In 2023, in the morning hours of 6th February, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake occurred in Pazarcık district of Kahramanmaraş province in Turkey. This earthquake was the beginning of a disaster that shook the whole country. In the afternoon of the same day, another earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 occurred in Elbistan district. These two earthquakes, centred in Kahramanmaraş, directly affected 11 provinces, deeply shook 14 million citizens and became known as the "Disaster of the Century".
Earthquakes come unexpectedly and change our lives forever. 6th February 2023 was such a day for Turkey. On that day, the lives of millions of people changed in an instant. Many people's lives were destroyed along with their homes, families, loved ones and dreams. However, the spirit of solidarity and unity shown by the people of Turkey in the aftermath of this disaster set an example for the whole world.
Our people living in Kahramanmaraş and the surrounding provinces came together immediately after the earthquake and mobilised to rescue those trapped under the rubble. Everyone did their best and showed one of the best examples of the spirit of unity and solidarity of the Turkish people by supporting each other in this difficult process.
One year has passed since the earthquake. However, the pain of that day is still fresh. Lives lost, houses destroyed and hopes lost... This disaster left a deep mark on Turkey's history. It also showed how a society can come together, show solidarity and become stronger. 6th February 2023 is a day of disaster for Turkey. But it will also be remembered as a day when a society showed its spirit of unity, solidarity and solidarity.
On this occasion, I wish God's mercy to our citizens who lost their lives, and patience to the survivors and all our citizens. With the hope of never experiencing such a disaster again...
Zeki Demirtaşoğlu
Chairman of DESMÜD
