Earthquake disaster-induced urban policies: paradoxes and challenges in Turkey

Abstract

Over 92% of Turkey's land is exposed to earthquake risk: from historical earthquakes to the recent Kahramanmaras disaster, earthquakes created dramatic consequences. Consequently, there is a pressing need for urban policies aimed at mitigating earthquake risk and implementing a nation-wide urban transformation. In this regard, the central government enacted Law 6306, the 'Law on Transformation of Areas under Disaster Risk', in 2012. This paper analyses earthquake-oriented restructuring policies that are authorised by this law. It is argued that the law introduces a new set of risks due to its centralised, discretionary, non-transparent and non-participatory approach. While the constant threat of earthquake still endangers the lives of millions, it also creates an opportunity to exploit the urban space for speculative interest.