Two Years After Turkey's Devastating Earthquake, Survivors Still Struggling

Two years after the catastrophic earthquakes struck Turkey's southeastern region, only around 201,580 of the promised 319,000 new homes have been constructed, according to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The quakes, which registered magnitudes of 7.5 and 7.8, claimed over 60,000 lives and displaced millions. Currently, about half a million people remain in temporary shelters, generating widespread resentment among survivors. In Antioch, local barbershop owner Mr. Sabahattin, whose business used to thrive, now sees only a few customers due to the devastation surrounding him. He has lived in a cramped container for two years and expressed frustration at the lack of progress in rebuilding efforts. Most families now occupy makeshift accommodations, and many report deteriorating mental health, with 43% showing signs of post-traumatic stress, as per a UNICEF report. Despite visible construction activity, recovery efforts are limited, with the physical and emotional scars of the disaster still evident in communities shattered by loss and displacement. Relief organizations highlight the urgent need for adequate housing and mental health support.

Experts are raising alarms over the potential for a devastating earthquake in Istanbul, predicting that hundreds of thousands could die if proper precautions are not taken. According to Naci Görür, a prominent earthquake researcher, over 100,000 buildings in the city are at high risk of collapse due to inadequate safety measures. Turkey has struggled to prepare for future seismic events, even two years after experiencing significant earthquakes that devastated parts of the nation. Görür emphasized that neither local nor central authorities, nor the general public, fully grasp the severity of the threat. "Earthquake resilience measures in Turkish cities are insufficient," he stated. Geology professor Şükrü Ersoy echoed these concerns, noting that many at-risk structures remain unreinforced. Turkey's Urban Development Minister Murat Kurum warned that Istanbul would not withstand a major quake, with estimates indicating that 1.5 million residential and commercial buildings are at risk. The anticipated earthquake, likely centered around 15 kilometers from the city in the Marmara Sea, has a 60% probability of occurring with a magnitude above 7 by 2030, according to the Kandilli Observatory.

Istanbul has solidified its status as a global hub for hair transplants, boasting approximately 5,000 clinics and attracting health tourists from around the world. According to the Turkish tourism association Türsab, 1.5 million health tourists visited the country in 2023, making hair transplants the second most popular procedure. However, experts warn that Turkey's dominance in the market may be waning. Dr. Koray Erdogan, founder of ASMED clinic, notes that the industry has seen both triumphs and pitfalls, with reports of unsatisfactory results leading to a growing skepticism. Costs are also decreasing abroad, with European clinics offering similar procedures for around $2,000, reducing the incentive to travel to Turkey. Erdogan cites that while Turkey's innovative techniques once set it apart, the surge of affordable alternatives elsewhere may jeopardize its leading position. "The golden age in Turkey is coming to an end," he states. As patients increasingly share their experiences on social media, the need for quality assurance in this booming sector has never been more critical.