On February 6, 2023, first earthquake shake with a magnitude of 7.8 Mw occurred in Gaziantep’s Şehitkamil district, and 9 hours later, second earthquake struck with a magnitude of 7.5 Mw, whose epicenter was in the Ekinözü district of Kahramanmaraş.
2023 Turkey Earthquake Casualties
As a result of the earthquakes, at least 17,674 people in Turkey and at least 3,779 people in Syria died and more than 78 thousand people were injured. More than 1,150 aftershocks of up to 6.7 Mw occurred after the earthquakes.
The first earthquake was felt in a wide geography, including Turkey and Syria, as well as Lebanon, Cyprus, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Iran and Egypt.
6,444 buildings were destroyed in Turkey, and many historical buildings including Gaziantep Castle, Şirvan Mosque, Yeni Mosque in Malatya and the Latin Catholic Church in İskenderun were heavily damaged and partially destroyed. 6153 search and rescue personnel from 53 countries were dispatched to the earthquake zones.
The Turkish Government announced that a level 4 alarm has been declared. In addition, a state of emergency was declared for 3 months in 10 provinces affected by the earthquake, while the World Health Organization declared a level 3 emergency for earthquakes that shook Turkey. Education and training in Turkey was suspended throughout the country until February 20. The Council of Higher Education announced that the opening of the spring semesters of all universities has been postponed until a second announcement.
7.8 Mw First Earthquake Shake Nurdag, Gaziantep
7.5 Mw Ekinozu Kahramanmaras Earthquake Shake
East Anatolian Fault Map Turkey
Which Cities Affected by the 2023 Turkey Earthquake
Hatay
Hatay is a province in the southern part of Turkey, located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Its capital is Antakya.
Hatay has a rich history and was once a center of various civilizations including the Hittites, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottoman Turks. As a result, the province has a diverse cultural heritage, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions.
In terms of population, Hatay has an estimated population of 1.5 million people as of 2021. The province is known for its agriculture and food production, as well as its tourism industry, which attracts visitors to its historical sites and beaches.
Kahramanmaras
Kahramanmaraş is a city located in the south-central part of Turkey. It has a rich history that dates back to the Hittites, one of the oldest civilizations in Anatolia. Throughout the centuries, Kahramanmaraş has been ruled by various civilizations, including the Ottoman Empire.
As of 2021, Kahramanmaraş has a population of approximately 675,000 people. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and delicious cuisine. Some of the popular tourist attractions include the Maraş Castle, the Ulu Cami Mosque, and the Maraş Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the region.
Overall, Kahramanmaraş is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, offering something for everyone, from history buffs to food lovers.
Adiyaman
Adıyaman is a city located in southeastern Turkey. It has a rich history that dates back to the ancient civilizations of the region, including the Hittites, Romans, and Byzantines. In the Ottoman period, Adıyaman served as an important center for trade and commerce.
As of 2021, Adıyaman has a population of approximately 225,000 people. The city is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the nearby Mount Nemrut, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey. Adıyaman is also home to several historical landmarks, including the Adıyaman Castle, the ancient city of Perre, and the historic Perre Dam.
Overall, Adıyaman is a city with a rich cultural heritage, surrounded by stunning natural beauty. It is an ideal destination for those looking to explore the history, culture, and beauty of southeastern Turkey.
Gaziantep
Gaziantep is a city located in southeastern Turkey. It has a rich history dating back to the Hittites and has been inhabited continuously for thousands of years. Throughout the centuries, Gaziantep has been ruled by various civilizations, including the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottoman Empire.
As of 2021, Gaziantep has a population of approximately 2 million people. The city is well known for its unique cuisine, including dishes such as baklava, kebab, and şalgam (a type of pickled turnip). Gaziantep is also home to several historical landmarks, including the Gaziantep Castle, the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, and the Gaziantep Ethnographic Museum, which showcases the local culture and traditions.
Overall, Gaziantep is a city with a rich cultural heritage and a rich culinary tradition. It is an ideal destination for those looking to experience the history, culture, and food of southeastern Turkey.
Malatya
Malatya is a city located in the eastern part of Turkey. It has a rich history dating back to the ancient civilizations of the region, including the Hittites, Romans, and Byzantines. Throughout the centuries, Malatya has been ruled by various civilizations, including the Ottoman Empire.
As of 2021, Malatya has a population of approximately 450,000 people. The city is known for its abundant fruit production, including apricots, pomegranates, and peaches. Malatya is also home to several historical landmarks, including the Malatya Castle, the Ulu Cami Mosque, and the Malatya Ethnographic Museum, which showcases the local culture and traditions.
Overall, Malatya is a city with a rich cultural heritage and a thriving agricultural industry. It is an ideal destination for those looking to experience the history, culture, and food of eastern Turkey.
Adana
Adana is a city located in the southern part of Turkey. It has a rich history dating back to the ancient civilizations of the region, including the Hittites, Romans, and Byzantines. Throughout the centuries, Adana has been ruled by various civilizations, including the Ottoman Empire.
As of 2021, Adana has a population of approximately 2.2 million people. The city is well known for its unique cuisine, including dishes such as Adana kebab, manti (Turkish dumplings), and şalgam (a type of pickled turnip). Adana is also home to several historical landmarks, including the Adana Castle, the Yüreğir Mosques, and the Sabancı Central Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Turkey.
Overall, Adana is a city with a rich cultural heritage and a rich culinary tradition. It is an ideal destination for those looking to experience the history, culture, and food of southern Turkey.
Author: Arif Cagrici – Head of Digital
