Türkiye remembers devastating 1999 quake with ceremonies across affected cities
At 03:02 in the morning of August 1999, the Marmara Earthquake took place with its epicentre in Gölcük district of Kocaeli, Kocaeli, August 17, 2015. (AA Photo)
It has been 25 years since the Aug. 17, 1999, Marmara Earthquake, which struck the Golcuk district of Kocaeli and was termed the “disaster of the century.”
The earthquake, occurring at 3:02 a.m. with a magnitude of 7.4 and lasting 45 seconds, devastated Kocaeli, Yalova, Sakarya, Istanbul and Duzce.
According to the July 2010 report by the Parliamentary Inquiry Commission on earthquake risk and management, Aug. 17, 1999, Marmara Earthquake resulted in 17,480 fatalities and 43,953 injuries.
The earthquake left nearly 200,000 people homeless, destroyed 66,441 homes and 10,901 workplaces, and affected approximately 16 million people.
Damage was reported in 285,211 homes and 42,902 workplaces.
On the 25th anniversary of the Marmara Earthquake, Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Numan Kurtulmus issued a condolence message, stating: “Even though 25 years have passed since the Aug.17, 1999, Marmara Earthquake, we still feel its pain and sorrow in our hearts.”
On the 25th anniversary of the Aug.17, 1999, Marmara Earthquake, the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) shared a message on social media: “Twenty-five years have passed since the Marmara Earthquake, one of the greatest disasters in our history. Our pain is as fresh as the first day.”
Commemoration ceremonies were held in the cities most affected by the earthquake, including Yalova, Sakarya and Kocaeli.
In Yalova, a tribute program was organized to honor those who lost their lives.
The event began with visits to booths set up by various institutions, followed by a “silent march” from July 15 Democracy and Republic Square to the Earthquake Monument by the seaside.
Governor Hulya Kaya and local officials attended the walk, which was followed by a photography exhibition showcasing images from the earthquake.
Participants placed carnations at the monument bearing the names of the victims.
In a program organized by Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality at Democracy Square, the Quran was recited.
At the end of the program, prayers were offered for those who lost their lives in the earthquake.
The event was attended by Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Sakarya deputies Ertugrul Kocacik and Ali Inci, Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Yusuf Alemdar, Adapazari Mayor Mutlu Isiksu, representatives of some political and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), institution heads and citizens.
