Zulayho Mahkamova attends International Family Forum with Emine Erdoğan

On May 22, Emine Erdoğan, the wife of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, delivered a speech at the International Family Forum held at the Esma Sultan Palace in Istanbul. Representing Uzbekistan at the event was Zulayho Mahkamova, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Family and Women’s Committee.

Footage shared on Emine Erdoğan’s official social media accounts shows Mahkamova seated next to the First Lady of Turkey and engaging in conversation with her during the forum.

In her speech, Emine Erdoğan expressed gratitude to the participants and emphasized the family as the cornerstone of human life, calling it "the smallest and strongest unit of society." She described the family as the first school for children, a place of healing for the sick, a safe haven for the elderly, and a source of security for all members.

“The most effective way to preserve the family is to uphold our traditions—sharing meals together, spending quality time, and visiting relatives,” she noted.

The forum also highlighted growing global challenges to the institution of family. Participants discussed the rising impact of technological addiction and spiritual difficulties, particularly among children and youth.

Delegates from 15 countries signed a series of declarations during the event. At the conclusion of the forum, Turkish Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir presented Emine Erdoğan with a symbolic family tree artwork.