Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Services' approach to bride kidnapping- case of Ardahan

Bride kidnapping are practices from past to present. Although different types of escape are seen in each culture, the reasons for individuals' escape are generally similar. The most common is known as Ardahan province is experiencing a kidnapping of girls in Turkey. Nevertheless, there are no studies on this subject in Ardahan. In particular, studies on institutional interventions are needed. Because after the escape, individuals, family, work and social services ministry employees meet and intervene first hand. Therefore, the approach of ministerial employees is extremely important. From this point of view, this study aims to reveal the approaches of the Ministry employees, the first response processes and the problems they face in solving the problems in Ardahan. The study consists of an introduction and four parts. In the introduction part, general information is given about "Bride Kidnapping" and the aim, importance and limitations of the study are mentioned. In the first part, the conceptual dimension of the phenomenon and the names that change according to the cultures are examined and the available sources in the literature are examined. In the second part, the institutional arrangements and regulations related to the abduction of women and the marriage of women are discussed. In the third part, the method part of the research is included. In-depth interview technique is used as a method. It is thought that the approach of the employees of the Directorate can only be understood through interview interviews. In the fourth section, the analysis section, the findings of the study are shared, analyzed and the results are evaluated in the results and discussion section. Key Words: Bride Kidnapping, Ministry of Family Labor and Social Services, Ardahan Provincial Directorate.