05.02.2026 22:39
The Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Murat Kurum, reacted strongly to the statements made by CHP Chairman Özgür Özel regarding earthquake housing. Speaking at the lottery ceremony for mass housing held in Kahramanmaraş, Kurum said, "They are ignoring 455 thousand homes. This is not the time for theater; it is the time to appreciate the work being done."
The Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Murat Kurum, responded harshly to the statements of CHP Chairman Özgür Özel regarding earthquake housing. Kurum said, "They have started to play the scenario and theater handed to them. They do not see 455 thousand homes."
HE ATTENDED THE LOTTERY CEREMONY IN KAHRAMANMARAS
Minister Kurum addressed citizens at the lottery draw ceremony for mass housing held in Kahramanmaraş. Stating that 73 thousand independent units have been delivered to their rightful owners in the city so far, Kurum emphasized that the ongoing work in the earthquake zone is a historic construction process.
"WE HAVE REALIZED THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CENTURY TOGETHER"
Describing the post-earthquake efforts as "the revival movement of the Turkish nation," Minister Kurum said, "We kept every promise we made. We did not just restore the earthquake zone to its former state; we made it stronger and more modern than before. One of the most concrete examples of this is Kahramanmaraş."
Referring to the projects carried out in Kahramanmaraş, Kurum stated that the commercial and cultural veins of the city have been revitalized from Azerbaijan Neighborhood to Trabzon Street, from the Covered Bazaar to the Ironmongers and Butchers Bazaar.
GOOD NEWS OF A NEW STADIUM
Touching on investments aimed at youth, Minister Kurum announced that the goal is to complete a stadium with a capacity of 17,500 in the shortest time possible, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
"THEY DO NOT SEE 455 THOUSAND HOMES"
Addressing CHP Chairman Özgür Özel directly, Kurum said, "Yesterday he said, 'There are no houses.' He does not see 455 thousand homes. Mr. Özgür, it is not time for theater. It is time to wake up from that deep sleep you are in."
Responding to the criticisms of the opposition, Kurum stated, "None of these works are coincidental. They are the product of a strong state will. It is not time to belittle and ignore the work done."
Claiming that the opposition has not made any concrete contributions in the earthquake zone, Minister Kurum said, "They promised free housing in election rallies. They did not lay a single brick on a single building in 11 provinces. They could not even keep the promises they made to their own municipalities."
RESPONSE TO HOUSING CLAIMS: NO INTEREST, NO LAND COST
Responding to Özgür Özel's claims regarding housing, Kurum said, "Either he is insisting on this out of ignorance, or he is knowingly lying." He announced that no land cost will be charged for disaster housing, that a 50% discount will be applied by the President, that payments will start two years later, and that they will be made interest-free and at a fixed price.
After Minister Kurum's speech, a mass housing lottery draw was held on stage with the participants.