17.08.2025 18:03
On the 26th anniversary of the August 17, 1999 Marmara Earthquake, those who lost their lives were commemorated with various programs. Silent marches were organized to mark the anniversary of the disaster, and various events were held at earthquake memorials. Prayers were offered for the 18,373 people who lost their lives in the 45-second earthquake.
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On August 17, 1999, at 03:02, the Marmara Earthquake occurred, lasting 45 seconds, causing great destruction in Kocaeli, Yalova, Sakarya, Istanbul, and Düzce. According to official reports, 18,373 people lost their lives, and 48,901 were injured. 285,211 houses and 42,902 workplaces were damaged. On the 26th anniversary of the disaster that deeply affected Turkey's recent history, those who lost their lives were commemorated.
TIME STOPPED AT 03:02 IN THE EPICENTER OF THE EARTHQUAKE IN GÖLCÜK
On the 26th anniversary of the Marmara Earthquake on August 17, 1999, those who lost their lives were commemorated at the epicenter of the earthquake, Kocaeli Gölcük. At 03:02, hearts were shaken again with the same pain.
PRAYERS WERE SAID FOR THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES
The program held in front of the monument located at Kavaklı Beach was attended by Gölcük Naval Base Commander Rear Admiral Yücel Korkut, Gölcük District Governor Müfit Gültekin, Gölcük Mayor Ali Yıldırım Sezer, and citizens. After the wreath-laying ceremony in front of the monument, prayers were said for those who lost their lives in the earthquake.
"THE PAINS ARE STILL FRESH"
After the prayer, Gölcük Mayor Ali Yıldırım Sezer stated, "26 years have passed since the August 17, 1999 earthquake. But as you can see, the pains are still fresh. It was a very large earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4. Although the epicenter was Gölcük, many surrounding settlements were also affected. In fact, as you know, it caused serious destruction in Avcılar, Istanbul as well. Looking back from that day to today, we can see that some changes have occurred, especially during this evening's memorial program. At 03:02, the earthquake occurred while people were asleep. Those who could get outside and survived had to work to rescue their relatives, spouses, and friends trapped under the rubble," he said.
"THE CONCEPT OF URBAN TRANSFORMATION ENTERED TURKEY'S AGENDA DURING THIS PROCESS"
Explaining the fundamental difference between the earthquake that occurred in 2023 and the 1999 earthquake, Mayor Sezer stated, "It is the existence of AFAD, a very strong institution established in 2009. Besides this, we can say that the establishment of hundreds of search and rescue teams and many accredited units is the fundamental difference. Until the 1999 earthquake, we did not have a societal awareness, both psychologically and in terms of preparedness, regarding the effects of such a devastating disaster. As Turkey, we were not prepared in this regard either. Instead of the measures to be taken after the earthquake, the necessary precautions to be taken before the earthquake came to the agenda. It was during this process that the concept of urban transformation entered Turkey's agenda," he said.
"THE 1999 EARTHQUAKE WAS A TURNING POINT FOR TURKEY"
Continuing his speech, Mayor Sezer said, "For example, before the earthquake that occurred on February 6, 2023, we had already started urban transformation efforts in the center of Gölcük. As of now, there are completed blocks that will be ready for our citizens to live in by this time next year. Projects with underground parking for two floors are nearing completion in an area of 36 acres. When we look at the city, we see significant changes in the regulations. There were weak and inadequate buildings constructed according to the 1975 regulation. After the 1999 earthquake, however, significant steps were taken regarding the solidity of buildings. Many regulations such as soil surveys and building inspection systems were introduced. In fact, important changes were made in urban planning after that great disaster. The 1999 earthquake became a turning point for Turkey in this regard," he stated.
SILENT WALK IN YALOVA
A memorial program was held in Yalova, one of the cities most affected by the Marmara Earthquake, on the 26th anniversary of the disaster. The memorial program, where 2,504 people lost their lives, began with a silent walk. The walk started from the July 15 Democracy and Republic Square and ended at the August 17 Earthquake Monument.
QUR'AN, HYMNS, AND PRAYERS WERE READ
The memorial program continued with an event held at the Earthquake Monument. The 03:02 and 45-second rooms, where photographs of the earthquake are displayed, were visited by citizens. Then, during the program where earthquake training was provided, officials from the Yalova Mufti's Office read the Qur'an, hymns, and prayers.
THEY LEFT CARNATIONS NEXT TO THE NAMES OF THEIR LOVED ONES
As the time of the earthquake approached 03:02...
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When it showed 02, citizens who lost their loved ones in the earthquake left carnations on marble blocks with the names of their loved ones written on them.
The commemoration program was attended by Governor Hülya Kaya, AK Party Deputy Chairman and Yalova MP Ahmet Büyükgümüş, AK Party Yalova MP Meliha Akyol, Yalova Mayor Mehmet Gürel, and Karamürselbey Training Center and Garrison Commander Rear Admiral Mehmet Tahir Göncüoğlu.
COMMEMORATION PROGRAM IN AVCILAR
A commemoration program was held in Avcılar on the anniversary of the Marmara Earthquake on August 17, 1999.
In the program organized by Avcılar Municipality and Avcılar City Council on Marmara Street, members of the Neighborhood Disaster Volunteers Emergency Response Association (MAK) walked with torches to the earthquake monument.
Avcılar Deputy Mayor Yüksel Can stated in his remarks here that despite the years that have passed since the earthquake, they continue to deeply feel its pain.
"IT REMINDED US OF THE FACT THAT WE ARE A EARTHQUAKE COUNTRY"
Can, who said, "As a society, we are a nation that rises again after natural disasters," continued:
"While the painful memories we experienced 26 years ago still retain their freshness today, we have come together to remember and commemorate our neighbors and loved ones that we lost. The Marmara Earthquake that occurred on August 17, 1999 left deep marks in our memories and reminded us of the fact that we are an earthquake country. I wish God's mercy upon all our people who lost their lives in 1999. I hope we do not experience these pains again."
After the speeches, protocol members left carnations at the earthquake monument.
Source: AA, İHA
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