04.06.2026 09:42
Geologist Prof. Dr. Şener Üşümezsoy has made groundbreaking statements about Turkey's fault lines. Rejecting scenarios of a potential catastrophic earthquake in Istanbul, he stated, "The big earthquake in Istanbul is a product of imagination" and, regarding the Yedisu fault, said, "It won't find the Seven Sleepers," indicating that the real danger lies in Denizli.
Earth scientist Prof. Dr. Şener Üşümezsoy made striking statements about Turkey's fault lines and expected possible earthquakes. Participating in the YouTube program of host Emel Özuğur, Üşümezsoy evaluated the agenda, firmly opposing the disaster scenarios drawn for the Istanbul and Yedisu faults, while warning that the real danger bell rings for the Pamukkale-Denizli line.
"I EXPECT AN EARTHQUAKE OF MAGNITUDE 6.5 ON THE PAMUKKALE-DENİZLİ LINE"
In his statements, Üşümezsoy devoted the most space to the Denizli and Pamukkale region, stating that the recent tremors of magnitude 5 on this line indicate an active fault zone. Reminding that the fault in the region has experienced major ruptures throughout history, the expert said, "The fault line going towards Pamukkale and Denizli appears active. There is a risk of an earthquake of at least magnitude 6, even approaching 6.5." Drawing attention to the ground weakness in the region, Üşümezsoy emphasized that a possible tremor would be felt very strongly.
"THE EXPECTATION OF AN EARTHQUAKE OF 7 AND ABOVE IN ISTANBUL IS A FIGMENT OF IMAGINATION"
Speaking about the frequently debated possible major Istanbul earthquake, Üşümezsoy stated that, contrary to his colleagues, he does not expect an earthquake of magnitude 7 or above in Istanbul. Arguing that there is no single-piece and large fault in the east of the Marmara as mentioned, Üşümezsoy said, "A major earthquake in Istanbul is a project of a figment in people's minds. The remaining fault segments can produce earthquakes of limited magnitude. For Istanbul, we can talk about a tremor of at most magnitude 6.2."
OBJECTION TO FRIGHTENING SCENARIOS FOR ADANA AND YEDİSU
Evaluating the recent earthquakes in the north of Adana, Prof. Dr. Üşümezsoy rejected the claims that the East Anatolian Fault passes through Adana. Stating that the faults in the region are fragmented and therefore energy does not accumulate on a single fault, Üşümezsoy said, "The people of Adana should not be worried. There could be tremors of at most magnitude 6.1 or 6.2, we do not expect a major destruction."
The expert also objected to the possibility of a magnitude 7.4 earthquake on the Yedisu Fault, arguing that this fault is locked with the surrounding systems and it would not reach magnitude 7 even if it ruptured.
CRITICAL WARNINGS FOR MALATYA AND THE AEGEAN
Other critical points highlighted in Üşümezsoy's statements were as follows:
Malatya-Pötürge: Üşümezsoy stated that the Pötürge fault did not fully rupture during the February 6 earthquakes, saying that compression continues here and could produce an earthquake close to 6.5 if the fault moves eastward.
Marmaris and Bodrum: He expressed that deep earthquakes could be effective off the coast of Marmaris and tremors of magnitude 6 could occur. He noted that around Bodrum and Santorini, due to hot waters mixing with fault systems, he does not expect a major earthquake, as energy is discharged with small tremors.