One year ago, Türkiye and Syria faced a devastating earthquake, swiftly followed by hundreds of aftershocks and another deadly quake. Reflecting on the resilience and hardships of survivors, Shahin Ashraf, Islamic Relief’s head of global advocacy, calls for support with sustained aid and recovery.

The earthquake of 6 February 2023 exacerbated challenges faced by communities in dire need. The 11 provinces in Türkiye’s southern region, already battling high poverty rates, became epicentres of devastation. Meanwhile, in Syria’s crisis-ridden northwestern region, where 90% of the population relied on humanitarian aid, the earthquake added another layer of hardship.

The earthquake news from Türkiye and Syria sent a shiver down my spine, triggering memories of my own unsettling experience. In the eerie stillness just before morning prayer at 4:31am on 17 January 1994, a deep rumbling noise, resembling the approach of a distant train, pierced the silence, accompanied by violent shaking. The chilling sounds of my neighbours’ screams and distant voices urgently declaring, “Earthquake!”

In 2023, hearing about the earthquake instantly transported me back to that morning in Los Angeles, USA. While I can’t fully comprehend the experiences of those affected in Türkiye and Syria, I resonate with the lingering feelings that accompany such profound events. The haunting memories, displacement, and rebuilding process echo my own journey.

In this shared resonance of resilience and recovery, a universal understanding emerges, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural differences. Reflecting on seismic events that shape our lives globally. The threads of fear, uncertainty, and the resilience needed to navigate the aftermath of disasters bind us as a global community. The empathy stirred by these news reports reminds me of our interconnectedness and the fragility of the ground we stand upon.

I couldn’t help but feel a kinship with those facing the daunting task of rebuilding. The road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, marked by physical reconstruction and emotional healing. However, my own experience has taught me that the human spirit is remarkably resilient.

The human toll

The preexisting vulnerabilities of these regions intensified the impact of the earthquake, creating a profound humanitarian crisis.

For example, even before the earthquakes, increasing pressures on water sources in Türkiye and Syria due to climate change impacts, population growth, and socio-political considerations were evident. With the damage to infrastructure caused by the earthquakes, water scarcity is now an even more pressing problem.

The earthquakes and aftershocks claimed over 50,000 lives and left more than 100,000 injured. The numbers speak of tragedy. According to a stark damage assessment study by Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, over 50,000 homes were destroyed, thrusting a significant portion of the population into displacement and homelessness.

Picture this: more than 3 million people found themselves displaced in Türkiye alone, with 2.6 million individuals seeking refuge in temporary settlements that lacked the essentials: clean water, sanitation, and healthcare. These were not just statistics; they were the stories of shattered lives, families torn from their homes, grappling with the harsh reality of inadequate living conditions.

Venture into northwestern Syria, and the toll became even more heartrending. In a region where more than 2.74 million were already displaced, nearly 109,000 individuals were further uprooted by the earthquake’s devastating force.

The infrastructure damage in Syria was compounded by the scars of previous crises. Buildings broken and battered by the earthquake were already weakened, cracked by the intensity of past shelling. It was a tragic overlap of 2 calamities, leaving traumatised communities grappling not just with the consequences of nature’s fury but also the lingering wounds of human violence.

I was incredibly moved by the story of Ahmad, a Syrian refugee, who lived in a peaceful village before fleeing to Türkiye in search of safety:

“With each passing day, our village transformed from a haven of peace into a tapestry of chaos and despair. Work ceased, and food became scarce, forcing us into a nomadic life, moving from one village to another in search of safety,” Ahmad said, describing his ordeal to Islamic Relief.

As the situation worsened, Ahmad said his family made “the heart-wrenching decision to leave everything behind” as they set off on a dangerous journey to neighbouring Türkiye. He described the language barrier as the greatest trial, “an invisible wall standing between them and their new home.” But still, they felt safer there than at home in Syria – until 6 February 2023.

“The earthquake struck without warning, shaking the very foundations of our home. We rushed outside, watching in horror as the earth convulsed. Our house, our sanctuary, crumbled before our eyes, but thankfully, our lives were spared.”

Ongoing struggles

Though the immediate danger has passed, both countries still grapple with earthquake aftershocks. With only 54% of the United Nations’ Türkiye appeal funded and 36% of the Humanitarian Response Plan funded for Syria, donor fatigue poses a significant challenge.

The region’s geopolitical landscape, coupled with aid withdrawals, threatens further humanitarian crises.

Call to action

In the context of Syria, the call for dialogue is a plea for collaborative problem-solving amidst the complex challenges faced by the country. Islamic Relief continues to emphasise ongoing engagement between sanctioning authorities and aid agencies to ensure relief efforts are not hindered.

Given the interconnected challenges experienced by the affected communities in Syria, this call to action underscores the necessity of a collective effort that goes beyond immediate relief.  As we advocate for sustainable solutions in post-earthquake recovery and conflict resolution, addressing challenges posed by sanctions and infrastructure issues becomes imperative. Islamic Relief’s call for a shift from punitive measures to collaborative dialogue underscores the need for a nuanced approach.

Donate and support

In times of crisis, communities come together, rising above the rubble to support one another. It is my hope that the affected regions find strength in unity, drawing from the collective well of human compassion. The seismic waves may have shaken the foundations, but the indomitable spirit of those affected will undoubtedly guide them through the process of rebuilding, forging a narrative of recovery, strength, and solidarity.

As the days turned into months, and the months into a year, the impact of the Türkiye-Syria earthquakes refuses to diminish. The scars left on the landscape are not just physical but etched into the collective memory of communities that continue to grapple with the aftermath. In the face of such persistent adversity, it’s a harsh reality that the world’s attention has largely moved on, diverted by the pressing demands of other crises. However, even as the headlines fade, Islamic Relief remains resolute, addressing the ongoing needs of communities still reeling from the dual blows of nature’s wrath and the enduring repercussions of crisis.

This steadfast commitment goes beyond the immediate aftermath, beyond humanitarian response. It’s a pledge to remain engaged, to continue offering assistance to families still struggling for survival. For those who are left, Islamic Relief remains a crucial link to sustained aid and recovery.

So, as we reflect on the year that has passed since the Türkiye-Syria earthquake, let’s not just remember the initial outpouring of support but also acknowledge the ongoing need. The call to give to Islamic Relief is not a fleeting one; it’s an enduring plea to ensure that assistance and hope persist in the lives of those who still bear the heavy burden of rebuilding not just homes but entire lives. In the face of such ongoing challenges, your continued support can make a lasting difference.

Islamic Relief has been responding to earthquakes and other crises in the region since the 90s. On the anniversary of the latest deadly quakes, we are re-affirming our commitment to survivors like Ahmad, Emina and Ali. People battered by this disaster, but not broken. We will remain by their sides as they begin the huge task of rebuilding their shattered lives and communities.

“Now, we face many challenges, but your assistance greatly alleviates our burden,” points out Emina, while Ahmad reflects that his is “a story of resilience and hope.”

In the immediate aftermath of the Kahramanmaraş earthquake in February 2023, Islamic Relief’s Majdi Samaan travelled to the epicentre to talk to survivors and document their suffering. One year later, he reflects on his recent return to Gaziantep and the ongoing needs in Türkiye and Syria.

On the first anniversary of the Kahramanmaraş earthquake, the journey of the past year unfolds in my mind like a poignant tapestry of pain and resilience. It wasn’t just a tremor; it was a seismic event that transformed lives into chapters of suffering and perseverance.

The immediate aftermath

The impact of the earthquake rippled far beyond the borders of Kahramanmaraş, displacing millions and leaving communities in a state of devastation. Communities lost more than lives and property; they became a repository of tarnished memories etched into the collective consciousness.

In the immediate aftermath, I bore witness to the tragedy and destruction. Images of collapsed schools and ruined houses are not just distant stories; they are etched in my memory.

My initial days in Kahramanmaraş were spent wandering through streets filled with sorrow. When I went to Hatay, the scenes were of loss, of families who had left everything behind when they fled their homes.

Mourners emerged from homes, and the smell of death permeated the air. The cemeteries expanded daily to accommodate dozens of bodies, and the grief and pain were not confined to moments of death alone. Aftershocks continued, instilling fear, and even after a year, I still have nightmares about this.

Resilience in the face of adversity

Aid, including from Islamic Relief, arrived, and basic services gradually began to return. Life started to regain some vibrancy, but the realisation set in that the recovery process would be slow and require immense patience. Even after a year, significant impacts persist, with families still separated and affected areas yet to return to normalcy.

As time unfolds, resilience emerges as a silent force. Returning to the area as part of my work with Islamic Relief, I witness new structures rising from the rubble like symbols of hope. Walking down a street once marked by destruction, I see a story of transformation and reconstruction.

Amid the remnants of sorrow, I see people beginning to return home, and smiles, though hesitant, creep onto their faces, a testament to the human spirit’s resilience. Solidarity and determination arise in the face of the toughest trials. Life continues, and hope is reignited, even in the aftermath of such a cataclysmic event.

An indelible impact

Still, the disaster has left indelible psychological and economic imprints on the affected communities. On this poignant anniversary, I am reminded that the road to recovery remains long.

It is painful to see the faces of people who have bravely accepted their losses. So many families faced immense loss, leaving behind an irreplaceable void that words cannot adequately express.

In the face of these extremely challenging moments, people endeavour to rebuild their lives. The memory of lost loved ones remains eternal in the hearts of survivors, shaping hope despite losing a substantial part of their lives.

Water, electricity, and infrastructure shortages in Syria add new layers of difficulty to people’s lives, reflecting the extent of despair and the urgent need for shelter and protection. Displaced people and refugees in particular are in dire need of safe and dignified homes.

Re-affirming our commitment to affected communities

Islamic Relief continues to offer our unwavering support to the affected families. Their stories inspire us to persist, urging supporters to stand by their side in this ongoing journey of recovery. This situation reminds us of the importance of human rights and dignity for all. Preserving human life, safety, and dignity are the ultimate goals.

As I conclude this personal reflection on the first anniversary of the Kahramanmaraş earthquake, I carry with me the stories of pain, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of hope. The journey from tragedy to triumph continues, and our collective commitment remains vital in rebuilding lives and communities.

On 5 February 2023, Ahmad and Emina settled down to sleep, while in another country, Ali sets out for work, never imagining that before dawn a disaster would change their lives forever.

Father-of-5 Ahmad was used to the quiet rhythm of life in his village in the Syrian countryside, until violence reached his community.

“Our village transformed from a haven of peace into a tapestry of chaos and despair,” says Ahmad. “Work ceased, and food became scarce, forcing us into a nomadic life, moving from one village to another in search of safety.”

Eventually Ahmad realised that his family would find no safe place in Syria.

“We made the heart-wrenching decision to leave everything behind. With nothing but the clothes on our backs, we embarked on a perilous journey to Türkiye,” says Ahmad, who managed to find an apartment to rent in Yağdöver village, to the south of Gaziantep.

At the epicentre of disaster

Gradually, the family started to feel safer – until the early hours of 6 February, when they found themselves at the epicentre of a major disaster.

“The earthquake struck without warning, shaking the very foundations of our home,” remembers Ahmad, describing the shock of the powerful quake, which measured 7.8 on the Richter scale.

“We rushed outside, watching in horror as the earth convulsed. Our house, our sanctuary, crumbled before our eyes, but thankfully, our lives were spared.”

In Kahramanmaraş, north of Gaziantep, Emina was also wrenched from sleep.

“My husband wasn’t home when the earthquake struck. It was just me and the children,” says the 47-year-old Turkish mother.

“I had to calm my children and save them. I was more focused on ensuring their safety than my own. We somehow managed to escape outside barefoot, amidst the rain and snow. It was a scene of utter despair.”

Across the border in Syria, Ali’s world was falling apart.

“I was working in the bakery that night,” remembers Ali, whose family were sleeping at home.

“Everything around me started shaking violently. I rushed out of the building. The scene was horrifying – buildings were shaking violently and collapsing, one after another. But the real shock was waiting for me at home. Everything was destroyed. I started searching the rubble, but silence reigned. My eyes searched for any sign of life. For 3 full days, I dug and searched, but in vain.”

At 30 years old, Ali had lost his wife and 5 children.

“I lost my family… I lost everything. In those difficult moments, memories of my children and images of their innocent faces haunted my mind. I remember their laughter and hugs. I screamed at the top of my lungs for my children who were taken from me.”

Ahmad, Emina, and Ali faced more devastation to come. Hundreds of aftershocks, including a tremor almost as strong as the first, inflicted more destruction on already shattered communities in Türkiye and Syria.

Around 57,000 people died, and many more were injured. The damage was widespread: the disaster affected 11 Turkish provinces, including some of the country’s poorest places and parts of Syria where most people already relied on humanitarian aid.

From the first day of the disaster Islamic Relief was a lifeline.

We reached tens of thousands of survivors with food, water, blankets and hygiene items as well as cash and vouchers. Emina was among those we helped: the family received food, blankets, and clean water as well as vouchers with which they bought essentials.

Islamic Relief is helping rebuild lives in Syria and Türkiye

In the months that followed, families in Syria swapped flimsy tents for sturdy shelters built by Islamic Relief. We began work to repair water infrastructure, and to strengthen struggling healthcare facilities. Islamic Relief expanded efforts to restore farming and herding livelihoods. Teachers received training and pay through a 2-year project that will rebuild schools.

In Türkiye, we kick-started similar interventions to reconstruct schools and expanded our work supporting families to build reliable livelihoods. Ahmad has been involved with one of our livelihoods projects for years.

“Back in Syria, I was a shepherd. [Losing my livelihood] left a void that was hard to fill,” says Ahmad, who was holding onto hope when he found Islamic Relief. “They offered me 13 sheep and a ram, along with feed. This gesture was more than just a gift; it was a lifeline, an opportunity to rebuild.

“The sheep became a source of sustenance and income. They provided milk, cheese, and meat, helping us survive in our new reality. It was a challenging endeavour, especially during the harsh winters, but it brought a sense of purpose back into my life.”

In addition Islamic Relief Türkiye expanded its orphan sponsorship programme, helping care for more than 4,000 vulnerable children in the country and in Syria.

Millions of people face deepening poverty and hardship

One year after the disaster, 17 million people still face a long road to recovery. The scale of the challenge is enormous: across both countries, the cost of recovery and reconstruction could be as high as $80 billion. Already, poverty is deepening and development gains are slipping away.

Many people are still living in tents and makeshift shelters with little access to vital services. Ahmad and his family are among them: right after the quake destroyed their apartment, the Turkish government gave them a tent, and in time, a caravan beside the ruined building. They dream of the day their apartment is rebuilt, and they can return.

“We longed for the warmth and security of our old home, but all we had were memories.”

Emina too, is yet to return home: her family are still in temporary accommodation while waiting for their home to be rebuilt. A year later, the mother-of-2 remains traumatised by her experiences in the disaster.

“I feel intense fear for my children and am still experiencing the effects of shock,” she says.

“In the months following the earthquake, we endured many hardships. We couldn’t adapt to the new reality, but we are grateful to God for sparing us from worse. Perhaps this was a warning, but I’m not sure if we understand it.”

Grieving and traumatised, Ali still lives with his parents in a makeshift tent amid the ruins of his family home in Azmarin, near Idleb, Syria.

“My heart aches for losing [my family]. I pray to God to grant me patience and strength. The tent has become my shelter. I am afraid to live in concrete houses for fear of them collapsing over my head as it happened to my family. The ground shakes from time to time, and I am seized by panic and fear. My heart races, and I remember my children and what happened to them.

“A year has passed since my family’s departure. My life has completely changed, I am living in a state of shock, misery, and tragedy. We mainly rely on humanitarian aid to meet our basic needs.”

Islamic Relief has been responding to earthquakes and other crises in the region since the 90s. On the anniversary of the latest deadly quakes, we are re-affirming our commitment to survivors like Ahmad, Emina and Ali. People battered by this disaster, but not broken. We will remain by their sides as they begin the huge task of rebuilding their shattered lives and communities.

“Now, we face many challenges, but your assistance greatly alleviates our burden,” points out Emina, while Ahmad reflects that his is “a story of resilience and hope.”