Millions of homes at risk in Türkiye: Urgent need for urban renewal

Türkiye’s Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, Murat Kurum, highlighted the urgent need for urban renewal across the country, particularly emphasizing the risks posed to millions of homes.

In a statement made on the 25th anniversary of the August 17, 1999 Marmara Earthquake, Kurum discussed the critical measures being taken to enhance the country’s resilience to natural disasters.

Millions of homes at risk

Kurum stated that Türkiye is home to 36 million independent units, including 31 million homes, with approximately 6 million of these units currently at risk. Of these, 2 million are in immediate need of urban renewal.

He stressed that the 1999 Marmara Earthquake marked a turning point for Türkiye, leading to significant legal reforms and the implementation of new urban planning and construction practices aimed at building more resilient cities.

Istanbul’s earthquake risk

Kurum highlighted the specific dangers facing Istanbul, noting that the city’s 1.5 million homes are in poor condition. He warned that an estimated 600,000 homes are at risk of collapse in the event of an earthquake, placing approximately 2.5 million people in significant danger.

Over the last 12 years, the government has conducted risk assessments across Istanbul’s 39 districts, leading to the demolition of 505,000 independent units and the completion of renewal projects for 903,000 units. Currently, renewal efforts for an additional 181,000 units are underway.

Building resilient cities for the future

Kurum reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making Türkiye’s cities resilient to disasters by 2035.

He emphasized that the focus will remain on rapidly renewing risky buildings, implementing earthquake master plans, and constructing sustainable, disaster-resistant cities. The Minister also stressed that these efforts are not just about reconstructing the past, but about building a safe and prosperous future for all citizens.

Commitment to earthquake recovery in Kahramanmaras

Addressing the recent earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaras, Kurum reported that 76,000 homes have already been handed over to their new owners, with the goal of reaching 100,000 by September and 200,000 by year-end.

The Minister assured that by the end of 2025, no earthquake survivor in the region will be without a new home.