In Turkey, Debates Simmer Over Seismic Risks, Building Safety and Cultural Heritage Protection Issues
In Turkey, Debates Simmer Over Seismic Risks, Building Safety and Cultural Heritage Protection Issues

Summary/Abstract: On August 17, Turks held a solemn commemoration to mark the 11th anniversary of the massive 1999 earthquake that killed 18,000 people, while destroying over 110,000 buildings. The occasion has also sparked much public discussion over the structural soundness of construction in the densely populated areas in and around Istanbul, where other risk factors potentially affecting prized ancient monuments are also coming to the fore. Earthquakes are not infrequent in Turkey, though the magnitude of the 1999 quake, centered in the northwestern province of Kocaeli, was extraordinary at 7.4 on the Richter scale. Five days previous to the commemoration, an earthquake registering 4.8 shook Balya, in Balikesir province. There were no reported damages or injuries.

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