As we approach the first anniversary of the devastating earthquake that struck Syria and Turkey in February 2023, alumna Mutlu Dilara Aydin (Arts, 2021) sends us a personal account of being in Turkey at the time, and about the effects of international support.
"It was 6 February 2023. In the heart of my hometown, Erzurum, in the eastern part of Turkey, I experienced the initial tremors of a devastating earthquake that would leave our community shattered with grief. The Eastern Anatolian Fault Line, which had always been a silent threat not far from our thoughts, unleashed what I can only describe as a slow-burning catastrophe. Yes, we were fortunate enough that it offered us a precarious opportunity to evacuate, but the gradual build-up did little to soften the blow as the magnitude 7.8 quake reverberated. We knew it would immediately claim lives and homes, and, as expected, a national emergency was declared.
"News of the extent of the unfolding tragedy reached me through social media, revealing a heart-shattering reality. Despite our geographical distance from the epicentre, my family and I felt the ground-splitting force. A level-4 alert, the highest emergency situation, was put in place across the nation. The whole country was suddenly forced to rely on Zoom calls to stay in touch, a situation that would last for months. Watching online videos and reports of our people trapped under debris, struggling for breath was harrowing. These videos were often shot on mobile phones, we were seeing the first-hand experiences that Turks and Syrians were now facing. It seemed as though the very fabric of our world had collapsed, leaving us collectively breathless. A declaration of national mourning underscored the gravity of the situation.
"While my immediate family escaped direct impact, the same could not be said for friends and neighbours, amplifying the social and political ramifications. I decided I needed to be involved with the voluntary efforts of aid, channelling support in the form of blankets, hygiene products, and financial assistance. It became evident that every contribution, no matter how modest, could snowball into a significant impact, prompting my family to make a collective donation to funds supporting the victims.
"To cope with the aftermath, I personally sought solace in sharing my experiences, including through reaching out to fellow Edinburgh alumni. The international response brought moments of pride, reflecting a collective spirit transcending national borders—a peak of humanity amid crisis.
"The bitter lesson learned, however, was that infrastructure transcends profit-oriented motives. The aftermath highlighted the consequences of prioritising financial gains over human safety. Advocacy for stringent regulations and legal consequences for building violations became a personal mission. Going forward, I will strive to become more and more involved in pushing for change through my words and actions.
"But as the echoes of the earthquake resonated globally, the second part of this narrative unfolds a story of solidarity. A seismic event became a stark reminder that, irrespective of intercontinental distances and linguistic differences, empathy could bridge divides, healing collective traumas.
"The magnitude of support from the UK, particularly Scotland, demonstrated the pinnacle of empathy. Charities launched nationwide appeals, and the Turkish community's grassroots network established collection points across major Scottish cities. The Scottish Government's pledge of £500,000, coupled with a staggering £3.2 million from the community on the first day, reflected a unique sense of solidarity. Indeed, the UK-wide donation of £32.9 million was essential to relief efforts.
"Goodwill, both local and international, became the driving force behind a ripple effect that eased the suffering of earthquake victims. Media platforms played (and continue to play) a crucial role in stimulating a collective mindset, emphasising that individual contributions could coalesce into a more substantial cause, uniting humanity under a common roof.
"My gratitude extends to everyone who contributed to these relief efforts. This narrative stands as an invitation for all readers to participate in such endeavours, recognising that in times of crisis, we are all shareholders of this earth, interconnected and reliant on one another."
All opinions expressed are those of the individuals being quoted and do not necessarily reflect those of the University of Edinburgh.
Cover photo by Mohammad Bash.
The University of Edinburgh Turkish and Syrian Community
University of Sanctuary - Turkey and Syria
Association of Turkish Alumni and Students in Scotland
University of Edinburgh Turkish Society
Supporting staff and students impacted by distressing global circumstances
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