10.05.2025
The Parenting Summit, held as part of the IStanbul parent Academies project led by the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education, took place at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University. As part of the summit, Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaşn delivered a seminar.
The summit was organized in collaboration with Istanbul Parent Academies, Teacher Academies, and Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University. Held at The Abdullah Tivnikli Conference Hall on IZU's Halkalı Campus, the event drew significant participation from educators and officials, including Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, IZU Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmed Cevat Acar, Istanbul Provincial Director of National Education Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murat Mücahit Yentür, and District Governor of Küçükçekmece Mustafa Anteplioğlu.
Minister Göktaş: A Peaceful Family is a Child's Most Fundamental Need
As part of the summit, Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş delivered a seminar titeld "Peacful Family, Happy Child". Emphasizing the critical role of family harmony in child development, she stated, “We all want to provide our children with a good education and a promising future, yet we often overlook their most fundamental need: to grow up with love in a peaceful family environment.”
Minister Göktaş added, “Family is about observation, patience, and hearing the silence between our children's words.” She continued:
“A screen can never replace a mother’s compassion, a father’s attention, or a teacher’s touch. Through digital detox camps, we invite families to reconnect with nature and distance themselves from screens. Social media platforms must recognize their responsibility toward children; otherwise, we may have to adopt more radical measures. The greatest legacy one can leave a child is a peaceful home. The small but profound impressions we leave today will shape the doctors, teachers, and artists of tomorrow.”
Rector Acar: We Must Preserve the Traditional Family Structure
In his opening speech, IZU Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Cevat Acar emphasized the significance of the Turkish family structure. “Employment models should be developed in harmony with women's maternal roles,” he said. “We must establish work models that enable women—especially mothers—to participate in professional life without compromising their family responsibilities. The concept of a ‘family-friendly workplace’ is crucial in this regard.”
Rector Acar further stated:
“Family counseling programs launched in universities are important steps forward. As a university, we act with this awareness. Two-thirds of our student body consists of female students, which is promising in terms of women's education and societal contribution. The challenges faced by children raised outside the family structure are evident. For the future of our nation and humanity, we must protect and uphold the institution of the family.”
Yentür: The Struggle We Undertake for Our Children is the Most Sacred Battle
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murat Mücahit Yentür, Istanbul Provincial Director of National Education, described their efforts to guide children toward goodness, truth, justice, and compassion with the following words:
“I believe that to live is to fight for the sake of children under a clear sky. As mothers, fathers, and teachers, we engage in the most sacred struggle to lead our children toward what is right. For the most precious entity in this life is the human being, and their safest refuge is their mother, father, first school, and first teacher. Unfortunately, today this safe haven—the family institution—is under intense attack from Western powers. However, the ancient culture, faith, and educational heritage of Anatolia are the greatest forces to protect this fortress.”
Following the speeches, the event continued with a musical talk by Melihat Gülses, Necip Gülses, and Neva Gülses, and concluded with workshop sessions.