Screaming from Istanbul’s Coffin Houses

ISTANBUL, 2025-06-17

Cracks in the Foundation

Residents of a 45-year-old Istanbul site, built on unstable ground, are desperate for help as their homes crumble around them.

• Buildings in the Cömertkent site in Istanbul’s Tozkoparan neighborhood, built on a riverbed, are at risk of collapse.
• Residents have repeatedly appealed to authorities for assistance with the aging structures.
• Despite applying for aid, the process has stalled due to a lack of government support.

Are residents of Istanbul’s Cömertkent site facing an imminent disaster? The answer appears to be a stark yes. In the Tozkoparan neighborhood of Istanbul’s Güngören district,residents of the Cömertkent site,home to about 6,000 people,are pleading for the government to address the perilous condition of their buildings.

Did you know?-The Güngören district, where Cömertkent is located, is a densely populated area within Istanbul, facing challenges related to urbanization and aging infrastructure.

A History of Instability

The Cömertkent site was constructed 45 years ago on a riverbed. Despite zoning regulations permitting only three stories, the buildings were erected with 11 floors. Over time, the structural integrity has deteriorated, with residents reporting large cracks in the walls, raising serious safety concerns.

Reader question:-What are the long-term implications for istanbul if similar building sites across the city are also at risk of collapse due to construction on unstable ground and lack of enforcement of zoning regulations?

Seeking Help, Facing roadblocks

Residents have voiced their fears to the Presidential Communication center (CIMER), the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, and the AKP’li Güngören Municipality. The situation is so dire that residents expressed the nightmare of the situation as:

“Our buildings are hard to stand. The municipal authorities say to us, ‘Empty your house’. We know that the buildings will collapse. But where should we go? We cannot afford to rent.

Following the February 6 earthquakes, 970 residents applied for the “half of us” campaign. Although a two-thirds majority was secured, the process stalled when TOKI (Housing Development Management of Turkey) did not intervene.Municipal officials suggested taking a core sample and initiating demolition. Yet, with no guarantee of TOKI’s involvement, the residents were forced to take a step back, stating that they are unable to carry out the transformation on their own and that the state must provide emergency assistance.

The Larger picture: Istanbul’s Seismic Vulnerability

The plight of Cömertkent residents is indicative of a much broader crisis looming over Istanbul. The city, a megacity of over 16 million people, faces a significant risk due to a combination of aging infrastructure, lax building codes in the past, and its location in an active seismic zone. Reports suggest that tens of thousands of buildings are at risk of collapse [[1]].

istanbul’s predicament extends far beyond the Cömertkent site. The city sits on the north Anatolian Fault, one of the world’s most active seismic zones. A major earthquake could devastate the city, possibly causing widespread building collapses and significant loss of life. It’s a ticking time bomb that requires immediate and comprehensive action.

Key Risk Factors: Istanbul’s Building stock

• Age: Many buildings were constructed before stringent modern building codes were implemented, especially before the year 2000 [[1]].
• Unstable ground: Construction on unsuitable land, such as former riverbeds, exacerbates seismic risks (as seen in Cömertkent).
• Poor Construction Practices: Reports indicate that inadequate materials and construction shortcuts have been used, compromising structural integrity [[2]].
• Illegal Construction: Unauthorized additions and alterations to buildings further weaken their ability to withstand seismic activity.

What’s at Stake? A City Under Threat

The potential consequences of a major earthquake in Istanbul are catastrophic. Beyond the immediate loss of life and injuries,the economic impact would be immense,with widespread damage to infrastructure,businesses,and homes. The city’s vital services – water, electricity, transportation – could be severely disrupted, impacting the lives of millions.

the Turkish government recognizes the gravity of the situation and has initiated programs to address the issue. Though,progress has been slow,and the scale of the problem is daunting. Approximately 1.5 million buildings in Istanbul are considered seismically unsafe, with a significant percentage requiring immediate attention [[3]].

Steps Towards a Safer Future

Addressing Istanbul’s seismic vulnerabilities requires a multi-pronged approach:

1. Inspection and assessment: A comprehensive assessment of all buildings, prioritizing those in the most vulnerable areas.
2. Retrofitting and reconstruction: Strengthening existing buildings and replacing those beyond repair. The “half of us” campaign applied for by the residents of Cömertkent is an example of aid needed.
3. Stricter building codes: Ensuring that new construction adheres to the latest seismic safety standards and incorporating resilient designs.
4. Enforcement: Robust enforcement of building codes and regulations to prevent substandard construction practices.
5. Public awareness: Educating the public about earthquake preparedness and safety measures.

If action isn’t taken promptly, Istanbul could face a devastating earthquake with severe consequences. This needs a concerted effort from the government, local municipalities, and residents.

Frequently Asked questions

How many buildings in Istanbul are at risk?

Reports indicate that more than 100,000 buildings are at risk of immediate collapse [[1]]. Moreover, the government estimates approximately 1.5 million are seismically unsafe, highlighting the sheer scale of the challenge [[3]].

Why are so many buildings at risk?

several factors contribute to the risk of building collapses. These include the age of the buildings, construction on unstable ground, the use of substandard materials, and the lack of adherence to modern building codes. Also, the construction of Istanbul’s buildings often preceded modern standards [[1]].

What is being done to address the problem?

The government has initiated programs for building inspections, retrofitting, and reconstruction. Stricter building codes are being enforced for new constructions.However, the scale of the problem is enormous, and progress has been slow. Support for impacted residents like those in Cömertkent is crucial for triumphant change.

What can residents do to protect themselves?

Residents can familiarize themselves with earthquake safety measures. Preparing an emergency kit, knowing the safest places in their homes, and participating in community drills are vital. Also,residents should stay informed about local initiatives.