“First Step to Marriage” training program begins in İskeçe Muftiate

The Family Services Directorate of the İskeçe Muftiate has launched its new educational initiative titled “First Step to Marriage.” The first session of the program was held under the theme “Modesty and Privacy in the Family.”

The opening remarks were delivered by Family Services Director Hülya Giritli, who emphasized the importance of such educational efforts in strengthening the family institution, building a healthy foundation for marital awareness, and providing proper guidance to young couples.

In her presentation, Giritli highlighted love, respect, empathy, and trust as essential components of marriage. She underscored the significance of privacy both at the individual and societal level, noting that a clear understanding of the rights and responsibilities that accompany marriage is vital for maintaining a harmonious family structure.

Key Points Discussed During the Session

Topics covered in the training included:

• Chastity as a shared value and honor for both men and women
• The idea that family privacy begins with understanding one’s boundaries
• How boundary violations during the engagement period can cause serious problems
• The negative impact of social media on personal and family privacy
• The importance of protecting family secrets for household harmony
• Why teaching children about privacy is essential

Giritli also addressed the connection between modest living and faith, stating:
“A person who loves protects the one they love from what is forbidden and what is wrong. Safeguarding the family begins with respecting privacy and maintaining boundaries.”

The session additionally featured a discussion based on psychologist Philip Zimbardo’s “broken windows theory,” illustrating how small acts of neglect can gradually undermine peace within the household. This adaptation of the theory to marital life drew considerable interest from participants.

The “First Step to Marriage” program will continue in the coming weeks with presentations by various experts. Participants expressed satisfaction with the session, describing the program as a valuable guide for both the pre-marriage period and the married life that follows.