Turkey’s soaring costs are creating a ‘lost generation’ of kids forced to help their families get by

In Istanbul, 11-year-old Atakan Sahin and his siblings live in poverty, struggling to afford basic necessities like food and clothing. High inflation and economic instability have left many Turkish families in similar situations, with approximately 7 million children living in poverty. Atakan helps his father collect recyclable materials to earn money, while other children in Istanbul sell small items to contribute to their families’ income. The Sahin family receives government welfare, but it barely covers their rent, leaving them with little money for essentials like shoes and textbooks. Despite government efforts to address poverty, many families continue to struggle due to rising costs and inadequate financial support. In neighborhoods like Tarlabasi, gentrification has driven up rents, making it even harder for low-income families to make ends meet.

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