Turkey – The Shattered Homes Of the Millions: Turkey-Syria Earthquake
The beauty of Turkey is manifested in its rich history, enthralling architecture and culture. Deemed as one of the Top Ten Tourist Destinations in the world, the charm of this vintage and pastel country is timeless. Officially the Republic of Turkiye, it is a transcontinental country in Asia and Europe. Most recently, a major earthquake has hit Turkey and around the Syrian border. Know more about the Turkey-Syria earthquake.
Tourism In Turkey
Turkey is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year, particularly from Europe. It is home to numerous cultural and natural landmarks, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Blue Flag beaches. It claims 19 UNESCO World Heritage sites and 84 World Heritage sites in the tentative list. It is the sixth most visited country in the world and gained a footfall of 51.2 million international tourists in 2019. Istanbul and Antalya are the two most popular cities for tourists, with Istanbul being the 10th most visited city globally. Turkey’s tourism industry is an important part of its economy, and the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism is actively promoting it through its “Turkey Home” project.
Places Of Significant in Turkey in a Nutshell
Preserving few of the most significant historical remnants, Turkey is a country blessed with unique attributes. Here are some of the country’s most prominent places to explore.
Ephesus – The ruined city of Ephesus gains a number of admiration from every corner of the world. It is a proper stand-still ancient city of colossal monuments with marble-columned roads. Marvel at the swooping panorama of this top-rated place of the country.
Pamukkale – The pearly white-blue natural landscape of Pamukkale or Cotton Castle is Turkey’s most ravishing destination. The nearby attractions of the rambling ruins of Greco-Roman Hierapolis, an ancient spa town adds a bonus
Cappadocia – This breathtaking valley in Cappadocia is one of the crowning jewels of Turkey. Known for its rippling landscape of wacky-shaped pinnacles formed through some weather phenomenon in the ancient time. Get your senses locked in one of the most stunning places in the Land of the Turks.
Topkapi Palace – Topkapi palace is a decent palace complex of the sultans built during the 15th and 16th centuries. Decked with impeccable decor and lavish interior, it flaunts the exuberant riches of the Ottoman power.
Aspendos – Truly spectacular, the Aspendos Theatre is one of the finest surviving Roman Theatre remnants in Turkey. The breathtaking classic theatre holding a capacity of 15000 seats retains ancient interests like an aqueduct, a Basilica believed to be of the Byzantine-era, stadium and agora.
Göbeklitepe – Göbeklitepe is one of the most significant historical landmarks of Turkey. This ancient ruins showcases much of the world’s earliest religious sanctuary which dates back
Antalya – The warm and blissful Mediterranean countryside of Antalya has been attracting travellers all across the land. The Ottoman-epoch mansions and the cobblestone streets right in the middle of the town have all the right to mesmerise visitors.
Mount Nemrut – The queer sight of the barren mountain top with some gigantic stone head of ancient deities dotting the landscape is one of Turkey’s most intriguing archeological sites. Mount Nemrut’s peculiar landscape brings in an eerie ambience that leaves most spectators amazed.
Ölüdeniz – The splendid beach of Ölüdeniz surrounded by unreal turquoise-blue water is a famous beach in Turkey. People make out to this bliss-out spot for various fun activities, paragliding being the most
The Blue Mosque – Officially called the Sultanahmet Mosque, the Blue Mosque is a Turkish pride built by Sultan Ahmed I. This outstanding monument is best known for its exquisite interiors embellished with thousands of blue Iznik tiles. The interior is jaw-dropping when the shards of light from the 260 windows illuminate the whole area.
Troy – The famed Troy of Homer’s iliad does exist and its ruin is found in the country of Turkey. The rambling landscape uncovers some city fortifications and walls, residual palace ruins, hall complexes and residences.
Safranbolu – The rustic anciently urban settlement of Safranbolu is a stunning town in Turkey. It is a prominently well-preserved Ottoman town that depicts the ancient atmosphere through the finely restored wooden mansions.
The Tragedy of Turkey-Syria Earthquake
On 6th Feb. 2023, Monday, it was not a usual day for the Turks and the Syrians. A catastrophic earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 on the moment magnitude scale struck southeast Turkey near the Syrian border in the morning. The seismic waves from this massive event were recorded by seismometers worldwide, including in far-off places like the UK. The tremors resulted in devastating consequences for residents in the affected area, as numerous structures have crumbled and an estimated 2,000 fatalities have been reported in both Turkey and Syria. Additionally, damage to gas pipelines has sparked fires.
This was really tragic and to make matters worse, a second wave of earthquake of 7.5 magnitude hit central Turkey somewhere at lunchtime.
Travel To Turkey after the Turkey-Syria Earthquake
Travel to Turkey and some parts of Syria cannot be happening anytime soon. The former announced a national emergency in the 10 provinces affected by the earthquake. Only vehicles carrying aid teams and aid material are allowed to enter cities deemed to be inside the area of the disaster.
Following the disaster, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) ensured travel against the areas within 10 km of the border with Syria. The same is advised against all but essential travel to Sirnak and the province of Hakkari.
Damage Suffered By Turkey and Syria
All cries and woes filled the hazy atmosphere on the rambled streets of Turkey and the Syrian border region. As the country suffered more aftershocks, president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reported that the death toll from Monday’s earthquake in Turkey has risen to 8,754, according to Reuters. When combined with the 2,470 known deaths in Syria, the official death toll now stands at 11,224. In the quake-affected cities in Turkey, public frustration is growing due to the perceived slow and insufficient response by authorities.
Tall standing buildings and concrete structures were crumbled down into nothing. What could be expected here is far worse than mere saying as the streets and the city looks terribly livid. Adding a sad note to this is that some UNESCO Heritage Sites have taken severe damages including the ancient city of Aleppo in northwest Syria which was already “in danger” from civil war.
Aid For Turkey and Syria
The earthquake has had a devastating impact and elicited a global response, with numerous nations promising to provide aid, from Ukraine to New Zealand.
The United Nations has taken steps to provide aid to the earthquake-affected areas in northwestern Syria and southern Turkey. They have committed $25 million from their emergency fund to support the humanitarian efforts.
The United States Agency for International Development is working with its partner organisations to provide emergency assistance to those affected in Syria, including opposition-held areas.
Two urban search and rescue teams from Fairfax County, Virginia, and Los Angeles County are on their way to Turkey, travelling by U.S. military cargo planes.
The Turkish government has prioritised getting these teams to the hardest-hit cities. The flights are carrying 100,000 pounds of specialised equipment to aid in rescue efforts.
India has sent 4 relief aircraft with rescue equipment, medical teams, and relief materials for relief assistance at the Turkey-Syria Earthquake affected zone.
Orthodox Church of Greece sent a charity drive and prayer services in support of earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.
The United Nations’ humanitarian chief, Martin Griffiths, has assured the affected communities that they are not alone and the humanitarian community will support them throughout the crisis.
The United Arab Emirates has pledged $100 million for earthquake relief in both Syria and Turkey.
Also North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un, has conveyed his sympathies to Syrian President Bashar Assad regarding the catastrophic earthquake that caused thousands of fatalities in Syria and Turkey.
Many more nations were quick to respond and offer necessary aid to the victims of the Turkey-Syria Earthquake.
Also Read This:- KNOW ALL ABOUT THE TURKS AND THEIR LAND