Born in Artuklu-Mardin in 1966, Minister Işıkhan received his primary, secondary and high school education in İzmir. Having done his bachelor’s and master’s degree, Işıkhan went on to complete his doctorate, associate professorship and professorship in social services at Hacettepe University.

Having done successful studies throughout his academic life, Minister Işıkhan served as Deputy Director of Application Centre for Family Services of Hacettepe University, Head of Department of Social Services and Associate Dean of Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences. 

Işıkhan was granted 2016 Council Award by the International Council of Stress Management Experts for his remarkable research, implemetation and contributions on stress management at national and international level.

Minister Işıkhan’s fields of academic specialization are working life, occupational health and safety, workers’ rights, combating child labour, social policy, social issues, social service, social security, social assistance, disadvantaged groups, industrial relations, trade unions, active aging, elderly care insurance and post-retirement issues.  

Having served as General Coordinator during the initial field study of Social Assistance Program for Families (ASDEP), which was put into place within the scope of Government Programme by the Ministry of Family and Social Services in 2012, Işıkhan assumed an active role in the program’s successful implementation.

Minister Işıkhan took office as academic counsellor in the Department for Social Policies of AK Party Head Office in 2015-2018. During this period, Işıkhan actively served in the preparation of publications “2023 Objectives: Elderly-Friendly Policies” and “The Victory of National Will”, within the knowledge of our President H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.  

On 8 October 2018, Işıkhan was appointed as Member and on 17 December 2021 as Vice Chair of Social Policies Board of the Presidency. Throughout his term, Işıkhan developed policy strategies by carrying out on-site examinations on field studies concerning social policy field, activities performed by relevant institutions and for the improvement of existing social policy areas of provinces across Türkiye.  

Minister Işıkhan authored the book titled “Social Policies of the Century” as a publication of the Presidency.

Proficient in English at advanced level and having a good command of French and Arabic, Işıkhan is married and has 3 children.