Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk (born 2 August 1976) is a Turkish academic and politician. She served as Minister of Family and Social Services (later Minister of Family, Labour and Social Services) in the 66th and 67th governments of the Republic of Turkey from July 2018 to April 2021. Since the 2023 parliamentary elections, she has been a Member of the Grand National Assembly representing Istanbul under the Republican People’s Party (CHP).
Early life and education
Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk was born in Istanbul, Turkey. She completed secondary education in Turkey and entered the Middle East Technical University (METU), where she earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree in 1999. She continued her academic studies at METU, obtaining a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in public law in 2007.
Academic career
Following the completion of her doctorate, Selçuk joined the faculty of the Department of Public Law at METU as an assistant professor. Her scholarly work has focused on gender equality, human rights, and social policy. She has authored and co‑authored numerous articles and book chapters on these subjects and has participated in national and international conferences addressing women’s rights and legal reform.
Political career
Ministerial appointment
On 10 July 2018, Prime Minister (later President) Recep Tayyip Erdoğan appointed Selçuk as Minister of Family and Social Services in the newly formed 66th government. In the subsequent 67th government, the ministry was renamed the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Services, a portfolio she continued to hold until 21 April 2021, when a cabinet reshuffle led to her replacement.
Key initiatives
During her tenure, Selçuk oversaw the implementation of policies aimed at strengthening family welfare, expanding social assistance programs, and promoting gender equality within the public administration. She coordinated the ministry’s response to the COVID‑19 pandemic, emphasizing provisions for vulnerable families and the continuation of social services under emergency conditions.
Parliamentary service
In the general elections held on 14 May 2023, Selçuk was elected to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey as a deputy for Istanbul (III constituency) on the CHP ticket. In parliament, she serves on committees related to justice and human rights, contributing her academic expertise to legislative deliberations.
Personal life
Selçuk is married and has one child. She resides in Istanbul.
References
- Official gazette of the Republic of Turkey, Cabinet appointments, July 2018.
- Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Member biographies, 2023–present.
- Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Services, Press releases, 2018–2021.
This entry reflects information available from publicly verifiable sources as of April 2026.