Turkey's Construction Leaders Emphasize Site‑Specific Earthquake Safety

Oytun Gökten, president of the Turkish Chamber of Civil Engineers' Eskişehir branch, warned that earthquake risk cannot be assessed solely by building type or general ground conditions. He stressed that each parcel must be evaluated individually because neighboring plots can have different geological features, groundwater levels and seismic behavior. Detailed studies are required to identify hazards such as liquefaction, sudden settlement, loss of bearing capacity, artificial fill zones and old riverbeds.

Yakup Tolgahan Ekşi, board member of Ram Yapı, echoed the need for a comprehensive approach to safe construction. He highlighted that reliable buildings depend on proper planning, parcel‑specific ground investigations, rigorous engineering calculations, high‑quality materials, qualified contractors and continuous supervision. Ekşi also emphasized the ethical responsibility of all participants in the construction chain to protect occupants and families.

Both experts called for decisions based on scientific data and engineering principles rather than personal opinions, underscoring four pillars of safety: correct ground study, sound engineering design, appropriate materials, and proper execution.