# Turkey earthquake preparedness and urban planning

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-earthquake-preparedness-and-urban-planning
> Updated: 2026-09-01T21:19:00.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 3.

Experts and officials in Turkey are advocating for enhanced earthquake preparedness through scientific ground analysis, strict urban planning, and new technological advancements.

In Eskişehir, engineering leaders emphasized that seismic risk must be assessed on a parcel-by-parcel basis, noting that geological features like groundwater levels and soil types can vary significantly between neighboring plots. Professor Erhan Altunel has specifically highlighted the risks posed by the North Anatolian Fault Zone and the local Eskişehir Fault, warning that buildings near the Porsuk River are vulnerable due to alluvial soil that may not sufficiently withstand seismic vibrations.

In Nilüfer, Professor Okan Tüysüz warned of significant fault systems beneath areas such as Çalı, Tahtalı, and Kayapa, stressing that construction should be prohibited on active fault lines. To mitigate these risks, Mayor Şadi Özdemir announced plans for a logistics center to centralize food, materials, and machinery for disaster response.

In Düzce, Mayor Faruk Özlü reported that approximately 80% of the city’s housing stock is new, a result of strict building codes and height limits. He noted that these measures contributed to zero casualties during the November 2022 earthquake.

Recent technological developments aim to improve post-disaster response and infrastructure safety. Researchers at Boğaziçi University have developed a device mounted on load-bearing systems to measure oscillations and provide residents with immediate mobile notifications regarding structural damage. Additionally, Karadeniz Technical University has partnered with the Turkish Ministry of National Education to enhance the disaster resilience of school buildings through structural risk mitigation and R&D efforts.

## Claims

- Approximately 80 percent of Düzce's housing stock is new. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- High-rise construction in central Düzce has been halted, with a maximum limit of ground floor plus four stories. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Special structures such as hospitals and hotels are permitted to exceed height limits if they use earthquake isolators. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- There were no fatalities during the earthquake on November 23, 2022. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Six major national and international hotel chains are investing in Düzce. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-01: Turkey advances earthquake safety through new technology and school resilience protocols

Turkish academics and institutions are advancing earthquake safety through new rapid building damage detection technology and a partnership to increase the disaster resilience of educational buildings.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-advances-earthquake-safety-through-new-technology-and-school-resilience-protocols

### 2026-08-18: Turkey experts warn of seismic risks and urge urban resilience

Experts and officials in Turkey urge heightened earthquake preparedness, highlighting risks in Nilüfer, Düzce, and Eskişehir while promoting resilient urban planning and strict building codes.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dzce-implements-strict-building-codes-to-enhance-earthquake-resilience

### 2026-08-05: Turkey's Construction Leaders Emphasize Site‑Specific Earthquake Safety

Turkish construction officials Oytun Gökten and Yakup Tolgahan Ekşi stress parcel‑specific ground studies, engineering design, quality materials and strict oversight to ensure earthquake‑resilient buildings.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkeys-construction-leaders-emphasize-sitespecific-earthquake-safety

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Cite as: Turkey earthquake preparedness and urban planning. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-earthquake-preparedness-and-urban-planning