The first babies of 2025 were born, receiving their first gifts from government officials. Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş visited babies born at Ankara City Hospital, sharing in the excitement of the families. Göktaş visited Aysun Dilmaç, who gave birth to her third child, and wished for the health of her daughter, Defne Hüma. Göktaş also visited the babies Asil Kaan and Asya of Hazal Sönmez and Sibel Koçak, respectively. Emphasizing the value of each newborn, Minister Göktaş noted the decreasing birth rates in both Turkey and the world, and highlighted the importance of policies focused on families and children for the future of the country.
On December 31, 2024, Minister Göktaş also visited the first baby of the new year in Istanbul. The first baby of the year was born at Esenler Maternity and Children’s Diseases Hospital. Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu visited the hospital to congratulate the family of Kerem Ali Demir, the first baby born through water birth in the new year. Memişoğlu held and congratulated Kerem Ali Demir, presenting the mother with flowers and the baby with a gift of gold. The mother, Fatma Demir, revealed that Kerem Ali was their fourth child. Memişoğlu also visited other new mothers, congratulating them and presenting them with gifts.
Afterward, Memişoğlu visited the Esenler Emergency Assistance Station No. 4, where he praised the efforts of healthcare workers in Turkey and expressed his optimism for the future of the healthcare system. He acknowledged the importance of various healthcare professionals and highlighted the commitment to building a healthier Turkey. Memişoğlu extended his wishes for a happy new year and emphasized the importance of unity and peace among people. He reaffirmed the commitment to promoting goodness and supporting the statement “The world is greater than five” made by the President.
New Year’s first babies were also born in various other cities, including Malatya, Adana, Bingöl, Sivas, Osmaniye, and Tokat. Families across these regions celebrated the birth of the first babies of the year, with gifts being presented to the newborns. In Tokat, the first baby of the year named “Göktuğ” was born on the same day as the mother, at Gaziosmanpaşa University Hospital. The baby, weighing 4.105 kilograms, was born at 00:01, and both the baby and the mother were reported to be in good health. The coincidence of the baby and mother sharing the same birthday was also noted.
Overall, the arrival of the first babies of the year brought joy to families and communities across Turkey. Government officials, including ministers and health authorities, visited these newborns to extend their wishes and support. The significance of each newborn was emphasized, highlighting the importance of strong family and child-focused policies for the future of the country. The celebration of new life and the commitment to providing quality healthcare services are evident in these visits and interactions, setting a positive tone for the start of the year.