The February 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes — magnitude 7.8 and 7.7 — killed over 50,000 people and destroyed hundreds of thousands of buildings. They also prompted renewed scrutiny of Istanbul's own building stock, which sits on multiple active fault lines.
Istanbul's Risk Profile
Istanbul has a well-documented earthquake risk. The North Anatolian Fault runs beneath the Marmara Sea just south of the city. Geologists estimate a 60–70% probability of a magnitude 7+ earthquake affecting Istanbul within the next 30 years.
Checking Building Safety
Buildings constructed before 2000 pre-date Turkey's modern earthquake building code and carry higher risk. Ask for the yapı denetim (building inspection) records when purchasing any pre-2000 property. Buildings that have undergone kentsel dönüşüm reconstruction meet current standards.
Urban Transformation Programme
The government's urban transformation initiative identifies risky buildings and facilitates their demolition and reconstruction. Property owners in designated zones receive government support for relocation during construction. Rebuilt properties are typically worth significantly more.
Safe Purchasing Strategy
Prioritise buildings completed after 2010 with verified yapı denetim reports. Avoid purchasing in ground-floor units of older buildings on reclaimed or soft soil areas (particularly along the Golden Horn and parts of the historic peninsula).
Join the conversation — your thoughts matter.
Log in to Comment