Minister Göktaş Highlights the Role of Strong Families in Turkey’s July 15 Triumph
Minister of Family and Social Services, Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, stated that the victory on July 15th transformed a threatening darkness into a brilliant light. She emphasized, “This is only possible with a strong sense of belonging. The attachment to our values, which defines us, can only be fostered through family. As a Ministry, we position the family at the center of all our efforts with the motto ‘Strong Family, Strong Society, Strong Turkey’.”
Speaking at the opening of the “Nation’s Victory: Commitment to Principle, Country, and Family” symposium organized by Istanbul University (İU) in the Rectorate Building Doctorate Hall, Göktaş described July 15th as a significant milestone where the nation penned a saga of freedom and independence.
Göktaş acknowledged that under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the nation’s triumph on that night ended the era of coups and demonstrated the strength of democracy. She detailed how the Turkish people exhibited remarkable resolve to thwart the treacherous coup attempt by FETÖ, safeguarding their future.
Göktaş also noted that the symposium would explore the principles that brought victory to the nation, the sense of belonging to their country, and the pivotal role of families in nurturing this commitment. She expressed her gratitude to Professor Osman Bülent Zülfikar, the Rector of İU, and everyone involved in organizing the event.
“Once Again, Our Nation Displayed its Free and Independent Character”
Underlining the pivotal importance of July 15th in shaping the country’s destiny, Göktaş added, “With the victory on July 15th, which opened a new page in Turkey’s future, our nation once again displayed its free and independent character to the whole world. The unity and solidarity, which we regard as the key to our success and take pride in, created an insurmountable barrier against the coup plotters on that night. It was a night when we, as a country, reborn from our national and spiritual values, created indelible memories.”
Göktaş said that the film shown at the opening commemorating July 15th transformed scenes from that night into unforgettable symbols. She remarked that the spirit of Çanakkale, which had prevented an enemy occupation of Anatolian soil, was awakened on July 15th, and that citizens fearlessly passing the closed bridge in Istanbul on that night saved the future of Turkey.
Minister Göktaş recalled that on July 15th, men, women, the young, and the elderly, families, and the entire nation with their bravery and determination, stood at the forefront of the struggle for freedom and democracy.
Göktaş asserted that the nation drew tremendous courage primarily from their families, sharing the following: “The victory of July 15th turned the darkness that threatened us into a bright light. This is possible only with a strong sense of belonging. The attachment to our defining values can only be made possible through families. Guided by this principle, we position the family at the core of all our efforts with the motto ‘Strong Family, Strong Society, Strong Turkey’. Family values are the foundation of our culture. What binds us to life first is our family bonds. Our family is our refuge. The greatest motivation that drove our citizens to protect the state and nation at the cost of their lives on July 15th was the love of homeland nurtured within our families. Because the homeland is our greatest home, and the nation is our broadest family.”
“Our Martyrs’ Families and Veterans Are the Trust of Our Nation”
Göktaş pointed out that the Ministry has developed special service models and policies for each member of this large family, be they women, men, young, or elderly. She emphasized that they believe they have taken significant steps to protect and strengthen the family institution through effective policies.
As a major part of the “Great Turkey” family, Göktaş underscored their deep sense of gratitude to the martyrs’ families and veterans, supporting them with devotion. “Through the support we provide in many areas, we consistently stand by our martyrs’ families, including the heroes of July 15th, and our veterans. We know that we can never repay enough for all they have done. Our martyrs’ families and veterans are the trust of our nation. Honoring this trust is our duty and our patriotic duty. We endeavor to always be there for the families of martyrs and veterans, offering our services to them with great dedication in every aspect of life. This is a source of great pride and honor for us.”
“July 15th is the Clear Picture of a Principled Stance”
Minister of Family and Social Services Göktaş declared that there is still much to say about the 15th of July resistance demonstrated by the Turkish nation with great determination, noting that universities’ scientific work in this area has created a unique literature.
Göktaş stated that the panel organized by Istanbul University on the theme of ‘belonging’ provides an important opportunity to understand social policies correctly. She described July 15th as the clearest picture of a principled stance, adding, “The reflection of this picture to the world has conveyed the power of the Turkish nation globally.”
Expressing her prayers for the martyrs who rendered July 15th unforgettable, Göktaş thanked all citizens who resisted the coup attempt and became veterans.
Mahinur ÖZDEMİR GÖKTAŞ
Minister of Family and Social Services