Commemorating Two Years of Recovery: Supporting Resilient Communities in Türkiye

Two years ago, in February 2023, devastating earthquakes shook Türkiye, leaving destruction in their wake and changing countless lives forever. Since then, we have been dedicated to supporting municipalities in their recovery efforts, ensuring that local governments are equipped to lead their communities towards a stronger, more resilient future. As we mark the second anniversary of the earthquakes, we reflect on the progress made and the steps taken to rebuild lives and infrastructure in a sustainable and resilient manner.

Support local governments for long-term recovery

Through our project, Support to Local Governments Response, Recovery, and Reconstruction following the Earthquakes in Türkiye, we have worked closely with the municipalities of Adana Seyhan, Kahramanmaraş Metropolitan, and Osmaniye. The goal of this initiative has been to empower local governments with the tools and strategies necessary to lead recovery efforts and build resilience against future disasters.

Investing in immediate relief and long-term urban planning

To address the urgent needs of affected communities, emergency grants of €100,000 were provided to each pilot municipality. These grants enabled Kahramanmaraş Metropolitan Municipality to procure seismic acoustic under-debris listening devices and rescue equipment to enhance their Fire Department’s capacity. Osmaniye Municipality established a Soup Kitchen to provide food security not only in times of crisis but as a permanent service for vulnerable residents. Adana Seyhan Municipality developed a Disaster Greenhouse, which can function as a temporary shelter for displaced residents while also serving as an innovative agricultural space using hydroponic methods.

In addition to emergency relief, we have placed a strong focus on urban resilience through urban planning interventions, supported by grants of €50,000 per municipality. These efforts have led to the design and implementation of critical multi-functional infrastructure projects:

• Gürselpaşa Multi-functional Park in Adana Seyhan: Spanning 9,000 m², this space serves as a vibrant community park under normal conditions, while also being equipped with emergency infrastructure to function as a gathering and shelter area in the event of future disasters.
• Fakıuşağı Multi-functional Park in Osmaniye: This recreational and social facility is strategically located in a region prone to earthquakes and flooding. The park ensures that students and residents have access to essential services during disasters, offering short-term shelter and basic amenities.
• The architectural design of Üngüt Multifunctional Youth Centre / Disaster Management and Coordination Centre in Kahramanmaraş: Covering 5,000 m² within a 25,000 m² green area, this center is designed to serve as a hub for youth activities, sports, and community engagement. In times of crisis, it will transform into an emergency coordination and shelter facility, ensuring efficient disaster response.

Comprehensive approach to urban design for disaster resilience

Our commitment to disaster resilience extends beyond infrastructure. Recognizing the complexity of urban recovery, we have adopted a Comprehensive Approach to Urban Design for Disaster Resilience. This method integrates a strategic, participatory, and forward-thinking approach, incorportating:

• Participatory Task Forces & Scenario Planning: Engaging diverse stakeholders to develop adaptive strategies for various future scenarios.
• Tools for Analysis & Exploration: Spatial mapping, scenario planning, and impact assessments ensured urban resilience and prioritized actions.
• Layers of Planning: Addressing resilience at multiple levels—from infrastructure to community networks and governance—for an integrated urban planning approach.
• Training for Disaster-Resilient Urban Design: A structured training program helped local authorities bridge theory and practice, covering topics like master planning, project development, and small-scale interventions for long-term urban resilience.

Innovative Approaches

The Urban Design for Disaster Resilience Training Program, resulted in innovative local initiatives that are part of pilot projects being further developed after the project ending:

UMT – Resilient Cities Platform
A Platform being developed by the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye aimed to ensure that municipalities in Türkiye can receive technical support on resilience, bring together different sectors and prepare for future disasters by following the latest resilience approaches.

Adana Seyhan – Establishment of an NGO Unit
Enhancing coordination between municipalities and civil society organizations to improve disaster response and recovery.

Kahramanmaraş – Collaborative Planning Workshop
A physical space where planners and stakeholders can engage in hands-on, participatory urban design.

Osmaniye – Multidisciplinary & Participatory Disaster Management
Incorporating community perspectives to develop comprehensive, long-term disaster response strategies.

Expanding support: strengthening resilience in Samandağ

In 2024, we expanded our support through the Support the Resilience of the Municipality and of the Communities in Samandağ through the House of the Neighbourhood project. This initiative focused on rebuilding efforts in Samandağ by constructing a community center to support local governance and civil society organizations. Additionally, technical assistance in disaster preparedness and urban planning was provided to strengthen resilience in the region. For more information on the developments in this project see the following folder (add link to folder)

Additionally, through the VNG Fund, we also supported Dokters van de Wereld in providing a mobile medical bus in Hatay, ensuring continued medical care for communities affected by the earthquakes.

A shared commitment to a resilient future

As we reflect on the past two years, we recognize the immense challenges communities have faced—but also their resilience and determination. By working together with local governments, stakeholders, and communities, we continue to pave the way for sustainable, disaster-resilient cities in Türkiye.
Our commitment to strengthening institutions, enhancing urban planning, and supporting recovery efforts remains unwavering.