Türkiye has long been celebrated for its stunning cities and beautiful beaches, capturing the hearts of travelers around the world. But beneath its picturesque surface lies a geological reality that can be alarming: Türkiye sits on the Anatolian tectonic plate, nestled between the expansive Eurasian and African plates. This positioning places it on two major fault lines—the North Anatolian fault and the East Anatolian fault—making it highly susceptible to earthquakes.
Today, Istanbul experienced a series of tremors, the most significant being a 6.2 magnitude earthquake. Understandably, if you’ve got plans to visit Türkiye soon, this news might be causing you some anxiety. Here’s what you need to know about the current safety of traveling to Türkiye amidst these seismic activities.
Is it safe to travel to Türkiye?
Reports from Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency indicate a concerning sequence of earthquakes in and around Istanbul. The first tremor struck with a magnitude of 3.9 at 12:13 PM local time, followed by a 6.2 magnitude quake at 12:49 PM, then another of 4.4 magnitude just two minutes later. In total, around 150 injuries have been reported so far, primarily due to individuals attempting to escape buildings in panic. With buildings trembling and caution advised, locals and travelers alike are being encouraged to stay clear of structures that may be at risk of damage.
Since those initial tremors, additional aftershocks, including three more quakes in Istanbul’s Buyukcekmece district, have been reported.
Where was the earthquake?
According to sources like Euronews, these recent earthquakes are believed to have occurred at a shallow depth of approximately 10 kilometers, with their epicenter situated around 40 kilometers southwest of Istanbul, in the Sea of Marmara. While the strongest effects were felt in Istanbul, the US Geological Survey highlights that the tremors could also have reached regions in Bulgaria, Romania, and Greece, with reports of shaking felt even as far as Ankara, according to the city’s Mayor, Mansur Yavas.
What is the UK Foreign Office saying?
As of now, the UK Government has yet to revise its travel advice for Türkiye in light of the earthquake events. It’s wise to keep yourself updated via their official travel advice page, which you can find [here](https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey). Notably, their safety and security section does mention that many areas in Turkey regularly experience earthquakes and tremors, which can have a high magnitude, cause infrastructure damage, and pose risks to life. Travelers are advised to heed any guidance from local authorities and consult resources like the US Federal Emergency Management Agency for tips on how to stay safe before, during, and after an earthquake.
When was the last earthquake in the region?
In a painful reminder of the region’s seismic history, February 6, 2023, witnessed a catastrophic 7.8 magnitude earthquake that devastated Türkiye. This disaster, which was followed by another strong aftershock hours later, affected 11 provinces across southern and southeastern Turkey, leaving hundreds of thousands of buildings either severely damaged or entirely destroyed. Tragically, this earthquake claimed the lives of 53,000 individuals in Türkiye and an estimated 6,000 people in northern Syria.
If you’re feeling anxious about traveling to Türkiye under these circumstances, know that your feelings are completely valid. There’s no shame in wanting to prioritize your safety and well-being. Staying informed and aware will help you make the best decision for your plans. If need be, consider waiting for more stability before heading to this beautiful destination.
And while you’re thinking about your travels, don’t forget to sign up for our free Time Out Travel newsletter, which keeps you updated on the latest travel news and highlights the best experiences waiting for you around the globe. Remember, your safety and enjoyment are what matters most on your travels.
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