ELAZIG GUNISIGI NEWSPAPER – February 2011
MIGRATION, ECONOMY, AND EARTHQUAKES
As with individual issues, it is essential to deeply examine societal problems. If you can’t identify the real problem, any effort to find a solution will be meaningless. If someone falls and breaks their arm, diagnosing a sprain instead of a fracture and recommending physical therapy instead of casting it may lead to not only an unsuccessful treatment but possibly a disability.
The right treatment starts with the right professional—someone with expertise in orthopedics, for instance, must be consulted to correctly diagnose and offer suitable treatment methods.
Similarly, we often avoid addressing issues until they reach a critical point. After the Erzincan Earthquake in 1992, there was significant public discussion about how to reduce earthquake damage and ways to protect against them. The construction of earthquake-resistant hospitals and schools, building inspections, concrete quality, and numerous other important topics were on the agenda. These discussions were necessary because hundreds of people lost their lives in that disaster. However, the proposed changes to the earthquake regulations weren’t made until 1998, and even the existing 1975 regulations were not enforced consistently. How do we know this? By examining the buildings and noticing that after every earthquake, the true extent of the problem becomes glaringly evident again.
If real measures had been taken after the 1992 Erzincan Earthquake, could the catastrophic Marmara Earthquake of 1999 have been prevented? And could the destruction caused by the 2003 Bingöl Earthquake have been avoided?
The economic impact of earthquakes, particularly in industrial regions, is significant. According to the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB), earthquake-prone regions, where 40% of Turkey’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is produced, contribute 46.7% of the country's industrial value added. The earthquake-affected provinces of Bolu, Bursa, Eskişehir, İstanbul, İzmit, Adapazarı, Yalova, and Zonguldak together host 48.3% of the country’s workplaces and 47.4% of employment (1999 data).
The damage from earthquakes is not just material; it is a social wound. We cannot ignore the reasons behind this wound. A significant portion of Turkey’s economy is concentrated in a few regions, and unfortunately, many of these areas are in earthquake-prone zones. We have experienced the pain of this before. As a result, many citizens who have lost hope in their rural communities have moved to big cities. The rapid growth of these cities has led to informal settlements and chaotic urbanization, which is not a new problem in Turkey.
Earthquakes in industrial regions not only cause substantial economic damage but also increase the number of casualties significantly. Therefore, reducing earthquake damage requires more than just building earthquake-resistant structures. It also necessitates important social projects tailored to Turkey’s unique structure.
Today, with initiatives like the Housing Development Administration of Turkey (TOKİ) creating residential areas on the outskirts of cities, we are witnessing the rise of “ghost neighborhoods.” As these new residential areas fill up, the old city centers become empty, and villages are gradually abandoned. Turkey is becoming an increasingly urbanized nation.
Predicting the future of Turkey as a city-based country is not difficult. While the establishment of new universities temporarily staved off rising unemployment, soon, young graduates will find themselves waiting for jobs, adding to the challenges. We must face the reality that we are not teaching people to fish—so it's only natural for them to expect fish.
The conversation about earthquakes has now shifted to migration, the economy, and unemployment. This is because it’s impossible to address societal problems in isolation. Problems can only be solved through coordination and collaboration. Today, the rope extended to us as a means of salvation might snap tomorrow, and we could face even greater risks.
We, as the Turkish people, are not helpless. The solutions are embedded in our identity, our people, and our ingenuity. We have skilled individuals, and solutions tailored to our country’s needs can easily be devised. Great nations build their success through long-term projects, which help elevate them to leadership positions. Short-term solutions or projects will not bring our nation to the level we hope to achieve.
This is why I continue to emphasize the importance of keeping the issue of earthquakes on the agenda. It is not just about earthquakes—it is a social problem, a reality of our country. As long as this issue is not addressed properly, we will keep raising our voices, hoping for solutions.
On Elazığ’s Big City Aspiration:
Murat KUŞÇUBAŞI’s valuable writings on Elazığ’s path to becoming a big city continue without slowing down. From universities to the streets to associations, his writings have been heard and hopefully will lead to the desired results. It is unfortunate, however, that no political statements or actions have been taken on this matter yet.
The Elazığ Branch of the Chamber of Civil Engineers (FİMDER) is ready to shoulder any responsibilities required for the city to take steps toward becoming a metropolitan. Our weekly meetings aim to lay the foundation for this goal. Elazığ, with its social, cultural, economic, and tourist potential, is already a "big city" in our hearts. Now, it is time for everyone to join forces to turn this dream into reality.
Let's unite, Elazığ!