Living in Poverty: The Struggle of Turkish Families in Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey – In a modest one-room apartment located in one of the city’s most impoverished neighborhoods, the harsh realities of life unfold for the Sahin family. Eleven-year-old Atakan Sahin sits on a worn sofa beside his siblings, the soft glow of the television providing a fleeting escape while their mother, Rukiye Sahin, prepares a humble meal of pasta. The scene is emblematic of the challenges faced by many families in Turkey, where economic difficulties have pushed a significant portion of the population into poverty.
According to recent studies, nearly one-third of children in Turkey are currently living in poverty, a statistic that underscores the severity of the nation’s economic crisis. The Sahin family’s experiences highlight the impact of this crisis on children: Atakan, along with his two younger brothers and 5-year-old sister, frequently find themselves deprived of basic nutritional needs. “Look at the state of my children,” said Rukiye, a 28-year-old single mother. “They don’t get to eat chicken, they don’t get to eat meat. I send them to school with torn shoes.” Such statements illustrate not only the physical but also the emotional toll that poverty can inflict on families.
The increasing cost of living in Turkey, exacerbated by inflation and economic instability, has made it difficult for families like the Sahins to make ends meet. As prices for basic food items escalate, meals often consist of cheap carbohydrates, leaving little room in the budget for protein-rich foods necessary for healthy development. This limited diet can have long-lasting effects on children’s growth and well-being, contributing to a cycle of poverty that is difficult to escape.
Children living in such conditions are frequently deprived of educational opportunities and adequate healthcare, compounding the challenges they face. Many parents, struggling to provide for their families, find it challenging to ensure that their children receive the support and guidance needed to succeed academically.
As the Turkish government grapples with the economic fallout affecting millions, advocacy groups are calling for urgent measures to alleviate child poverty. Initiatives aimed at providing financial assistance, access to quality education, and nutrition programs are critical to ensuring that children like Atakan and his siblings have a chance at a brighter future. Without immediate action, the rising tide of poverty threatens not only the current generation but the future of Turkey as a whole.
The story of the Sahin family is a poignant reminder of the pressing socio-economic challenges faced by many in urban areas, urging a collective response toward sustainable solutions that foster resilience and opportunity for vulnerable populations.
