ISTANBUL (Realist English). Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has again stressed the need to boost the country’s population, warning that Turkey faces a future demographic crisis if current trends persist.
Speaking on Saturday at a meeting with cultural figures and young people in Istanbul, with his remarks released on Sunday, Erdogan called on society to contribute more actively to population growth and reiterated his long-standing call for larger families.
“I am a grandfather of nine, and it is truly wonderful,” Erdogan said in response to questions from the audience. “I always tell couples that having at least three children is a necessity for building a strong family.”
The government has designated 2025 as the “Year of the Family,” reflecting growing concern over declining birth rates. Erdogan described current demographic trends as a “catastrophe,” citing official data from TurkStat showing that Turkey’s total fertility rate fell to 1.48 in 2024 — well below the replacement level of 2.1.
Erdogan also framed demographic policy in religious terms. “We must multiply. This is not only our wish. It is what Allah has commanded us and what the Prophet Muhammad told Muslims,” he said, adding that, in his words, the Prophet “would take pride in the size of his ummah.”
By declaring 2025 the Year of the Family, Erdogan said the authorities aim to pursue population growth both “as Muslims” and as a state. He also complained about resistance to the policy, including from within his own circle. “We see that even some of those closest to us oppose increasing the population. This is worrying,” he said.
Falling birth rates, rising marriage ages and an ageing population have emerged as major long-term challenges for Turkey, pushing family policy to the centre of the government’s domestic agenda for 2025.
As part of these efforts, family support measures have been expanded nationwide. An interest-free marriage loan of 150,000 lira ($3,492) has been extended to regions not affected by earthquakes, offering newlyweds a two-year grace period and a four-year repayment schedule.
The government has also revised child support schemes, introducing monthly payments alongside higher one-off benefits. Under current rules, mothers receive 5,000 lira ($115) for a first child, 1,500 lira per month for a second child, and 5,000 lira per month for a third and each subsequent child until the age of five.
