24.04.2025 16:00
Emphasizing that there are 1.5 million risky buildings in Istanbul and that 30% of them need to be urgently transformed, Minister of Environment and Urbanization Murat Kurum stated, "Time is running out; there are 1.5 million risky buildings, and we must leave politics and polemics aside. Every second is valuable for Istanbul, and as time runs out, it becomes even more critical. The Istanbul earthquake is a national security issue."
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Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum, who shared the latest information regarding the efforts made after the Istanbul earthquake at the AFAD Coordination Center, made striking evaluations.
"TIME IS RUNNING OUT"
Stating that the ministry is diligently carrying out urban transformation efforts to prepare Istanbul for earthquakes, Minister Kurum emphasized that the process should be supported with a 'mobilization' understanding that is above politics. Minister Kurum, who said, "Time is running out for Istanbul," added, "Our state is working tirelessly with all its means and capabilities, with all its strength, to prepare Istanbul for earthquakes, in a sense, to save Istanbul and our country. On this occasion, I want to express this to our nation and especially to the municipalities directly responsible for earthquake transformation. Every second is valuable for Istanbul. Because as time runs out, it is getting tighter. The Istanbul earthquake is a matter of national security. We must show the spirit of mobilization as we did on February 6. Our brothers and sisters from Istanbul expect all of us to set aside politics and focus urgently on this issue. In a place where the lives and futures of 16 million Istanbulites are at stake, I say very clearly; there is no place for politics and polemics. There is no politics here, no polemics here. On the contrary, it is time for all of us to unite and work hand in hand for the millions who deserve to live in a strong and healthy Istanbul," he stated.
"THERE ARE 1.5 MILLION RISKY BUILDINGS IN ISTANBUL"
Providing information about the number of buildings that need urgent transformation in Istanbul, Minister Kurum said, "We know how to be united in the earthquakes we experience. But unfortunately, 3-5 days after the earthquake, we forget this reality and do not act based on this truth. At this point, we always say; risky buildings kill, let’s not live in risky buildings. Let’s realize this transformation together. Exactly 13 years ago, our President launched the urban transformation mobilization with the slogan 'we will transform it at any cost' from Istanbul, Gaziosmanpaşa, which many politicians do not mention. This was a very important step. Until today, it was very valuable and precious to show this determination in the fight against earthquakes, even when there was no law in Turkey. We are also striving to continue our efforts strongly within that mobilization. Indeed, when you look at Istanbul today, we all know that there are 1.5 million risky buildings, and even 30% of these need to be urgently transformed. In the face of this picture, we have no time to lose. This transformation is not a situation that can be ignored or postponed. In this sense, everyone who is responsible must know that Istanbul's only agenda should now be earthquakes. The building stock in Istanbul cannot afford to lose even a minute, even a second," he stated.
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