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Betim Ercayan Terzi, a 34-year-old woman with Down syndrome, has married Fikri Terzi, whom she calls "the love of my life," after a decade of living by herself.
Relatives and friends attended the ceremony in Karsiyaka, a district of the western city of Izmir, in what is described as a rare union in Türkiye and around the world.
Terzi gained her independence through education and her family's support. She started working 11 years ago through the Job Coach Supported Employment Program of the Down Syndrome Association of Türkiye, and for the past decade she has lived alone in her own home.
"I have been standing on my own feet for 10 years," she stated. "I cook my meals, make my desserts and brew my coffee. I can do everything by myself." She added that she has held several jobs and is still working. Of her husband, she said, "He is my love."
Fikri Terzi said he had long awaited the day. "She really wanted to build a home," he said. "It finally happened. I love Betim very much."
Before the wedding, Terzi completed the official steps for what is known as a "marriage eligibility" process. She obtained a health report and underwent a psychiatric evaluation and an intelligence test known as the WAIS, a standard adult IQ assessment.
Her mother, Ayten Ercayan, who is also the association's Izmir representative, said the municipality asked for a medical board report when the couple applied.
All results came back positive. "Logging into e-Devlet and seeing the note saying there is no obstacle to marriage was an incredible joy," she said, referring to Türkiye's online government services portal.
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Her father, Kubilay Ercayan, said his daughter planned every stage of the process herself.
"She found a good companion and accepted him as her spouse," he said, adding that she also convinced her parents. Fikri Terzi's mother, Remziye Terzi, said the family backed the decision from the start. "They found each other," she said.
Fulya Ekmen, deputy chair of the association's board, attended the wedding and said the marriage is among the firsts in Türkiye's history. She noted that families often ask whether people with Down syndrome can marry.
"If the conditions are right, why not?" said Ekmen, who has a daughter with Down syndrome. "The most important thing is that two people love each other. This marriage is proof of that."
She said the most important stage for people with Down syndrome is becoming independent, and that Terzi, who works and lives alone, is now opening a new chapter as she starts a family.
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