Bursa experts warn of 94-kilometer fault line and magnitude 7 earthquake risk

During a scientific panel organized by Osmangazi Municipality in Bursa, experts highlighted significant seismic risks facing the region. A key finding presented by Professor Gürol Seyitoğlu identified a fault system stretching approximately 94 kilometers across the Bursa plain, which has the potential to generate an earthquake of up to magnitude 7 based on accumulated stress calculations.

The panel, titled “Earthquake in Bursa in Past and Future Dimensions,” brought together academics to discuss the city’s geological heritage and historical seismic activity. Discussions included an analysis of the devastating 1855 earthquake using historical records, such as Gökmenzade’s ‘İşaretnüması’, to understand past destruction and its implications for modern urban planning.

Participants emphasized the urgent need to integrate geological data into urban planning and disaster management strategies. The event was held in collaboration with the Chamber of Geological Engineers South Marmara Branch and the Association for the Protection of Geological Heritage as part of the city’s 700th-anniversary commemorations.