million liras have been disbursed. EXISTING PROGRAMMES NATURAL GAS CONSUMPTION SUPPORT • 450–1,150 liras of support is provided to households. • 5% ADDITIONAL SUPPORT: An additional 5% will be provided to chronic patients or individuals dependent on life-support equipment. ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION SUPPORT (MONTHLY PER HOUSEHOLD) • Kilowatt-hours (kWh): 75 - 100 - 125 - 150 • (per Household/monthly) 1-2 persons | 3 persons | 4 persons | 5 or more persons SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 127 2.16. Social Policies on Natural Disasters Due to its tectonic, seismic, topographical, and climatic characteristics, Türkiye is a country that frequently experiences natural disasters. Among disasters such as floods, avalanches, landslides, and wildfires, earthquakes pose the greatest risk. Türkiye ranks third in the world in terms of human casualties caused by earthquakes and eighth in terms of the number of people affected. On average, at least one earthquake with a magnitude between 5 and 6 occurs each year. The General Directorate of Civil Defence under the Ministry of the Interior, the General Directorate of Disaster Affairs under the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, and the General Directorate of Emergency Management of Türkiye under the Prime Ministry— each responsible for disaster-related functions—were abolished. In 2009, the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) was established under the Prime Ministry in accordance with Law No. 5902, consolidating all powers and responsibilities under a single authority. Within the framework of the Presidential Government System, AFAD was transferred to the Ministry of the Interior by Presidential Decree No. 4, dated 15 July 2018. 128 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE The Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) is a multi-dimensional and multi-stakeholder institution established to ensure cooperation among all relevant institutions and organisations in the country. It is responsible for the planning, direction, support, coordination, and effective implementation of activities related to disaster risk reduction, response, and the swift completion of post-disaster recovery efforts. AFAD prioritises the efficient use of resources, adopts an interdisciplinary approach, and operates as a mission-oriented, flexible, and dynamic organisation. With its extensive volunteer network, AFAD remains prepared to respond to crises and disasters across all 81 provinces. AFAD carries out its operations through Provincial Disaster and Emergency Management Directorates, which operate under the authority of governors in each province, as well as through Disaster TÜRKİYE’S DISASTER STRATEGY: Citizen Attitude is Pivotal in Reducing Disaster Risks AFAD’S PRE-DISASTER GUIDELINES AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES CRITICAL RECOMMENDATIONS • Structural safety must be thoroughly researched when purchasing or renting a property. • Building occupancy and construction permits must be verified. • Citizens should advocate for urban regeneration to safeguard life and property. • Earthquake resilience is paramount, even if it necessitates a smaller living area. • Buildings should not be constructed in or near riverbeds, and such structures must not be inhabited. • Household items should be secured; a disaster and emergency kit must be prepared. • A family disast er and emergency plan should be formulated, regularly updated, and practiced through drills. • Te building must be inspected for any post-construction structural modifications that may compromise load-bearing columns and walls. • Properties, vehicles, workplaces, agricultural lands, and livestock should be insured against disaster risks. • Earthquake hazard levels and the nearest assembly areas should be identified via the e-Government (e-Devlet) portal. • Citizens are encouraged to receive the one-hour “Basic Disaster Awareness Training” by applying to AFAD Provincial Directorates. AFAD: DISASTER RESPONSE AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT Precautions, training, and preparations undertaken by citizens prior to disasters, alongside identifying the nearest assembly areas and becoming an AFAD Volunteer, significantly contribute to the reduction of disaster risks. STATISTICAL DATA: • 14 Million People have received “Basic Disaster Awareness Training” since 2013. • Tere are 18,642 Assembly Areas nationwide. • 3,000 located in Istanbul. • 1,714 located in Ankara. • 150,000 People have joined the AFAD Volunteer System since January 2019. SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 129 and Emergency Search and Rescue Unit Directorates located in 11 provinces. As the central authority for disaster and emergency management in Türkiye, AFAD functions as a coordinating body, working in cooperation with the General Staff, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, other relevant ministries, and civil society organisations, depending on the nature and scale of the disaster or emergency. AFAD has conducted numerous successful operations at both national and international levels and has responded to disasters and emergencies across the globe. With its highly trained personnel and advanced technological capabilities, AFAD has provided assistance from Haiti to Japan and from Chile to Myanmar, and has carried out evacuation and humanitarian aid operations in countries such as Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, and Syria, gaining international recognition. 130 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE Turkish Red Crescent One of the key organisations playing a pivotal role in disaster response and humanitarian assistance in Türkiye and globally is the Turkish Red Crescent. Established in 1868, the organisation has since undertaken significant responsibilities in promoting social solidarity, contributing to social welfare, and providing shelter, food, and healthcare assistance to those in need. The Turkish Red Crescent operates across a wide range of areas, including blood donation, disaster relief, international humanitarian aid, migration and refugee services, social services, healthcare, first aid, education, youth programmes, and mineral water production. Through its role as a global humanitarian actor, the Turkish Red Crescent provided services to 38,475,909 people in Türkiye and 8,550,000 people abroad in 2021. Through the Turkish Red Crescent: SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 131 • Minimum subsistence support is provided to help families in need meet their basic needs, • Food aid is provided to meet the basic nutritional needs of those in need. • Maternity support is provided to meet the essential needs of newborn babies and their mothers following childbirth. • Clothing assistance is provided to meet the clothing needs of those in need. • Disaster assistance is provided to individuals and groups affected by disasters and emergency situations. • Housing assistance is provided to improve the physical conditions of homes that are uninhabitable or inadequate. As of 2021, the Turkish Red Crescent operates nationwide with: • soup kitchens • 5 student dormitories • mobile soup kitchens and catering vehicles • 4 social markets 132 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE • clothing boutiques • Social assistance provided to 15,4 million people • Healthcare services provided to 929,000 people through nursing homes and health institutions. SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 133 The Disaster Of The Century Following the earthquakes centred in Kahramanmaraş on 6 February 2023, the Republic of Türkiye launched an unprecedented reconstruction mobilisation across 11 provinces. Within two years, 455,000 housing units and workplaces were completed and delivered. Satellite settlements have been developed on solid ground, based on horizontal architectural principles, ensuring safety and resilience to disasters, while city centres have been revitalised through the “On- Site Transformation” model. Following the earthquakes of magnitudes 7.7 and 7.6, the “Century’s Reconstruction Mobilisation” was initiated at 3,481 construction sites across 174 locations in 11 provinces. The process was carried out under the coordination of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, with the participation of the Housing Development Administration (TOKİ), the Urban Transformation Presidency, Emlak Konut GYO, and the General Directorate of Construction Works. At an unprecedented pace, the foundations of the first housing units were laid within 15 days, and the first units were delivered within 45 days. Construction activities were carried out on a scale comparable to that of a small country. The total number of housing units and workplaces constructed in the earthquake-affected region will reach 455,357. The provincial distribution is as follows: • Hatay: 153,755 • Malatya: 79,660 • Kahramanmaraş: 73,956 • Adıyaman: 43,366 • Gaziantep: 31,053 • Diyarbakır: 17,206 • Elazığ: 14,894 • Şanlıurfa: 13,429 • Osmaniye: 12,557 • Adana: 12,073 • Kilis: 2,569 • Tunceli: 298 • Kayseri: 288 • Sivas: 164 • Bingöl: 89 134 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE 2.17. Social Policies for Working Life The fundamental aims of social policies are to regulate and oversee working life; to increase the contribution of economic growth to emp- loyment, as well as employment and labour force participation rates, by addressing structural challenges in the labour market; to develop a skilled workforce; to expand social security coverage; and to ensure a healthy and safe working environment for all employees by fostering a strong culture of occupational health and safety. In Türkiye, the number of actively insured individuals reached 26.3 million as of 2025 whereas total employment exceeded 33.2 million. Number of Insured Persons Number of the insured 12 million persons 26,3 million persons 2002 2026 Figures of Labour Force Labour Force 23 million persons 35,1 million persons 2002 2026 SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 135 The number of workplaces increased from 727,000 in 2002 to 2.3 million in 2026. The number of employed persons rose from 6.5 million in 2002 to over 19.4 million by the beginning of 2026. A total of 1.2 trillion TL in incentives has been provided to support employment. The rate of informal employment, which stood at 52.4% in 2002, has been reduced to 25% in 2025. Within the scope of the minimum wage support programme, launched in 2016 and still ongoing, approximately 80 billion TL is provided annually. Under active labour market programmes, a total of 4,948,447 individuals have benefited from vocational training courses, on-the-job training programmes, and entrepreneurship training programmes between 2002 and February 2026. Labour Force Participation Rate Number of Employees Participation to labour force Number of Employees %47,10 21 milyon 52,1% 32,2 million 2002 2002 2026 2026 Informal Employment Rate Informal Employment Rate %52,4 25% 2002 2025 136 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE Effective Period Net Minimum Wage Gross Minimum Wage 01.01.2002 - 30.06.2002 163,563,536 222,000,750 01.07.2002 - 31.12.2002 184,251,937 250,875,000 01.01.2003 - 31.12.2003 225,999,000 306,000,000 01.01.2004 - 30.06.2004 303,079,500 423,000,000 01.07.2004 - 31.12.2004 318,233,475 444,150,000 01.01.2005 - 31.12.2005 350,15 488,70 01.01.2006 - 31.12.2006 380,46 531,00 01.01.2007 - 30.06.2007 403,03 562,50 01.07.2007 - 31.12.2007 419,15 585,00 01.01.2008 - 30.06.2008 481,55 608,40 01.07.2008 - 31.12.2008 503,26 638,70 01.01.2009 - 30.06.2009 527,13 666,00 01.07.2009 - 31.12.2009 546,48 693,00 01.01.2010 - 30.06.2010 576,57 729,00 01.07.2010 - 31.12.2010 599,12 760,50 01.01.2011 – 30.06.2011 629,96 796,50 01.07.2011 - 31.12.2011 658,95 837,00 01.01.2012 - 30.06.2012 701,13 886,50 01.07.2012 - 31.12.2012 739,79 940,50 01.01.2013 - 30.06.2013 773,01 978,60 01.07.2013 - 31.12.2013 803,68 1,021,50 01.01.2014 - 30.06.2014 846,00 1,071,00 01.07.2014 - 31.12.2014 891,03 1,134,00 01.01.2015 - 30.06.2015 949,07 1,201,50 01.07.2015 - 31.12.2015 1,000,54 1,273,50 01.01.2016 - 31.12.2016 1,300,99 1,647,00 01.01.2017 - 31.12.2017 1,404,06 1,777,50 01.01.2018 - 31.12.2018 1,603,12 2,029,50 01.01.2019 - 31.12.2019 2,020,90 2,558,40 01.01.2020 - 31.12.2020 2,324,71 2,943,00 01.01.2021 - 31.12.2021 2,825,90 3,577,50 01.01.2022 - 30.06.2022 4,253,40 5,004,00 01.07.2022 - 31.12.2022 5,500,35 6,471,00 01.01.2023 – 30.06.2023 8,506,80 10,008,00 01.07.2023 - 31.12.2023 11,402,32 13,414,50 01.01.2024 - 31.12.2024 17,002,12 20,002,50 01.01.2025 – 31.12.2025 22,104,67 26,005,50 Amount of Minimum Wage by Year SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 137 • Job Placement: While 125,071 individuals were placed in jobs in the public and private sectors through İŞKUR in 2002, this num- ber increased to 1,478,405 in 2025. From 2002 to February 2026, a total of 16,684,878 individuals have been placed in employment through İŞKUR. • Active Labour Market Programmes: Labour market needs are identified through regular research, and training programmes are organised to support skill development and employment. From 2002 to February 2026, 4,948,447 individuals have benefited from vocational training, on-the-job training, and entrepreneurship programmes. • Disability Grant Support: Grant support is provided to persons with disabilities to enable them to establish their own businesses. Since 2014, a total of 603,547,062 TL has been granted to 4,600 beneficiaries. • Career and Vocational Counselling: Since 2012, 47,862,337 individual consultations, 8,565,294 workplace visits, and 235,299 school visits have been conducted by career and vocational counsellors. • Job Clubs: Between 2017 and 2025, intensive job and career counselling has been provided through 113 Job Clubs to groups requiring targeted support, including women, young people, persons with disabilities, Roma citizens, the long-term unemployed, and individuals with substance dependency. A total of 398,486 individuals have benefited from these services. • Public Benefit Programme: Launched in 2021, this programme aims to support unemployed individuals by preserving work habits and facilitating labour market integration, while providing temporary income support. A total of 3,249,225 individuals have benefited from the programme across various public institutions and organisations. • Short-Time Work Allowance: From 2005 to February 2026, 4,321,087 individuals have benefited from this allowance, with total payments amounting to 38.3 billion TL. Following 138 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE the earthquake disaster, 994.3 million TL was paid to 111,091 individuals in affected provinces. • Unemployment Benefit: From 2002 to February 2026, 189.3 billion TL has been paid to 12,263,161 beneficiaries entitled to unemployment benefits. • Cash Wage Support: Introduced to mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a total of 14 billion TL has been paid to 3,119,059 individuals between April 2020 and February 2026. In addition, 700.6 million TL was disbursed to 81,918 individuals in earthquake-affected provinces. • Wage Guarantee Fund: From 2005 to February 2026, 175,233 individuals have benefited, with total payments reaching 1.4 billion TL. • Job Loss Compensation: From 2002 to February 2026, 250.9 million TL has been allocated to 35,067 beneficiaries. • Part-Time Work Allowance: To support employment, particularly among women, 47,577 individuals have benefited from this allowance since 2016, with total payments amounting to 327 million TL. Social Security The reforms implemented in the field of social security in Türkiye after 2002 represent not merely an institutional restructuring, but also the realisation of a human-centred conception of the state. With the consolidation of a fragmented and unsustainable system under a single framework, the social security system has been rendered more effective, accessible, and financially sustainable. In doing so, the practical application of the social state principle has been further strengthened. Throughout this transformation process, enhancing inclusivity, streamlining service delivery, and placing citizen satisfaction at the core have emerged as key priorities. The evolution of the social security system from a structure serving only specific segments into a comprehensive model encompassing the entire population has positioned Türkiye as a country that attracts SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 139 international attention and is studied comparatively in this field. At the heart of this approach lies the principle articulated under the leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan—“let the individual live so that the state may live”—which places the welfare, security, and future assurance of the individual at its core and serves as a guiding reference for social security policies. At present, Türkiye has developed a social security model that stands out internationally in terms of access, coverage, and quality of service. These reforms, which reinforce the concept of the social state, have also become a key component of sustainable development. The comprehensive social security reform enacted in 2007 initiated a profound transformation by unifying previously fragmented social security institutions under a single system. Through this reform, institutions that had operated under different legal and administrative structures were integrated into a cohesive framework, thereby ensuring standardisation in service delivery and enabling the more efficient use of resources. A central element of the reform was the introduction of the General Health Insurance (GHI) scheme, which aimed to extend health coverage to all segments of society—a goal that has largely been achieved. As a result, access to healthcare services has been secured for all citizens, regardless of income level, thereby strengthening the “right to access healthcare,” one of the fundamental pillars of the social state. With this process of transformation, access to healthcare services has not only become more widespread, but the quality of such services has also been significantly enhanced. Through the effective integration of public and private healthcare providers, citizens have been enabled to access a broader network of services; diagnostic and therapeutic methods based on advanced technologies have been rendered accessible within the scope of the social security system. Within this framework, Türkiye has attained a capacity for the provision of healthcare services comparable to that of many developed countries, and in certain areas, one that is regarded as exemplary. At the same time, comprehensive arrangements introduced within the reimbursement system have significantly alleviated the financial 140 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE Population Covered by SSI Population Covered by SSI 69% (44 million persons) 100 % 2002 2026 burden of healthcare expenditures on citizens. Through the expansion of pharmaceutical reimbursement lists and the inclusion of modern treatment methods and advanced medical practices within coverage, citizens are able to access the healthcare services they require in a timely and effective manner. The broad scope of services provided across both outpatient and inpatient care has established a comprehensive health coverage framework, ranging from preventive healthcare services to advanced surgical interventions. In this regard, the reforms implemented have enabled Türkiye to develop a highly inclusive, accessible, and sustainable model in the fields of social security and healthcare, thereby positioning the country as one that attracts considerable international attention in this domain. • Persons Registered under the General Health Insurance Scheme: As of December 2025, the premiums of 5,651,808 persons registered under the General Health Insurance scheme are covered by the State, while the premiums of 2,026,839 persons are paid by the individuals themselves. • Number of Dependants: As of December 2025, there are 33,881,824 dependants covered under the social security system. • Social Security Support Contribution: As of December 2025, 2,149,227 persons are employed subject to the Social Security Support Contribution. Occupational Health and Safety The number of workplaces receiving occupational health and safety (OHS) services increased from 27,158 in 2013 to 667,411 as of February 2026. • OHS Professionals: Whilst there were 29.193 occupational safety experts and 17,375 workplace physicians in 2013, as of February 2026, the number of occupational safety experts stands at 155,416 and the number of workplace physicians at 54,821. SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 141 The process of transformation in the field of organisation in Türkiye acquired an institutional foundation through the constitutional recognition of the right to form trade unions in 1995 and the legislative arrangements that entered into force in 2001. Within this framework, particularly through the policies pursued after 2002, trade unionism among public officials has demonstrated significant progress; the rate of unionisation has increased from approximately 48% to over 76%, thereby attaining a structure encompassing the vast majority of public employees. During the same period, the rise in the number of unionised public personnel from approximately 650,000 to 2.3 million indicates a strengthening of social dialogue mechanisms and a substantial enhancement in the representative capacity of public employees. These developments point to a noteworthy advancement in the institutionalisation of participation, transparency, and a culture of negotiation within public administration. Following 2002, comprehensive arrangements were implemented with a view to resolving long-standing structural issues within the public personnel regime. In this context, measures such as the liquidation of compulsory savings accounts of public officials and the repayment of accrued funds to rightful beneficiaries, the granting of additional grade advancements to public personnel, the opening of judicial review against disciplinary sanctions, and the provision for bank promotion payments to be made directly to employees have constituted significant steps towards strengthening employee rights. Furthermore, the transition of hundreds of thousands of personnel employed under temporary status in the public sector to permanent worker or contractual positions represents a critical transformation in terms of extending secure forms of employment within working life. In addition, the declaration of 1 May as the “Labour and Solidarity Day” as an official public holiday in Türkiye by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has contributed to the strengthening of workers’ rights at both symbolic and legal levels. In the process of enhancing the financial and social rights of public officials, the constitutional and legal safeguarding of the collective bargaining mechanism has constituted a significant milestone. Owing to the collective agreement system, which was secured constitutionally in 2010 and whose 142 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE legal framework was completed in 2012, the wages, social rights, and working conditions of public employees have begun to be determined within the framework of social dialogue. Through successive collective bargaining periods, notable improvements have been achieved in the financial rights of public officials; moreover, disparities between institutions have largely been eliminated through the establishment of pay parity among personnel holding equivalent titles. Furthermore, measures such as regulations increasing the participation of persons with disabilities in public employment, the expansion of employment rights granted to veterans and relatives of martyrs, and the lifting of the headscarf ban in the public sector demonstrate the adoption of an egalitarian and inclusive approach within the public personnel regime. Significant steps have also been taken to reduce flexible and precarious forms of employment within the structure of public employment. In this regard, the transition of hundreds of thousands of subcontracted workers to permanent worker status, the appointment of contractual personnel to permanent positions, and the granting of the right to transition to permanent status after a specified period for those to be employed in the future constitute structural reforms that enhance stability in public working life. In addition, the establishment of career stages within the teaching profession through specific regulations and the improvement of the financial rights of the relevant personnel have reflected policies aimed at encouraging professional development. With regard to wage policies for public officials, arrangements have been implemented both to preserve purchasing power in the face of inflation and to increase overall welfare levels. In particular, through flat-rate increases and collective agreement-based wage adjustments implemented after 2023, significant improvements in salaries have been achieved; the lowest civil servant salary has increased in real terms by approximately 300% compared to 2002. Moreover, periodic inflation differential payments and increases in base salaries have prevented public employees from being adversely affected by economic conditions. Within this framework, wage policies for public personnel have been effectively utilised, in line with the principle of the social state, as an instrument to improve income distribution and enhance employee welfare. SOCIAL POLICIES IMPLEMENTED IN TÜRKİYE BETWEEN 2002 AND 2026 | 143 03 Conclusion and Evaluation S ocial policy encompasses the set of measures aimed at minimising potential conflicts of interest among the social groups that make up a society, in order to ensure and sustain social welfare, social justice, social development, and social peace within a country. Social policy serves a corrective function, premised upon three fundamental elements: securing a minimum standard of living for all, reducing income disparities, and ensuring equality of opportunity while keeping avenues for social mobility open to all individuals. The primary objective is to achieve social progress and establish social peace, thereby fostering a healthy society. In pursuit of these aims, social policy utilises various instruments, such as social security, social assistance, social services, and employment- generating initiatives. Social policies play a pivotal role in poverty reduction and addressing global inequalities. The constituent issues of social policy are intrinsically interrelated, necessitating an integrated effort capable of addressing all dimensions of social integration simultaneously. In tackling these multidimensional and overlapping social challenges, it is imperative that social policies remain holistic and inclusive in nature. The social policies implemented in Türkiye to date have aimed not only to assist in resolving the psychological, social, and economic problems of individuals, groups, and society by mobilising their 03 Conclusion and Evaluation CONCLUSION AND EVALUATION | 147 capabilities and potential, but also to encourage their active participation in social life. Within Türkiye’s social policy framework, particular importance is attached to analysing the continuously evolving needs of citizens, identifying potential economic and social risks in advance, developing appropriate solutions, and translating these into practice. The provision of all services pertaining to social policy to citizens remains a fundamental objective. Fundamental transformations are taking place which profoundly affect, and are anticipated to exert an even greater influence in the coming years on, both the welfare regimes of the world and of Türkiye, and consequently their social policies; these developments are, in many instances, interrelated. The transformations that are expected to shape social policies focused on social assistance and social services in the future, both globally and in Türkiye, may be summarised under the following headings: • Globalisation, • Poverty, • Unemployment, • Demographic shifts (such as increase in urban populations, migration, migration management, declining fertility rates, population ageing, etc.), • Growing importance of the care sector, • Increasing challenges arising from environmental disasters and the climate crisis, • Expanding use of technology, • Evolving domestic and foreign policies, • Social service institutions adapting in line with changing needs, • Rising demands for accountability, transparency, quality, and standards, • Increase in case management, service evaluation, and managerial roles, 148 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE • Evolving and expanding roles and responsibilities of social workers, • Broadening of interdisciplinary and inter-professional relations, • Growing emphasis on client-centred care and coordination, • Continually changing unmet needs of service users, • Increasing demand for social workers, • Gradual reduction of the State’s role in the social services sector. It is of paramount importance, for the sustainability of its welfare regime and social policies, that Türkiye accurately deciphers and analyses these macro-level transformations faced by many countries and develops long-term policies accordingly. From the perspective of sustainable human development, the objective of Türkiye’s social policies is to establish robust systems that promote social integration, ensure greater justice and equality, provide equal opportunities and rights for all, and enhance material welfare and participation. These policies aim to protect, care for, and support children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly within their own environments, and to implement measures that empower them to realise their full social potential and live independently. Türkiye’s approach to social policy is to carry forward the welfare of its citizens through a conception of the social state that ensures human rights and freedoms, places the individual at its centre, supports green economic development, aims to distribute the gains from economic growth equitably and in a balanced manner among citizens, secures social justice, strengthens the individual, the family, and society, is grounded in pluralistic, integrative, and participatory democracy, reinforces social solidarity, and fosters trust and unity across all segments of society. In this book, which examines Türkiye’s social policy services and models over the past twenty-four years, it is observed that similar policies and programmes are also implemented in other countries. However, the success of Türkiye’s social policy practices stems from CONCLUSION AND EVALUATION | 149 its dedicated efforts to meet the needs of all disadvantaged groups through the development of social service models tailored specifically to Türkiye, as exemplified by the Family Social Support Programme and the Vefa Support Groups. Since 2002, Türkiye has achieved a level of momentum in both the quality and quantity of social service and assistance practices that many developed countries have yet to attain. In summary: • The social policies implemented by the Governments of the Republic of Türkiye over the past twenty-four years encompass the entire population, from infancy to old age; the whole of society has been brought under the protective umbrella of social protection. • The scope of social policies has expanded, and services have been diversified. • The social state has, through social policies, effectively become the protector of the vulnerable. • Social policies reach citizens directly through social assistance mechanisms. • Successfully implemented social policies have attained the level of many contemporary welfare states and have been adopted as a model by numerous countries. The social policy practices of the “Century of Türkiye”, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, have demonstrated, in the past, present and future, not only for Türkiye but for all humanity that a more just world is possible. This manifesto presents a significant vision for advancing human rights, engaging directly with individuals, ensuring social justice and equality, and addressing social problems. The principal objective of social policies is to mitigate potential social conflicts and unrest among different segments of society, and thereby to establish social justice, equality, development, peace, and stability. Certain macro-level social policy objectives, possessing universal 150 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE characteristics, open to development, and capable of shaping the coming century, include: • Achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which define solutions to the fundamental challenges faced by people worldwide, including in Türkiye, • Conducting risk analyses to enable countries to protect their citizens against existing and potential economic, social, and cultural challenges at the global level, • At present, migration and refugee issues exhibit strong indications of giving rise to significant social problems in the future. Environmental disasters, climate change, conflicts, and wars are leading to rapid population movements in Türkiye as well as across the world. In response to these global migration movements, it is necessary to develop the required education, employment, and social service projects in order to ensure the effective management of migration processes through an interdisciplinary and holistic approach, • Global warming and environmental disasters are increasingly generating social and economic inequality and injustice. In order to address the challenges arising from climate change, it is necessary to implement social policy strategies primarily aimed at protecting climate refugees and disadvantaged groups and ensuring the sustainability of their livelihoods, • Developing preventive and protective measures against all forms of behavioural addictions, particularly substance and technology addiction, and taking the necessary steps to combat them, • With the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries, including Türkiye, have successfully adapted online applications to their respective systems. This experience will increase the need for e-social policy, e-social services, and e-health applications in the future. In an increasingly digitalised world, it is therefore necessary for countries to strengthen their own technological infrastructure systems to support the growing provision of online services, CONCLUSION AND EVALUATION | 151 • Alignment of emerging forms of work, such as digital migrants and secure flexible employment which have arisen in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with national social security systems and legal frameworks, • Providing comprehensive support to prepare both the public and private social sectors for digital transformation, • Identifying in advance the familial, economic, social, and occupational risks that citizens may face, and taking preventive measures while planning the necessary services accordingly. • Ensuring the protection of family unity and the enhancement of family welfare through the implementation and sustainability of social service and assistance activities designed to address all potential risks, • Taking all necessary measures to preserve the structure and values of the family in the face of economic, social, and cultural pressures, and to ensure their healthy transmission to future generations, • Developing the necessary protective and preventive services, particularly in relation to social media platforms, to safeguard children and young people from all forms of neglect and abuse, ensure their healthy development, and establish dedicated units to implement such measures effectively, • Implementing and sustaining policy measures aimed at preventing all forms of discrimination against women, protecting and promoting women’s human rights, and ensuring that women benefit equally from rights, opportunities, and resources in all spheres of social life, • Identifying all potential risks and prioritising the development of policies to ensure that persons with disabilities and the elderly can participate effectively in social life without discrimination and are protected from all forms of barriers, neglect, and exclusion, 152 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE • Developing employment policies to train care personnel capable of providing care for children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly, • As the elderly population and life expectancy at birth are steadily increasing worldwide; implementation of a long-term care insurance system to provide for the care and treatment of chronic illnesses arising from aging and other health-related conditions, • Organising national and international congresses and conducting scientific research to identify factors that may influence and shape care policies, • Ensuring the regular, effective, and sustainable implementation of social assistance and solidarity activities targeting segments of society in need of social support and protection in order to combat poverty, • Prioritising policy measures that safeguard the best interests of children, persons with disabilities, women, and the elderly by ensuring their care, protection, and support within their own environments, • Designing urban environments tailored to the needs of all population groups, particularly persons with disabilities, the elderly, and children, and promoting and supporting age-friendly municipal practices, • Increasing the level of health literacy across the population, • Promoting the widespread adoption of sports and physical activity, essential for a healthy and high-quality life, among all population groups, including the elderly and children, • Conducting social impact assessments (effectiveness analyses) of social policy practices, • Strengthening non-governmental organisations operating in the social field, CONCLUSION AND EVALUATION | 153 • Establishing mechanisms within social policy that continuously evaluate themselves and renew service quality through feedback processes, • Facilitating citizens’ access to social welfare services (including social services, social assistance, housing, and social security), • Supporting private sector social responsibility initiatives. In the fields of social services and social assistance, which constitute the core of social policies, the need to establish service standards, enhance the quality of education through monitoring and supervision processes, employ and oversee qualified personnel, develop alternative models for children in need of protection, and diversify and expand services for the growing elderly population continues to remain of critical importance. All these measures will contribute to further strengthening the welfare regime in the Türkiye of the future. Within the framework of the 2053 vision, Türkiye’s foremost objective in the field of social policy is to advance from a long-standing tradition to applications and targets that go beyond welfare. To this end, it is considered necessary to sustain and continuously develop policy strategies grounded in humane systems—strategies that encompass the entire society, aim at full employment, never compromise on social justice, human rights, and equality, promote the equitable distribution and sharing of income, extend welfare across all segments of society, and secure the right to access prosperity through work, while consistently identifying and addressing their own shortcomings. 154 | SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE SOCIAL POLICIES OF THE CENTURY OF TÜRKİYE 978-625-6281-25-7