What earthquakes remind us of

Our country lies in an earthquake zone. Following the magnitude 6.2 earthquake we experienced in the Marmara region (off the coast of Silivri) on 23 April 2025, we were struck by yet another earthquake — a magnitude 6.1 centred in Balıkesir's Sındırgı district — on 10 August. I extend my wishes for a swift recovery. Our greatest hope is that our citizens have not been harmed...

Numerous earthquakes of lesser intensity also occurred during this period, of course. And they will continue to occur... Scientists and experts make statements and issue warnings in virtually every period. But do we listen to them — or do we even want to?

A reality does not disappear simply because we ignore it, try to forget it, turn a blind eye to it, or fail to take it seriously.

We first need to ask ourselves: why does an earthquake — a natural event — turn into a disaster?

The destruction caused by earthquakes leaves deep pain in its wake. The suffering brought about by incomplete, flawed, substandard, and unscientific work wounds us all. Because we are human. How could we remain indifferent? As the Latin poet Terentius said: "I am human, and nothing human is alien to me." With every earthquake, we are reminded once again of the truth — that it is not the earthquake itself, but negligence and inaction, that magnify the disaster...

WHY DOES IT BECOME A DISASTER?

One of the main reasons earthquakes turn into disasters is our failure to construct sound buildings... We are paying the price for structures built without a scientific foundation in geology, geophysics, structural statics, and load-bearing capacity.

Beyond that, every stage of the process — site selection, zoning plans, licensing, project design, the construction phase, the inspection phase, and modifications made to buildings — must each be examined separately...

The combination of many errors we have criticised from time to time comes to light in the reality of an earthquake...

As we have seen in previous earthquakes: are the precautions, preparations, and interventions taken during the critical 72-hour response window — the period within which lives can be saved — truly adequate?

17 August 1999. 6 February 2023...

How much have we questioned, and how much have we tried to improve?

FOR BUILDING THE FUTURE...

The truth is plain to see. In the light of reason and science, we must think and act in harmony with all living things, with nature, and in accordance with the laws of nature and the principles of science.

We must think long-term rather than day to day, and work toward building a planned future.

The destruction and suffering caused by the selfish, insatiable individuals that the system produces — those who think only of their own interests and profit — are as plain as day...

We must invest enormous effort in raising individuals who place nature and humanity first, who envision a liveable future — and perhaps most importantly, individuals who possess a conscience, who question, and who are capable of empathy.

And a great deal of effort at that...