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{{Short description|First Lady of Turkey since 2014}}
{{lead too short|date=July 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2015}}
{{Infobox first lady
{{Infobox first lady
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|term_end =
|term_end =
|predecessor = [[Hayrünnisa Gül]]
|predecessor = [[Hayrünnisa Gül]]
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1955|2|21}}
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1955|2|16}}
|birth_place = [[Üsküdar]], [[Istanbul]], Turkey
|birth_place = [[Üsküdar]], [[Istanbul]], Turkey
|birth_name = Emine Gülbaran
|birth_name = Emine Gülbaran
|death_date =
|death_date =
|death_place =
|death_place =
|party = [[Justice and Development Party (Turkey)|Justice and Development Party]]
|party = [[Justice and Development Party (Turkey)|Justice and Development Party]]
|spouse = {{marriage|[[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]]|4 February 1978}}
|spouse = {{marriage|[[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]]|4 February 1978}}
|relatives = {{hlist|[[Berat Albayrak]]|[[Selçuk Bayraktar]]}} (sons-in-law)
|relations =
|children = {{hlist|[[Ahmet Burak Erdoğan|Ahmet]]|[[Bilal Erdoğan|Bilal]]|[[Esra Erdoğan|Esra]]|[[Sümeyye Erdoğan|Sümeyye]]}}
|children = {{hlist|[[Ahmet Burak Erdoğan|Ahmet]]|[[Bilal Erdoğan|Bilal]]|[[Esra Erdoğan|Esra]]|[[Sümeyye Erdoğan|Sümeyye]]}}
|residence = [[Presidential Complex]] (official)
|residence = [[Presidential Complex (Turkey)|Presidential Complex]] (official)
|alma_mater =
|alma_mater =
|profession =
|profession =
|website =
|website =
|footnotes =
|footnotes =
|signature =
|signature = Emine Erdoğan signature.png
}}
}}


'''Emine Erdoğan''' (born '''Emine Gülbaran'''; 21 February 1955) is the wife of President [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]] and the [[First Lady of Turkey]].
'''Emine Erdoğan''' ({{nee|'''Gülbaran'''}}; {{IPA|tr|emine ˈæɾdoan|lang}}, {{nee}} {{IPA|tr|ɟylbaɾan|}}; born 16 February 1955) is the current [[First Lady of Turkey|first lady of Turkey]], and the wife of [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]].


== Early and personal life ==
==Biography==
=== Early life ===
Emine Erdoğan was born in [[Üsküdar]], [[Istanbul]]. She is of [[Arab]]<ref>https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-aug-22-fg-firstlady22-story.html</ref><ref>https://balkanist.net/turkeys-first-lady-speaks-mrs-erdogan-and-political-women-in-history/</ref> descent, and the youngest child of a family of five children. Her family comes from the south-eastern [[Siirt Province|province of Siirt]].<ref>[http://www.economist.com/node/3093576 Mrs Erdogan's many friends]", ''[[The Economist]]'', 12 August 2004</ref> She attended Mithat Paşa Akşam Art School, but left before graduation.
Emine Erdoğan<ref>{{cite web |title=Bahçeli'den Erdoğan'a: 'Ben Gürcü’yüm, eşim Arap' diyorsun, peki Bilal oğlana ne diyeceksin? |url=https://www.diken.com.tr/bahceliden-erdogana-ben-gurcuyum-esim-arap-diyorsun-peki-bilal-oglana-ne-diyeceksin/ |website=Diken |access-date=16 December 2021 |date=7 August 2014}}</ref> was born as Cemal and Hayriye Gülbaran’s fifth child and only daughter in [[Üsküdar]], [[Istanbul]]. Her family is originally from the southeastern [[Siirt Province|province of Siirt]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.economist.com/node/3093576 |title=Mrs Erdogan's many friends |magazine=[[The Economist]] |date=12 August 2004 |access-date=17 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205114701/http://www.economist.com/node/3093576 |archive-date=5 December 2013 |publisher=[[The Economist Newspaper Limited]]}}</ref> and of [[Arabs|Arab]] descent.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Özcan |first1=Ayla |title=Emine Erdoğan: iktidara taşıyan kadın |date=2007 |publisher=Birharf |page=19 |quote=Aslen Siirtli ve Arap kökenli olan Gülbaran çifti}}</ref>


She was educated at Istanbul Mithatpaşa Vocational Evening School for Girls. She did not graduate, however. She has been actively involved in social activities since her youth. Erdoğan was among the founding members of the "Idealist Women’s Association", which she named herself. She closely followed the events organized by the National Turkish Student Union and the Ladies Foundation for Science and Culture. During this period, she met Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and married him.
⚫
Erdoğan joined the "Idealist Women's Association". During these activities she met Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at a conference. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Emine Gülbaran married on 4 February 1978. The couple has four children: [[Ahmet Burak Erdoğan|Ahmet Burak]], [[Bilal Erdoğan|Necmettin Bilal]], [[Esra Erdoğan|Esra]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.biyografi.net/kisiayrinti.asp?kisiid=4120|title=Emine Erdoğan|language=Turkish|work=Biyografi|date=15 October 2008|accessdate=15 October 2008}}</ref> and [[Sümeyye Erdoğan|Sümeyye]], who married defense industrialist engineer Selçuk Bayraktar in May 2016.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.tehrantimes.com/news/402467/Thousands-expected-to-attend-wedding-of-Erdo%C4%9Fan-s-daughter | title=Thousands expected to attend wedding of Erdoğan’s daughter | date=14 May 2016 | newspaper=Tehran Times | accessdate=25 June 2018 }}</ref>


==Political life==
=== Personal life ===
⚫
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Emine Gülbaran married on 4 July 1978. The couple has four children: [[Ahmet Burak Erdoğan|Ahmet Burak]], [[Bilal Erdoğan|Necmettin Bilal]], [[Esra Erdoğan|Esra]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.biyografi.net/kisiayrinti.asp?kisiid=4120 |title=Emine Erdoğan |language=tr |work=Biyografi |date=15 October 2008 |access-date=15 October 2008}}</ref> and [[Sümeyye Erdoğan|Sümeyye]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.tehrantimes.com/news/402467/Thousands-expected-to-attend-wedding-of-Erdo%C4%9Fan-s-daughter |title=Thousands expected to attend wedding of Erdoğan’s daughter |date=14 May 2016 |newspaper=[[Tehran Times]] |access-date=25 June 2018 |author=Hurriyetdailynews |author-link=Hurriyetdailynews.com |publisher=[[Mehr News Agency]]}}</ref>
⚫
[[File:Michelle Obama and Emine Erdogan.jpg|thumb|left|Emine Erdoğan meets with [[Michelle Obama]] in the [[Yellow Oval Room]], [[White House]], 8 December 2009]]
⚫
On 7 December 2010, Prime Minister of Pakistan [[Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani]] conferred the Pakistani [[Nishan-e-Pakistan]] on Emine Erdoğan, in recognition of her efforts for the flood-stricken people of [[Pakistan]]. In October 2010, Erdoğan visited Pakistan and the [[2010 Pakistan floods|flood hit areas]] to witness the devastation caused by the floods and contributed significantly in the fund-raising campaign to help the country's flood victims.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://ftpapp.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=123994&Itemid=2 |title=PM confers Hilal-e-Pakistan award on Emine Erdogan |work=Associated Press of Pakistan |date=16 February 2011 |accessdate=16 February 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723102622/http://ftpapp.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=123994&Itemid=2 |archivedate=23 July 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref>


== Political career ==
⚫
On 16 February 2011, Emine Erdoğan was presented with the "Prix de la Fondation" by the Crans Montana Forum at a ceremony in [[Brussels]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.worldbulletin.net/?aType=haber&ArticleID=69893|title=Turkish PM's wife presented with women's award|work=Anatolian Agency|date=16 February 2011|accessdate=16 February 2011}}</ref>
⚫
[[File:Michelle Obama and Emine Erdogan.jpg|thumb|Emine Erdoğan meets with [[Michelle Obama]] in the [[Yellow Oval Room]], [[White House]], December 2009]]
[[File:Visita de Estado del señor Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Presidente de la República de Turquía. (16515036175).jpg|thumb|Erdoğan together with Mexican First Lady [[Angélica Rivera]] in [[Mexico]], February 2015]]
Erdoğan served as a founding member of the Provincial Women's Branch Administrative Board of the [[Welfare Party]] when Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was elected the Istanbul Provincial Head and she pioneered an era that paved the way for women's active participation in [[Politics of Turkey|politics in Turkey]]. She launched a women's movement, which contributed to the success of the Refah Party in the [[1994 Turkish local elections|1994 elections]].


After her husband Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was elected [[Mayor of Istanbul]], she took part in various social responsibility projects. She contributed to the establishment of an aid corridor between different social groups by initiating the "[[iftar]] tables where the poor and the rich meet" tradition, which is still carried on by the mayoralties of [[Justice and Development Party (Turkey)|Justice and Development Party]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Biography |url=https://www.tccb.gov.tr/en/emineerdogan/biography/ |website=Presidency of Turkey |access-date=11 January 2020}}</ref>
⚫
First Lady Erdoğan has played an active role in opposing [[child marriage]], stating clearly that "Forced child marriage is clearly unacceptable under any conditions".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tccb.gov.tr/en/news/542/35764/emine-erdogan-cocuk-yasta-zorla-evlilik-hicbir-surette-kabul-edilemez.html|title=Presidency Of The Republic Of Turkey : First Lady: "Forced child marriage is unacceptable under any conditions"|first=|last=cumhurbaskanligi@tccb.gov.tr|website=www.tccb.gov.tr}}</ref>

{{clearleft}}
Erdoğan led the foundation of the "Center for Social Development" (TOGEM) in 2005 and has supported projects concerning the education of women and children.

With the wives of the governors from all [[Provinces of Turkey|Turkish provinces]], she has led a campaign to improve the living conditions of the women, the elderly, the veterans and families of the martyrs. The project, which was awarded the "Golden Compass", the academy award of public relations, in the best public project category, has attracted interest among the projects cited by the [[United Nations]]. The project has continued under the auspices Erdoğan since 2012.

After the [[Gaza War (2008–09)|attacks against Gaza in 2009]], she hosted the wives of the Western and Arab leaders and called the whole world to "stop the war." In 2012, Erdoğan personally went to [[Myanmar]] to observe the [[2012 Rakhine State riots|situation]] there despite the critical security threats and provided humanitarian aid to the region.

⚫
Emine Erdoğan has played an active role in opposing [[child marriage]], stating clearly that "Forced child marriage is clearly unacceptable under any conditions".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tccb.gov.tr/en/news/542/35764/emine-erdogan-cocuk-yasta-zorla-evlilik-hicbir-surette-kabul-edilemez.html|title=Presidency Of The Republic Of Turkey : First Lady: "Forced child marriage is unacceptable under any conditions"|website=www.tccb.gov.tr}}</ref>

=== Projects under Emine Erdoğan's aegis ===

==== Voluntary Envoys ====
[[File:Trần Thị Nguyệt Thu, Angélica Rivera, Emine Erdoğan, and Juliana Awada in Hamburg, July 2017.jpg|thumb|Erdoğan together with Vietnamese First Lady [[Trần Thị Nguyệt Thu|Nguyệt Thu]], Mexican First Lady [[Angélica Rivera]] and Argentine First Lady [[Juliana Awada]], July 2017]]
"The Voluntary Envoys in Social Development Project" ({{langx|tr|Gönül Elçileri}}), implemented by the [[Ministry of Family and Social Policy (Turkey)|Ministry of Family and Social Policies]] and supported by Emine Erdoğan, is a [[social responsibility]] project focused on raising awareness about and promoting "volunteering", and tending to the human resource needs that will contribute to social development. The venture, running since 2012, has subfields such as “Protective Family Service” and “Vocational Training for Women”.<ref name="projects1">{{cite web |title=Projects Under First Lady Emine Erdoğan’s Aegis |url=https://www.tccb.gov.tr/en/firstlady/projects/ |website=Presidency Of The Republic Of Turkey |access-date=22 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Sıkça Sorulan Sorular |url=https://gonulelcileri.ailevecalisma.gov.tr/sikca-sorulan-sorular |website=gonulelcileri.ailevecalisma.gov.tr |publisher=Gönül Elçileri |access-date=22 May 2020}}</ref>

==== Come On Girls, Let's Go To School ====
With the [[Ministry of National Education (Turkey)|Ministry of National Education]], Erdoğan launched a country-wide campaign to resolve the issue of the girls who were not allowed to go to school by their families. "Come on Girls, Let's Go to School" ({{langx|tr|Haydi Kızlar Okula}}) is a project carried out in coordination with the Ministry of National Education and [[UNICEF]] with support and commitments of relevant public institutions, NGOs and local administrations. The goal of the project is to provide 100% schooling and gender equality in education for primary-school-age girls (6-14 years) who are out of the education system, who have left or are absent from school.<ref name="projects1" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Emine Erdoğan: Kadın inanırsa o işin başarı oranı artıyor |url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/gundem/emine-erdogan-kadin-inanirsa-o-isin-basari-orani-artiyor-2838659 |access-date=22 May 2020 |work=Milliyet |date=7 March 2019 |language=tr}}</ref>

==== Mothers and Daughters at School ====
Erdoğan continued her efforts in education with "Mothers and Daughters at School" campaign ({{langx|tr|Ana-Kız Okuldayız}}), which she named herself. The campaign, launched by the [[Ministry of National Education (Turkey)|Ministry of National Education]], was initiated in 2008. The target audience of the project are young girls and women who are in poverty from a socio-economic perspective, who have not had access to educational opportunities, and are over the [[compulsory education|compulsory education age]].<ref name="projects1" />

==== 7 Is Too Late ====
The "7 is too late" campaign ({{langx|tr|7 Çok Geç}}) is carried out by the Mother Child Education Foundation (AÇEV) with the objective of raising awareness and bolster on the significance of early childhood education, which children ought to get between the ages of 0-6, and making sure that every child in Turkey can benefit from pre-school education.<ref name="projects1" />

==== Prolific Forests ====
On March 21, 2015, on the [[International Day of Forests]], the project "Prolific Forests" ({{langx|tr|Bereket Ormanları}}) was initiated by the [[Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (Turkey)|Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs]] which aims to expand green areas in Turkey and to make effective use of [[Forest in Turkey|forests]].<ref name="projects1" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Emine Erdoğan, First Lady of the Republic of Turkey |date=2019 |publisher=Cumhurbaşkanlığı Yayınları |isbn=978-605-7751-01-0 |page=35 |url=https://www.milletkutuphanesi.gov.tr/GalleryFiles/227/EE_INGk-f13206cf-f097-4272-b6fa-bf5f50b41b58.pdf |access-date=22 May 2020}}</ref>

==== I Protect My Future ====
"I Protect My Future" project ({{langx|tr|Geleceğimi Koruyorum}}), started with the cooperation of the [[Ministry of National Education (Turkey)|Ministry of National Education]] and the [[Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (Turkey)|Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry]], aims to raise awareness about the conservation of earth and water resources among the new generations. The project which has been launched in 30 cities aims to make children familiar with the earth, seed and plants.<ref>{{cite web |title=Geleceğimi Koruyorum |url=https://arastirma.tarimorman.gov.tr/toprakgubre/Menu/112/Gelecegimi-Koruyorum |website=arastirma.tarimorman.gov.tr |publisher=Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry |access-date=22 May 2020}}</ref><ref name="projects1" />

==== African Handicrafts Market and Culture House ====
"African Handicrafts Market and Culture House" project ({{langx|tr|Afrika El Sanatları Pazarı ve Kültür Evi}}) strives to contribute to the solution of [[Women in Africa|African women]]'s problems concerning education and healthcare through profit-free marketing of products handmade by African women. Moreover, the project has the goal of functioning as a meeting point of [[Culture of Africa|African cultures]] and contributing to the deepening of Turkey-Africa relations.<ref name="projects1" />

==== Zero Waste ====
The "Zero Waste" Project ({{langx|tr|Sıfır Atık}}), directed by the [[Ministry of Environment and Urban Planning (Turkey)|Ministry of Environment and Urban Planning]], has the objective to prevent squandering, to reduce the waste amount and to encourage [[waste recycling]]. It also aims for the installation of an effective collection system.<ref name="projects1" /><ref>{{cite news |title=A first in Turkey: Zero waste district is established |url=http://zerowaste.gov.tr/en/library/news/turkiye-de-bir-ilk-sifir-atik-ilcesi-kuruluyor |access-date=22 May 2020 |work=Sıfır Atık}}</ref> Erdoğan is the first chair of the United Nations Advisory Board of Eminent Persons on Zero Waste, which shares good practices internationally, including [[Greenhouse gas emissions by Turkey#Waste|reducing methane emissions from waste management.]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Secretary-General's remarks at the High-Level Meeting of the General Assembly on Zero Waste {{!}} United Nations Secretary-General |url=https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/speeches/2023-03-30/secretary-generals-remarks-the-high-level-meeting-of-the-general-assembly-zero-waste |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=www.un.org |quote=poorly managed waste is the third-largest global emitter of methane ……. The Advisory Board will share success stories of national and local zero-waste initiatives}}</ref>

== Luxury items controversy ==
In 2019, some photos of her appeared holding a [[Hermès]] handbag, amid calls for French goods boycott.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grewal |first=Kairvy |date=2020-10-27 |title=Photos of Turkey's First Lady with Hermes bag surfaces amid calls for French goods boycott |url=https://theprint.in/world/photos-of-turkeys-first-lady-with-hermes-bag-surfaces-amid-calls-for-french-goods-boycott/531982/ |access-date=2024-06-09 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> She files suit against the journalist [[Ekşi Sözlük]] for posting negative comments about her related to the luxury bag.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Emine Erdoğan appeals columnist's acquittal over article about her 'Hermes bag' |url=https://bianet.org/haber/emine-erdogan-appeals-columnist-s-acquittal-over-article-about-her-hermes-bag-237407 |access-date=2024-06-09 |website=bianet.org |language=en}}</ref>

In June 2020, a court ordered to block access to the Sözlük webpages that focus on Emine Erdoğan wearing an Hermès handbag.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Court blocks access to forum pages on First Lady Erdoğan’s Hermes handbag|url=https://www.duvarenglish.com/politics/2020/06/22/court-blocks-access-to-forum-pages-on-first-lady-erdogans-hermes-handbag/|access-date=2020-09-16|website=www.duvarenglish.com|language=en-GB}}</ref> In the same month, [[Evrensel]] journalist Ender İmrek had to appear in court to face an accusation for not reporting positively on her while criticizing her for wearing a [[Hermès]] bag worth [[United States dollar|$]]50,000.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Journalist on trial over criticizing First Lady Erdoğan for using Hermes handbag|url=https://www.duvarenglish.com/politics/2020/06/24/journalist-on-trial-over-criticizing-first-lady-erdogan-for-using-hermes-handbag/|access-date=2020-09-16|website=www.duvarenglish.com|language=en-GB}}</ref>

In September 2021, she also drew attention for wearing a [[Chopard]] brand watch that starts at $35,000.<ref>{{Cite web |last=English |first=Duvar |date=2021-09-20 |title=First Lady Erdoğan again at center of criticism over luxury items, this time with over $35k worth watch |url=https://www.duvarenglish.com/first-lady-erdogan-again-at-center-of-criticism-over-luxury-items-this-time-with-over-35k-worth-watch-news-58888 |access-date=2024-06-09 |website=duvarenglish.com |language=tr-TR}}</ref>

== Honours and accolades ==
[[File:Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and George Papandreou, Greece May 2010 12.jpg|thumb|The Erdoğans with Greek Prime Minister [[George Papandreou]] and his wife in Greece, May 2010]]
⚫
On 7 December 2010, Prime Minister of Pakistan [[Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani]] conferred the Pakistani [[Nishan-e-Pakistan]] on Emine Erdoğan, in recognition of her efforts for the flood-stricken people of [[Pakistan]]. In October 2010, Erdoğan visited Pakistan and the [[2010 Pakistan floods|flood hit areas]] to witness the devastation caused by the floods and contributed significantly in the fund-raising campaign to help the country's flood victims.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://ftpapp.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=123994&Itemid=2 |title=PM confers Hilal-e-Pakistan award on Emine Erdogan |work=Associated Press of Pakistan |date=16 February 2011 |access-date=16 February 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723102622/http://ftpapp.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=123994&Itemid=2 |archive-date=23 July 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref>

⚫
On 16 February 2011, Emine Erdoğan was presented with the "Prix de la Fondation" by the Crans Montana Forum at a ceremony in [[Brussels]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.worldbulletin.net/?aType=haber&ArticleID=69893|title=Turkish PM's wife presented with women's award|work=Anatolian Agency|date=16 February 2011|access-date=16 February 2011}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{commonscatinline}}


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[[Category:1956 births]]
[[Category:1956 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
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[[Category:First ladies of Turkey]]
[[Category:Erdoğan family|Emine]]
[[Category:Erdoğan family|Emine]]
[[Category:Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]]
⚫
[[Category:First Ladies of Turkey]]
[[Category:Turkish Arab people]]
[[Category:Turkish Sunni Muslims]]
[[Category:Turkish Sunni Muslims]]
[[Category:Turkish people of Arab descent]]
[[Category:Turkish people of Arab descent]]


{{turkey-bio-stub}}
{{poli-bio-stub}}

Latest revision as of 23:46, 8 December 2024

Emine Erdoğan
First Lady of Turkey
Incumbent
Assumed role
28 August 2014
PresidentRecep Tayyip Erdoğan
Preceded byHayrünnisa Gül
Personal details
Born
Emine Gülbaran

(1955-02-16) 16 February 1955 (age 69)
Üsküdar, Istanbul, Turkey
Political partyJustice and Development Party
Spouse
​
​
(m. 1978)​
Children
Relatives
(sons-in-law)
ResidencePresidential Complex (official)
Signature

Emine Erdoğan (née Gülbaran; Turkish: [emine ˈæɾdoan], née [ɟylbaɾan]; born 16 February 1955) is the current first lady of Turkey, and the wife of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Early and personal life

[edit]

Early life

[edit]

Emine Erdoğan[1] was born as Cemal and Hayriye Gülbaran’s fifth child and only daughter in Üsküdar, Istanbul. Her family is originally from the southeastern province of Siirt[2] and of Arab descent.[3]

She was educated at Istanbul Mithatpaşa Vocational Evening School for Girls. She did not graduate, however. She has been actively involved in social activities since her youth. Erdoğan was among the founding members of the "Idealist Women’s Association", which she named herself. She closely followed the events organized by the National Turkish Student Union and the Ladies Foundation for Science and Culture. During this period, she met Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and married him.

Personal life

[edit]

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Emine Gülbaran married on 4 July 1978. The couple has four children: Ahmet Burak, Necmettin Bilal, Esra,[4] and Sümeyye.[5]

Political career

[edit]
Emine Erdoğan meets with Michelle Obama in the Yellow Oval Room, White House, December 2009
Erdoğan together with Mexican First Lady Angélica Rivera in Mexico, February 2015

Erdoğan served as a founding member of the Provincial Women's Branch Administrative Board of the Welfare Party when Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was elected the Istanbul Provincial Head and she pioneered an era that paved the way for women's active participation in politics in Turkey. She launched a women's movement, which contributed to the success of the Refah Party in the 1994 elections.

After her husband Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was elected Mayor of Istanbul, she took part in various social responsibility projects. She contributed to the establishment of an aid corridor between different social groups by initiating the "iftar tables where the poor and the rich meet" tradition, which is still carried on by the mayoralties of Justice and Development Party.[6]

Erdoğan led the foundation of the "Center for Social Development" (TOGEM) in 2005 and has supported projects concerning the education of women and children.

With the wives of the governors from all Turkish provinces, she has led a campaign to improve the living conditions of the women, the elderly, the veterans and families of the martyrs. The project, which was awarded the "Golden Compass", the academy award of public relations, in the best public project category, has attracted interest among the projects cited by the United Nations. The project has continued under the auspices Erdoğan since 2012.

After the attacks against Gaza in 2009, she hosted the wives of the Western and Arab leaders and called the whole world to "stop the war." In 2012, Erdoğan personally went to Myanmar to observe the situation there despite the critical security threats and provided humanitarian aid to the region.

Emine Erdoğan has played an active role in opposing child marriage, stating clearly that "Forced child marriage is clearly unacceptable under any conditions".[7]

Projects under Emine Erdoğan's aegis

[edit]

Voluntary Envoys

[edit]
Erdoğan together with Vietnamese First Lady Nguyệt Thu, Mexican First Lady Angélica Rivera and Argentine First Lady Juliana Awada, July 2017

"The Voluntary Envoys in Social Development Project" (Turkish: Gönül Elçileri), implemented by the Ministry of Family and Social Policies and supported by Emine Erdoğan, is a social responsibility project focused on raising awareness about and promoting "volunteering", and tending to the human resource needs that will contribute to social development. The venture, running since 2012, has subfields such as “Protective Family Service” and “Vocational Training for Women”.[8][9]

Come On Girls, Let's Go To School

[edit]

With the Ministry of National Education, Erdoğan launched a country-wide campaign to resolve the issue of the girls who were not allowed to go to school by their families. "Come on Girls, Let's Go to School" (Turkish: Haydi Kızlar Okula) is a project carried out in coordination with the Ministry of National Education and UNICEF with support and commitments of relevant public institutions, NGOs and local administrations. The goal of the project is to provide 100% schooling and gender equality in education for primary-school-age girls (6-14 years) who are out of the education system, who have left or are absent from school.[8][10]

Mothers and Daughters at School

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Erdoğan continued her efforts in education with "Mothers and Daughters at School" campaign (Turkish: Ana-Kız Okuldayız), which she named herself. The campaign, launched by the Ministry of National Education, was initiated in 2008. The target audience of the project are young girls and women who are in poverty from a socio-economic perspective, who have not had access to educational opportunities, and are over the compulsory education age.[8]

7 Is Too Late

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The "7 is too late" campaign (Turkish: 7 Çok Geç) is carried out by the Mother Child Education Foundation (AÇEV) with the objective of raising awareness and bolster on the significance of early childhood education, which children ought to get between the ages of 0-6, and making sure that every child in Turkey can benefit from pre-school education.[8]

Prolific Forests

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On March 21, 2015, on the International Day of Forests, the project "Prolific Forests" (Turkish: Bereket Ormanları) was initiated by the Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs which aims to expand green areas in Turkey and to make effective use of forests.[8][11]

I Protect My Future

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"I Protect My Future" project (Turkish: Geleceğimi Koruyorum), started with the cooperation of the Ministry of National Education and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, aims to raise awareness about the conservation of earth and water resources among the new generations. The project which has been launched in 30 cities aims to make children familiar with the earth, seed and plants.[12][8]

African Handicrafts Market and Culture House

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"African Handicrafts Market and Culture House" project (Turkish: Afrika El Sanatları Pazarı ve Kültür Evi) strives to contribute to the solution of African women's problems concerning education and healthcare through profit-free marketing of products handmade by African women. Moreover, the project has the goal of functioning as a meeting point of African cultures and contributing to the deepening of Turkey-Africa relations.[8]

Zero Waste

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The "Zero Waste" Project (Turkish: Sıfır Atık), directed by the Ministry of Environment and Urban Planning, has the objective to prevent squandering, to reduce the waste amount and to encourage waste recycling. It also aims for the installation of an effective collection system.[8][13] Erdoğan is the first chair of the United Nations Advisory Board of Eminent Persons on Zero Waste, which shares good practices internationally, including reducing methane emissions from waste management.[14]

Luxury items controversy

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In 2019, some photos of her appeared holding a Hermès handbag, amid calls for French goods boycott.[15] She files suit against the journalist Ekşi Sözlük for posting negative comments about her related to the luxury bag.[16]

In June 2020, a court ordered to block access to the Sözlük webpages that focus on Emine Erdoğan wearing an Hermès handbag.[17] In the same month, Evrensel journalist Ender İmrek had to appear in court to face an accusation for not reporting positively on her while criticizing her for wearing a Hermès bag worth $50,000.[18]

In September 2021, she also drew attention for wearing a Chopard brand watch that starts at $35,000.[19]

Honours and accolades

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The Erdoğans with Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou and his wife in Greece, May 2010

On 7 December 2010, Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani conferred the Pakistani Nishan-e-Pakistan on Emine Erdoğan, in recognition of her efforts for the flood-stricken people of Pakistan. In October 2010, Erdoğan visited Pakistan and the flood hit areas to witness the devastation caused by the floods and contributed significantly in the fund-raising campaign to help the country's flood victims.[20]

On 16 February 2011, Emine Erdoğan was presented with the "Prix de la Fondation" by the Crans Montana Forum at a ceremony in Brussels.[21]

References

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  1. ^ "Bahçeli'den Erdoğan'a: 'Ben Gürcü'yüm, eşim Arap' diyorsun, peki Bilal oğlana ne diyeceksin?". Diken. 7 August 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  2. ^ "Mrs Erdogan's many friends". The Economist. The Economist Newspaper Limited. 12 August 2004. Archived from the original on 5 December 2013. Retrieved 17 November 2019.
  3. ^ Özcan, Ayla (2007). Emine Erdoğan: iktidara taşıyan kadın. Birharf. p. 19. Aslen Siirtli ve Arap kökenli olan Gülbaran çifti
  4. ^ "Emine Erdoğan". Biyografi (in Turkish). 15 October 2008. Retrieved 15 October 2008.
  5. ^ Hurriyetdailynews (14 May 2016). "Thousands expected to attend wedding of Erdoğan's daughter". Tehran Times. Mehr News Agency. Retrieved 25 June 2018.
  6. ^ "Biography". Presidency of Turkey. Retrieved 11 January 2020.
  7. ^ "Presidency Of The Republic Of Turkey : First Lady: "Forced child marriage is unacceptable under any conditions"". www.tccb.gov.tr.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h "Projects Under First Lady Emine Erdoğan's Aegis". Presidency Of The Republic Of Turkey. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
  9. ^ "Sıkça Sorulan Sorular". gonulelcileri.ailevecalisma.gov.tr. Gönül Elçileri. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
  10. ^ "Emine Erdoğan: Kadın inanırsa o işin başarı oranı artıyor". Milliyet (in Turkish). 7 March 2019. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
  11. ^ Emine Erdoğan, First Lady of the Republic of Turkey (PDF). Cumhurbaşkanlığı Yayınları. 2019. p. 35. ISBN 978-605-7751-01-0. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
  12. ^ "Geleceğimi Koruyorum". arastirma.tarimorman.gov.tr. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
  13. ^ "A first in Turkey: Zero waste district is established". Sıfır Atık. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
  14. ^ "Secretary-General's remarks at the High-Level Meeting of the General Assembly on Zero Waste | United Nations Secretary-General". www.un.org. Retrieved 4 December 2023. poorly managed waste is the third-largest global emitter of methane ……. The Advisory Board will share success stories of national and local zero-waste initiatives
  15. ^ Grewal, Kairvy (27 October 2020). "Photos of Turkey's First Lady with Hermes bag surfaces amid calls for French goods boycott". ThePrint. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  16. ^ "Emine Erdoğan appeals columnist's acquittal over article about her 'Hermes bag'". bianet.org. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  17. ^ "Court blocks access to forum pages on First Lady Erdoğan's Hermes handbag". www.duvarenglish.com. Retrieved 16 September 2020.
  18. ^ "Journalist on trial over criticizing First Lady Erdoğan for using Hermes handbag". www.duvarenglish.com. Retrieved 16 September 2020.
  19. ^ English, Duvar (20 September 2021). "First Lady Erdoğan again at center of criticism over luxury items, this time with over $35k worth watch". duvarenglish.com (in Turkish). Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  20. ^ "PM confers Hilal-e-Pakistan award on Emine Erdogan". Associated Press of Pakistan. 16 February 2011. Archived from the original on 23 July 2011. Retrieved 16 February 2011.
  21. ^ "Turkish PM's wife presented with women's award". Anatolian Agency. 16 February 2011. Retrieved 16 February 2011.
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Honorary titles
Preceded by First Lady of Turkey
2014–present 		Incumbent
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