“Being a Family in a Metropolitan City” Workshop was Held at Our University
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The “Being a Family in a Metropolitan City” Workshop, organized in collaboration with Istanbul Commerce University and Istanbul Family Foundation, addressed the effects of globalization and urbanization on family structure. In the workshop, digitalization, demographic problems and the pressures of urbanization on the family were evaluated with solution suggestions.
Organized in cooperation with Istanbul Commerce University and Istanbul Family Foundation, the Family Workshop with the theme “Being a Family in a Metropolitan City” was held at the university’s Sütlüce Campus. Dr. Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, Deputy Minister of Beyoğlu, Deputy Minister of Family and Social Services Dr. Sevim Sayım Madak, District Governor Atakan Aksoy, Istanbul MP Yücel Arzen Hacıoğulları, MHP Chief Advisor to the President and Faculty Member of Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University Prof Dr. Ruhi Ersoy, Karabuk University Rector Prof. Dr. Fatih Kırışık, academics from our university and other universities, artists, members of the press and representatives of public institutions and organizations attended the opening program of the workshop, where the Chairman of the Board of Trustees Dr. İsrafil Kuralay and our Rector Prof. Necip Şimşek delivered speeches.
MODERN WORLD THREATENS THE FAMILY
The opening speech of the workshop, moderated by professors from our university, was made by Üner Karabıyık, Chairman of the Board of Istanbul Family Foundation. Karabıyık stated that the destructive effects of the modern world threaten the family structure and drew attention to the negative effects of digital technologies and sociocultural terrorist activities on children.
WE WORK FOR THE STRONG INDIVIDUALS OF THE FUTURE
In his speech, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül stated that the extended family structure is an important value of the society and gave information about the activities carried out within the scope of the “Our Family Istanbul” project implemented by the Governorship of Istanbul. Gül stated that these projects, which range from education to sports, music to guidance, aim to provide solutions to social problems and raise strong individuals of the future.
STRONG FAMILY, SAFE SOCIETY WITH FAMILY VISION DOCUMENT
Deputy Minister Dr. Sevim Sayım Madak also stated that the family institution is indispensable for the peace of individuals and the stability of societies. Stating that they have taken important steps towards strengthening the family and reducing social risks with the “Family Vision Document”, Dr. Madak said that the workshop provided an important opportunity to redefine the concept of family in the face of rapid changes in the modern world.
THE DIFFICULTIES OF BEING A FAMILY IN A METROPOLITAN CITY
Dr. İsrafil Kuralay also emphasized that being a family in metropolitan cities is a difficult issue and the importance of finding solutions to this issue. Dr. Kuralay stated that the answers coming from the values of our civilization should be brought to the agenda again today and that Istanbul Commerce University has undertaken a pioneering role not only with the production of academic knowledge but also with its works that contribute to society. Stating that the university is very happy to support such studies carried out for the protection and development of social structures such as the family, Dr. Kuralay added that she believes that the workshop will produce important results and provide both academic and social benefits.
FAMILY AND EDUCATION ARE INSEPARABLE BOND
In his speech, Rector Prof. Dr. Necip Şimşek stated that the family is the first institution where education begins and that family and education cannot be separated from each other. Prof. Dr. Şimşek stated that Istanbul Commerce University stands out not only with its academic knowledge production but also with its projects and social responsibility activities that contribute to society. Stating that the university plays a pioneering role in social issues such as family and education with the studies carried out in 16 different research centers together with the Women and Family Application and Research Center, Prof. Dr. Şimşek stated that they contribute to society by training qualified family counselors with graduate programs.
FAMILY VALUES AND THE REDEFINITION OF FREEDOM
Prof. Dr. Ruhi Ersoy also emphasized the pressure of the speed and pleasure-oriented structure of modern life on family values and touched on the importance of our cultural heritage in providing solutions to problems. MP Yücel Arzen Hacıoğulları defined the family as a structure that provides identity and meaning, and drew attention to the importance of the concept of freedom. Hacıoğulları expressed that there is a need to redraw the borders and boldly embrace the concept of freedom with the vision of the Turkish Century.
RESULTS OF FIELD STUDY ON FAMILY STRUCTURE SHARED AT THE WORKSHOP
Following the opening speeches, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Turgay Şirin, Member of the Board of Directors of the Istanbul Family Foundation and Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the workshop, presented the guidelines of the workshop. Stating that the current problems will be analyzed and solution proposals will be developed in the workshop with moderators and rapporteurs, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şirin emphasized that the results of the field study conducted in this process will also shed light on the evaluations. Şehremini Consulting Board Chairman Dr. Ayhan Yasan shared the results of the survey conducted with 4,202 people in 25 provinces in the opening session. In the research presentation, it was determined that this perception of individuals who see the family as the center of peace, happiness and security decreases as they move to the neighborhood, city and country level. While opinions differed on the impact of living in a metropolitan city on family structure, economic problems were stated to be the main problem in the family. While concerns about the erosion of social values by digital media came to the forefront in the research, it was explained that young people’s reservations about marriage and having children were based on economic and social reasons.
