We View Earthquake Awareness and Safe Urbanization as Our Shared Responsibility.
In a message marking the 27th anniversary of the August 17, 1999 Marmara Earthquake, Mustafa Genç, Chairman of the Board of the Sakarya Commodity Exchange, stated that the pain endured remains as fresh as it was on the very first day and highlighted the vital importance of building a city resilient to disasters.
Noting that the Marmara Earthquake left deep scars across our region and the entire country, Chairman Mustafa Genç said, “August 17 is a turning point—a day when we feel the pain of the lives lost deep in our hearts and are reminded, in the most painful way, of the importance of being prepared for natural events. The disasters we have experienced in the past, and most recently the massive devastation we faced on February 6, demonstrate that we must always maintain the highest level of determination regarding disaster risk management.”
Emphasizing the importance of living with the reality of earthquakes and acting in light of scientific data, Chairman Genç stated in his message: “It is not possible for us to prevent earthquakes; however, through proper planning, robust infrastructure, and informed urban development, we can prevent these natural phenomena from turning into major disasters. Considering our city's geographical structure, it is a strategic necessity to protect alluvial lands—which are particularly valuable for agriculture—and to concentrate development in areas with suitable soil conditions. Preserving our agricultural land is vital for both our food security and our goal of safe urbanization.
In this context, we attach great importance and value to the urban transformation projects initiated by our municipalities to address damaged and high-risk structures. I believe these efforts will significantly contribute to strengthening our city's building stock, ensuring our citizens live in safer structures, and creating a Sakarya that is more resilient against disasters. Acting with this sense of responsibility, we replaced our Sakarya Commodity Exchange service building—which had been damaged in a past earthquake—with a new, modern, and earthquake-resistant facility designed to safely serve both our members and our city. I take this opportunity to pray for God’s mercy upon the citizens who lost their lives in all disasters, particularly the August 17 Marmara Earthquake, and to once again extend my condolences to their families and our nation.”