Ahmet Ercan evaluates the 4.1 magnitude earthquake in Ankara: He sends a message referencing Atatürk

A 4.1 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Haymana district of Ankara yesterday at 17:49, causing concern among citizens.

Following the tremor, which occurred at a depth of 7.74 kilometers, citizens began following statements from earthquake experts, worrying about whether more such earthquakes would follow.

One of the expert statements regarding the earthquake came from Prof. Dr. Övgün Ahmet Ercan.

Stating that when the past and current seismic activity of Ankara and its surroundings are examined, it is known that the region is not under high seismic risk and that the city center does not possess characteristics that would increase earthquake damage in terms of geophysical behavior and ground structure, Ercan noted that citizens should not be worried.

In a statement on his social media account, Ercan used the following expressions:

"The tremor that occurred in Ankara's Haymana at 5:00 is a small earthquake. It is Atatürk who made Ankara the capital. There is no situation to fear. A larger earthquake is not expected. Get on with your lives."

Bugün saat 5:00’te Ankara Haymana’da olan yersarsıntısı, küçük bir depremdir. Ankara’yı başkent yapan Atatürk’tür. Korkulacak bir durum yok. Daha büyük bir deprem beklenmez. Yaşamaya bakın.

— Prof. Dr. Övgün Ahmet Ercan (@ovgunaercan) March 12, 2026