17.02.2026 16:59
The Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Murat Kurum, responded to the criticisms of CHP leader Özgür Özel regarding the post-earthquake efforts. Regarding Özel's claims in the earthquake zone, he stated, "The table that Mr. Özgür has presented as a great success is clear; 160 garbage containers, 1 pickup truck, 2 minibuses, a mosque cleaning vehicle that they themselves do not understand what it is... This vision does not appreciate 455 thousand housing units, belittles the hard work of 200 thousand workers, and undermines the effort they have put in for 2 years."
The wounds of citizens continue to be healed after the earthquakes on February 6, which are described as the disaster of the century. Minister Kurum attended the lottery draw ceremony held within the scope of 'Host Turkey' in Konya. In his speech at the ceremony, Minister Kurum criticized the unfounded claims of the opposition, referring to the work being done in the earthquake zone.
Kurum emphasized that they are working day and night to rebuild the earthquake zone, stating, "While we are working day and night to deliver 455 thousand homes in the earthquake zone, while we are launching the mobilization for 500 thousand social housing, unfortunately, some preferred to speak from the stands again.
They produced words, we produced works. They conducted perception operations, we built our cities. They engaged in hope trading by saying 'We will give free houses,' but they didn't even hammer a single nail. They tried to overshadow every job done. Look, the roads dug for sewage in İzmir Buca have not been repaired for months, and the locals are laying paving stones with their own means.
"THEY CONTINUE TO INSIST ON LIES"
An understanding that cannot even build a road is trying to give us lessons in urbanism. The table that Mr. Özgür declared as a great success in the earthquake zone is evident. 160 garbage containers, 1 pickup truck, 2 minibuses, and a mosque cleaning vehicle that they themselves do not even understand what it is. This vision does not appreciate 455 thousand homes. It belittles the sweat of 200 thousand workers and the effort they have put in for 2 years. They lied for days saying, 'They are making us sign blank promissory notes, they will give houses with interest.'
We explained and explained, but he continued to insist on his lie. Our President announced it. In our 11 provinces, all disaster housing will be paid without interest, at a fixed price. For 18 years, the installment will be a fixed 8 thousand 750 lira. Payments will start 2 years later anyway. So, we did the same thing we have been doing for 24 years. Mr. Özgür, you should have done it too. You had so many municipalities, you could have held on to a job. Look, Konya did not produce words, it took on the burden. Only our Konya Metropolitan Municipality established container cities, laid drinking water lines, and built thousands of meters of sewage infrastructure. It undertook the restoration of Habib-i Neccar Mosque.
"THIS IS THE DIFFERENCE"
Go and take a look at Hatay. Look at a Habib-i Neccar Mosque and then at the Ulu Mosque, which the CHP undertook to build. Konya Metropolitan has completed the restoration of Habib-i Neccar and opened it for worship. The Ulu Mosque, under the responsibility of CHP's Bursa Metropolitan, is still at the foundation stage. This is the difference between the AK Party and the CHP. While they cannot even lay the foundation, we hand over the keys. While they count garbage containers, we enter that home we delivered, drink that tea, and receive that prayer," he stated.