The roles of state-owned enterprises in Turkey from past to present within the framework of the social welfare state understanding

The concept of social welfare state is a phenomenon that has emerged with the aim of eliminating the deficiencies in societies and ensuring equality within the society since its first emergence. The expenditures made by states within the scope of this understanding are social welfare expenditures. In these expenditures, the state aims to eliminate the deficiencies in the country by establishing new enterprises, especially in economic terms. The public sector has played an important role in development in many countries throughout history. From the Ottoman Empire to the present day, State Owned Enterprises have attracted attention to ensure this development. Starting in the 15th century during the Ottoman period, SOE's have been shaped according to the needs of the society and the country and have taken their current form. In the relevant process, we can say that SOE's have taken on many different tasks and roles while becoming what they are today. In the study, basic data such as the share of SOEs in social welfare indicators were taken as basis and the changes between 1970-2022 were examined in tables and graphs. It has been concluded that SOEs can be beneficial institutions for the country's economy if they are used effectively in strategic areas, regularly inspected and resources are not wasted.