At the launch of the "Year of the Family" in Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan underscored the critical role of the family in maintaining societal and national strength.

President Erdoğan: Strong families build strong nations

In his address, President Erdoğan highlighted the family's indispensable role in preserving national and moral values. "The family institution, which forms the essence and core of society, plays an indispensable role in the preservation of our national and moral values," he stated. He emphasized that strong families are foundational to creating robust states and nations, linking individual strength to national resilience.

Erdoğan advocated for the nurturing of children with knowledge, wisdom, and good morals within both family units and educational settings. "Children raised by mindful parents will safeguard both our national identity and the family institution as the architects of the future," he remarked, stressing the importance of a solid foundation for future generations.

The President also voiced strong opposition to what he termed "deviant movements" targeting society and family structures. He criticized neoliberal cultural trends for causing cultural erosion and identity degradation through various media. He specifically mentioned the rise of gender-neutralization policies, which he claims are promoted through content like movies, series, and digital platforms, often affecting even very young children.

Erdoğan described these policies, particularly those associated with the promotion of LGBT agendas, as an attack on the sanctity of the family. He labeled this push as a "fascist imposition" and likened the suppression of criticism against such policies to that against Zionism. "This anomaly, initially sought to be legitimized as a personal preference, has now turned into a fascist imposition," he said, asserting that Turkey would continue to oppose these trends vehemently across all platforms, including the United Nations General Assembly.

Erdoğan's speech reaffirmed Turkey's stance on maintaining traditional values and family structures, stating that there is no room for retreat on these issues. "No matter who says what, Türkiye's stance on this issue is clear. Taking a step back from this is out of the question," he concluded, signaling a continued robust defense of family values against what he perceives as cultural threats.

The event in Ankara marked a significant moment in Turkey's cultural policy, emphasizing the government's commitment to strengthening family bonds as a pillar of national stability and moral integrity. (ILKHA)