Turkey commemorated the first anniversary of the devastating earthquake that claimed the lives of tens of thousands and caused extensive destruction of homes and properties. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed to continue his government’s efforts in rebuilding the affected areas and providing secure shelter for every citizen whose home was affected by the disaster.
In a post shared today, Tuesday, to mark the first anniversary of the destructive earthquake that struck southern Turkey and northern Syria with a magnitude of 7.7 on the Richter scale, followed by a 7.6 magnitude one, and hundreds of violent aftershocks, Erdogan expressed his condolences to the earthquake victims. He emphasized that colossal disasters such as this represent both a challenge and a test of unity, brotherhood, and the strength of nations.
Erdogan lauded the Turkish people’s “historic stance” during the disaster and reiterated that the government will steadfastly continue its efforts to fulfill the commitments and pledges made to the people. He highlighted the ongoing reconstruction and revival of the affected areas, ensuring the provision of safe shelter for every citizen whose home collapsed due to the catastrophe.
In Istanbul, mosques observed the memory of the earthquake victims at dawn, with prayers and supplications offered. The mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu, and the city’s mufti, Saafi Arbag, alongside other officials, participated in a prayer event for the earthquake victims at the Fatih Mosque in the European part of the city.
A similar event took place at the Buyuk Camlica Mosque in the Asian part of the city after the dawn prayer, echoing sentiments expressed in many mosques across Istanbul. Following the dawn prayer, verses from the Quran were recited for the souls of the victims, followed by supplications on their behalf.
According to official government figures, 53,537 people lost their lives in the earthquake and its aftershocks in Turkey alone. Official sources indicate that nearly 690,000 people are still living in temporary shelters hurriedly erected after the disaster.
