Summary

Turkey’s soaring inflation, which reached 47% in November, is forcing millions of children into poverty, with many dropping out of school to support their families.

About 7 million Turkish children, or one-third of the population under 18, live in poverty, with families like the Sahins in Istanbul relying on children to scavenge or sell goods to make ends meet.

Rising living costs and inadequate welfare support have deepened child labor and deprivation, creating a “lost generation” trapped in cycles of poverty.

Activists warn of lifelong disadvantages without systemic intervention.