President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey has branded birth control as a “betrayal” and labeled the nation’s declining birthrate a “disaster.” Throughout his extensive political career, which spans over two decades, he has persistently encouraged Turkish families to expand their households, advocating for traditional family structures where fathers are breadwinners and mothers primarily manage the home life. Erdogan has often advocated for larger families, famously stating, “Why not have at least four children, or five?” His vision is that increasing the number of births will fortify Turkey’s future.
The Declining Birth Rate in Turkey
Despite Erdogan’s fervent appeals, Turkey’s total fertility rate has been on a downward trajectory for more than ten years. This rate, representing the average number of children a woman is expected to have, is now considerably below the 2.1 figure necessary to maintain a stable population without immigration. The declining birth rate poses significant concerns for the nation’s demographic future.
This trend mirrors patterns seen globally, driven by factors such as urbanization, evolving lifestyles, and increasing educational attainment, particularly among women. In addition to these societal shifts, many attribute the shrinking birthrate to economic challenges stemming from Erdogan’s policies. Persistently high inflation coupled with stagnant wages has made it difficult for families to manage basic living costs, which include housing and childcare.
Economic Pressures on Family Planning
Families facing economic difficulties express skepticism about the feasibility of having more children. For instance, Cigdem Akyuz, a mother of two residing in Istanbul, illustrates this sentiment, stating that the dream of a third child is hindered by financial constraints. “Food is very expensive,” she explains, questioning the reality of Erdogan’s call for larger families. She echoes a sentiment felt by many as economic pressures clash with governmental advice to increase birthrates.
Similar challenges are evident in numerous countries that experience declining fertility rates, raising alarms among policymakers about possible labor shortages and the financial sustainability of pension funds. Yet, few nations face the same level of personal advocacy from leadership as Turkey does, with Erdogan making a concerted effort to motivate couples towards parenthood.
Cultural Perspectives and Government Initiatives
Erdogan’s motivations are believed to extend beyond mere economic concerns; they encompass a vision anchored in conservative Islamic principles. The push for higher birthrates often excludes couples who choose not to have children and overlooks the aspirations of career-oriented women. His expectations become evident during public interactions, such as a recent incident with a new party lawmaker, where Erdogan reinforced his belief that “children are paramount” and that increasing their numbers should be prioritized over personal career advancement.
To counter the declining birthrate, the Turkish government has introduced various initiatives. For instance, it has proclaimed 2025 as the “Year of the Family” and has started a “Decade of Family and Population” that aims to extend through 2035. Recent changes include extending parental leave and offering monetary incentives for families with multiple children. However, many parents perceive these incentives as inadequate in light of the soaring costs of basic necessities and inflation that has remained stubbornly high for several years.
Future Implications and Societal Shifts
As economic pressures mount, experts remain skeptical that government incentives will significantly alter the trajectory of Turkey’s fertility rate. Sociologist Sutay Yavuz observes a notable shift in social norms, with contemporary Turkish families tending to favor a single-child model. This aligns with broader trends whereby young couples prioritize career development before settling down and starting families.
Even within Erdogan’s circle, there are acknowledgments that raising the birthrate presents a long-term challenge. Notably, some officials admit that affluent families often have fewer children due to various lifestyle choices. While Erdogan insists on the need for families to have more children, many parents reveal that their current realities make having larger families a struggle.
The future of Turkey’s demographic landscape remains uncertain as economic strains and cultural shifts continue to define family planning decisions. Many parents advise young couples to reconsider the call for larger families, citing the inherent difficulties of raising multiple children under current conditions. Ultimately, as citizens navigate the complex balance between personal aspirations and societal expectations, the debate around Turkey’s declining birthrate will remain a focal point of national discourse.