Prof. Dr. Naci Görür: 'Istanbul will collapse us, gentlemen, I am not joking'

Speaking at the Kanal Istanbul Process Information meeting, Professor Dr. Naci Görür reiterated his warnings regarding the feared potential Istanbul earthquake and stated, "There are geoscientists who say 'yes' to Kanal Istanbul; I cannot take that responsibility."

Görür emphasized that Kanal Istanbul is located on a fault line and, with a plea for people to "let those who haven't heard, hear," he said, "If Turkey's Marmara Region collapses, it will have no economic independence left."

In his speech, Görür said the following:

"Even the most authoritative people, that is, the institutions in Istanbul, say that more than sixty percent of the building stock is not earthquake-resistant. Just think about Istanbul, think about its streets, think about its houses, I mean, think about the concrete they use, think about the corroded iron. Think about the houses that collapse even now when there is nothing happening, think about the lack of public awareness. You can list many more reasons, can't you?

Istanbul will bring us to our knees, gentlemen, I am not joking. I mean, if the Istanbul Marmara Region collapses, all of Turkey will fall to its knees. Let those who haven't heard, hear this. This is not a joke, and if they don't believe it, let them ask those they do believe. Let them ask a real scientist. I don't mean those who are scientists with many titles, you know, who are at the service of politics. I am not referring to them. Let them ask a scientist of international caliber directly. If Turkey's Marmara Region collapses, it will have no economic independence left."