03.02.2026 18:16
A critical detail that emerged in Malatya following the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023, has come to light for the first time after three years. It was revealed that Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, who was appointed as the coordinator minister in Malatya by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was caught in the second major earthquake during a meeting held at the Governor's Office and escaped unscathed from the partially collapsed debris during the violent tremor.
On February 6, 2023, a critical detail that emerged after the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş came to the fore for the first time after three years.
MINISTER ERSOY, CHEATED DEATH IN MALATYA EARTHQUAKE
Immediately after the earthquake, Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, who was appointed as the coordinating minister in Malatya by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, personally followed the crisis management and coordination efforts in the city on-site.
Minister Ersoy, who arrived in Malatya right after the first earthquake, was caught in the second major earthquake that occurred during the coordination and evaluation meeting held at the Governor's Office. Ersoy emerged unscathed from the partially collapsed debris during the violent tremor. Despite Minister Ersoy's multiple visits to Malatya during the earthquake process, this incident had not been publicly acknowledged until now.
EXPERIENCED EMOTIONAL MOMENTS
The critical moment that occurred after three years was recalled during Minister Ersoy's last visit to Malatya and led to emotional moments. Following his programs in Hatay on the anniversary of the February 6 earthquakes, Minister Ersoy traveled to Malatya, and the emotional moments he experienced during the press conference he held at the Governor's Office once again highlighted that the memory of that critical situation is still vivid.
In his statement, Ersoy announced that damage assessments had been made for 5,119 cultural assets in 11 provinces after the earthquake, that 63 restoration projects had been completed to date, that 7.3 billion lira had been used solely for cultural assets, and that approximately 2 billion lira in grants had been provided for registered buildings in private ownership.
On the occasion of the third anniversary of the February 6 earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş, he inspected the ongoing cultural heritage restorations, the revival of foundation works, and ongoing investments in the city. Ersoy was accompanied by Malatya Governor Seddar Yavuz and Malatya Metropolitan Mayor Sami Er. Ersoy stated that they coordinated the fieldwork with his colleagues for about six months.
Expressing that they strived to stay alongside the citizens of Malatya during the earthquake process, to produce solutions to the difficulties experienced, and to ensure that all necessary steps for the city to stand up again were taken swiftly, Ersoy emphasized that it was a great honor for him to be accepted as a fellow citizen by the people of Malatya.
Ersoy stated that every success achieved today is a result of the will of the people of Malatya, who stood tall even in the face of a great disaster, and thanked all earthquake victims for their patience, trust, and support.