Turkiye marks 2nd anniversary of 2023 earthquakes

The 2023 earthquakes impacted more than 13.5 million people in Türkiye and millions in northern Syria

Muslim Network TV

ANKARA, Türkiye (MNTV) — Two years after the deadliest earthquake in modern Turkish history, hundreds of thousands of survivors remain in temporary housing, struggling with harsh conditions as reconstruction efforts fall short of government promises.

The twin earthquakes on February 6, 2023, with magnitudes of 7.7 and 7.6, struck 11 Turkish provinces and parts of northern Syria, killing more than 55,000 people and injuring over 107,000.

The disaster displaced millions, leaving many dependent on temporary shelters.
Following the catastrophe, the Turkish government launched a massive relief and reconstruction effort.

The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) deployed over 1 million tents and established 350 tent cities to accommodate 2.5 million victims.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan initially pledged to build 650,000 homes, with 319,000 to be delivered within a year.

However, official data shows that as of January 2025, only 201,688 residential and commercial units have been completed and handed over to survivors.

“We have spent $75 billion on rebuilding, with an additional $19 billion allocated for recovery efforts,” Environment and Urbanization Minister Murat Kurum said.

The government has set a new target to complete 452,983 housing units by the end of 2025, but many survivors remain in container cities, struggling with poor sanitation, limited healthcare, and economic hardship.
Ozgur Ozel, leader of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), slammed the slow pace of reconstruction, claiming only 30% of the promised homes had been built.

“In Hatay, one of the hardest-hit provinces, only 18% of the pledged homes have been delivered,” Ozel said. “Only three out of ten who trusted Erdogan now have homes, while the rest remain in containers or rely on relatives for shelter.”

The Hatay Earthquake Victims’ Association reported that over 400,000 people are still living in container housing with no clear timeline for permanent resettlement.

On the anniversary of the disaster, mourners gathered in southeastern city of Antakya at 4:17 a.m. local time—the exact time the first quake struck—chanting, “No forgetting, no forgiving, no reconciliation.”

International aid groups, including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), have voiced concerns over the slow pace of recovery.

IFRC’s Türkiye head, Jessie Thomson, said nearly half a million people remain in temporary housing, facing psychological and economic distress.

Marking the anniversary, Erdogan pledged continued efforts to restore affected areas.

“From day one, we stood united as a state and a people,” he said. “Our efforts will continue with unwavering determination until every citizen has a safe home.”

First Lady Emine Erdogan echoed the sentiment, calling the nation’s response a symbol of unity and resilience.

Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz emphasized the government’s commitment to rebuilding cities, infrastructure, and economic stability.

“We are revitalizing our earthquake zone with industrial investments, restoration work, and economic incentives,” he said.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also reaffirmed support for affected communities.

“Since day one, we have worked tirelessly to heal the wounds and rebuild our cities,” he said.

The 2023 earthquakes impacted more than 13.5 million people in Türkiye and millions in northern Syria. Two years later, survivors continue to fight for stability as the nation struggles to fulfill its promises of recovery.