Ministry of Family and Social Services’ data on social assistance reveals the extent of poverty in the country. According to official data, the number of households living below the extreme poverty line has reached 3 million 615 thousand 670. Last year, 3 million 472 thousand 393 citizens could only fill their bellies with food aid, according to the calendars of the Directorate of Religious Affairs, which has been criticized for its huge budget of 36 billion TL, “Life is in the throat” advice came out.
RICH TABLE ADVICE
According to a report by Mustafa Bildircin from Birgün newspaper, the calendar for the year 2023, which was published on August 3, reads as follows: “Life comes from the throat” to citizens in the article titled, “a healthy and balanced diet” advice was given. The article contains advice that ignores the economic picture in the country, “May our tables be rich and our hearts be wide” statement was used. In summary, the letter stated the following: “It is vital that we get enough and timely nutrients for our health. We use this proverb to warn people who downplay this issue. The measure of a healthy and balanced diet is to eat what the body needs. Of course, it is not right to gorge on food because the body needs it. Although life comes from the throat, it is important to remember that the same life comes out of the throat. May our tables be rich and our hearts be wide.”
CALENDARS THAT SWALLOW MONEY
The Diyanet's calendars, which contain recommendations that ignore the current conditions of the country, swallow millions of TL every year. The total cost of the calendars printed by the Presidency in the seven-year period covering 2018 and 2024 is 136 million 972 thousand TL.