06.11.2025 14:16
Earthquake expert Prof. Dr. Şener Üşümezsoy, who stated that he does not agree with the claims that "the Islands fault will rupture," drew attention to the southern part of the Sea of Marmara. According to Üşümezsoy, the main earthquake risk is concentrated off the coast of Yalova, along the Çınarcık-Esenköy-Bozburun line.
Recently, the series of earthquakes occurring in the Marmara Region has raised concerns, and a striking warning has come from seismologist Prof. Dr. Şener Üşümezsoy. Speaking to TGRT News, Üşümezsoy countered the long-standing claims that "the Islands Fault will rupture," stating that the real danger has accumulated south of Marmara, off the coast of Yalova.
"THE RISK IS NOT IN THE NORTH, BUT IN THE SOUTH"
Üşümezsoy recalled the major earthquakes that affected Istanbul in the past, emphasizing that the energy accumulation in Marmara has changed direction. Üşümezsoy stated, "The fault that ruptured in 1894 relieved the stress between the Istanbul and Anatolian blocks. The eastern extension of this line ruptured during the 1999 Gölcük Earthquake. Just as a broken bone cannot break again without healing, this fault also needs to come together and heal before it can rupture again."
The expert highlighted that the 1999 Gölcük Earthquake significantly released the energy on the Islands Fault, indicating that the energy has shifted to the south of Marmara since that date. Üşümezsoy said, "The risk is not in the north, but in the south. The energy moved south after 1999; stress is concentrating along the Çınarcık, Esenköy, and Bozburun line."
ATTENTION TURNED TO YALOVA AND ITS SURROUNDINGS
Üşümezsoy's statements have provided a new perspective on the earthquake scenarios around Marmara. The expert's assessment suggests that a potential major earthquake may occur not in Istanbul, but in the center of Yalova and its surroundings. During this period of ongoing seismic activity in Marmara, experts agree that the energy transfers in the region should be closely monitored.