CUMHURİYET DÖNEMİNDE DEPREMLERLE MÜCADELEDE KAMU POLİTİKALARININ ROLÜ
THE ROLE OF PUBLIC POLICIES IN COMBATING EARTHQUAKES DURING THE REPUBLIC PERIOD

Summary/Abstract: Türkiye, situated in a region prone to frequent disasters due to its geographical location and diverse landforms, faces a variety of natural events simultaneously due to its vast surface area. One of the most significant challenges is the frequent occurrence of earthquakes, attributed to Türkiye’s relatively young and dynamic geological structure. These seismic events often result in substantial loss of life and property. This study delves into Türkiye’s earthquake history since the founding of the republic, examining the public policies enacted to mitigate earthquake risks as documented in the Official Gazette. Utilizing the content analysis method, the study specifically focuses on terms such as earthquake and tremor within the Gazette's publications. A thorough review revealed a total of 402 regulatory titles related to earthquake management. The analysis categorizes earthquake periods based on events of magnitude 7 and above, resulting in five distinct periods. Each reflects specific regulatory measures implemented in response to seismic activities. Despite notable advancements, in earthquake preparedness and response strategies over time, the persisting number of casualties and property damages indicates that the desired level of resilience hasn’t yet been achieved. Key elements crucial to effective earthquake management include international collaboration, community participation, institutionalization of policies, and coordination among relevant stakeholders. Türkiye has made considerable progress in institutionalizing earthquake policies, although community participation remains an area needing improvement due to lingering trust issues among citizens. Notable incidents, such as the Constitutional Court appeal following Kahramanmaraş Earthquake regarding Motor Vehicle Tax (MTV), underscore challenges in public trust and response coordination. Recent earthquake's impact serves as a reminder that countries with extensive earthquake experience have valuable lessons to offer yet remain underutilized. This study aims to contribute to existing literature on earthquake management and public policy by offering practical insights to policymakers for addressing ongoing challenges and building upon past regulations to enhance future earthquake resilience.

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