Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş commented: " Looking at the history, we have a rich and deep-rooted history in social services that few countries in the world can match. We have very important service models that are exemplary to the world in the field of social services such as Darülaceze."

Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş celebrated Eid with the residents of the institution and volunteers as well as employees during her visit to the Directorate of Darülaceze.

Göktaş stated that she was happy to be together with the residents of Darulaceze on the feast day and congratulated the residents, volunteers, and staff of Darülaceze.

Stating that the Darülaceze was one of the most valuable institutions of the Ministry, Göktaş said that the institution, which was the legacy of Sultan Abdülhamid II, had been embracing orphans, older persons, and children as a gateway of compassion for 128 years under its roof.

Minister Göktaş stated that the Ministry was striving to be a generation worthy of its ancestors with projects that would carry the legacy for generations to come.

Stating that it was a priority to improve the quality of life and welfare of citizens, Göktaş continued: "With this awareness, we are working to provide a peaceful environment where each and every citizen can live in safety. As the Ministry of Family and Social Services, we are the direct addressee of 85 million citizens. We are one of the first for the citizens to reach the government. With this understanding, we are working to deliver social services to each of our citizens in a way that meets their needs."

The Award in Best Public Service Architecture goes to "Social Service City"

Pointing out that reaching every member of society and sharing social welfare was the fundamental philosophy of the Ministry, Göktaş said:

"Looking at the history, we have a rich and deep-rooted history in social services that few countries in the world can boast of. We have very important service models such as Darülaceze, which is an example of the world in social services. Darülaceze, which serves approximately 600 citizens, has provided social services to a total of 72.000 people, including 30.000 children, since its establishment, without discriminating against religion, language, race, or gender. Darülaceze Social Service City, designed as the only example in the world, will serve in living spaces created for persons who are healthy or bedridden, and for children. It will also include a rehabilitation unit, a mosque, a church, and a synagogue. Hopefully, it will start to serve in the near future, we are looking forward to it. Social Service City will include many functions. There will be areas where residents will spend time with ponds, pools, and rehabilitation areas. It has many complexes with the capacity to host various workshops and international conferences. It will also contain art spaces and many opportunities that a city needs."

Pointing out that the "Social Service City" project was deemed worthy of an award at the International Property Awards, one of the world's most prestigious real estate awards, Göktaş added: "The project received an award on behalf of the country in London on June 27 in the Best Public Service Architecture. This award has been a special reason of pride for us."

Stating that the AK Parti government, under the leadership of President of the Republic of Türkiye Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, realized great transformations in social assistance and social services, Göktaş continued that the Ministry developed unique service models, systematized and successfully implemented social assistance and social services.

Minister Göktaş stated that the Ministry would build the future by being aware of the value added by older persons to society, without severing the ties with the past and with the steps to be taken with the motto "society for all ages" in the Century of Türkiye and said, "We will continue the efforts to ensure that older persons live a life worthy of human dignity with policies and services that the Ministry will implement in line with the developing world. As the Ministry of Family and Social Services, we will continue to serve all vulnerable groups of society with sincerity, perseverance, and determination in line with the goals of the Century of Türkiye as we did yesterday with all the staff."

Hamza Cebeci, President of Darülaceze, expressed his belief that the "Social Service City" project would be the beginning of a movement that would set an example for the world, promote, and publicize Darülaceze around the world.

Minister Göktaş took a souvenir photo with Darülaceze residents, volunteers, and employees as part of her holiday visit.

“We plan services in accordance with the social structure”

Minister Göktaş then traveled to Bahçelievler Nursing Home and shook hands with the residents of the nursing home one by one and wished them a happy Eid.

Speaking here, Göktaş stated that she was happy to be together with the residents of the nursing home on Eid and said, "We will continue to be a nation that stands with the prayers of elders, rests in their shadow, directs its future with the advice it receives from its elders, works and produces. We always need your wisdom, insights, and experience. We are taking and will continue to take all the necessary steps to improve your living conditions and provide you with better opportunities."

Explaining that the Ministry worked to improve the quality of life of every member of the society, Göktaş said, "In this sense, we take into account the diversity, uniqueness, and difference of the needs of esteemed elders. We plan our services in accordance with our social structure in a way that will facilitate the work of both you, elders, and the personnel who care for you."

Minister Göktaş thanked the staff and managers of the institutions serving the residents of the nursing homes.

Following her speech, Göktaş chatted with the nursing home residents and gifted them various items.