Turkey is currently facing a new crisis—not one of economic or political nature, but one related to its population. The country is experiencing a steady decline in its population, and the low birth rates among Turkish women have become a growing concern for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The falling birth rate is being referred to as a “greater threat than war,” and in response, the Turkish government is implementing various measures. Policies encouraging childbirth have been introduced, and 2025 has been declared as Turkey’s “Year of Family.”
Last month, Erdoğan announced that 2026 would mark the start of the “Decade of the Family.” However, his appeal for women to have at least three children and his offer of financial incentives for newlyweds may not be enough, especially as Turkey continues to grapple with a deepening economic crisis.
Falling Birth Rates
Official statistics reveal that Turkey’s birth rate has significantly dropped from 2.38 children per woman in 2001 to 1.48 in 2025—lower than countries like France, the UK, or the USA. President Erdoğan, a 71-year-old Islamist and father of four, has called this decline “a disaster.”
During his 22-year tenure as both Prime Minister and then President, Erdoğan has witnessed a sharp decline in fertility rates in the country, which has a population of 85 million. In his remarks, Erdoğan has blamed both women and the LGBTQ+ community for the situation.
Erdoğan’s Anger Towards LGBTQ+ Community
Feminist activist Berin Sonmez criticized Erdoğan’s approach, stating, “Women and LGBTQ+ individuals are being blamed as the sole culprits for the declining population growth, while political mistakes are not being acknowledged.” She added that in this chaotic and uncertain environment, people may hesitate to have children. Additionally, the lack of substantial support for children and the skyrocketing cost of education have made child-rearing less feasible for many families.
Economic Struggles and Job Shortages
Turkey is also battling an ongoing economic crisis, with a severe shortage of jobs. Official figures show that Turkey has been struggling with inflation for the past four years, leading to a more than 70% increase in education costs compared to the previous year. This financial strain has made it even harder for families to consider expanding their households.
In conclusion, Turkey’s population crisis is intricately linked to its broader economic issues. While Erdoğan’s government has introduced several policies to encourage higher birth rates, the country’s current economic instability, job shortages, and lack of support for young families pose significant barriers to the success of these measures.
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