Abstract:

Since Turkey is in the first-degree seismic zone, the country always faces the risk of earthquake. Considering Turkey’s earthquake experiences, it can be seen how this is serious as well as how measures should be taken seriously. This study aims to reveal the impact of the earthquakes in Turkey on urban transformation through the Elazığ earthquake on January 24, 2020. In this context, the study elaborates on the conceptual framework of urban transformation and application methods. Furthermore, the study attempts to explore the contribution of legal regulations after the earthquakes on urban transformation within the scope of the Law No. 6306 on the Transformation of Areas under Disaster Risk. Identifying the historical development of Elazığ city in general, the study reveals the urban transformation applications in Elazığ after the earthquake taking place in 2020. For this purpose, urban transformation practices were observed with the field research method after the earthquake. As a result of the analyses, it is understood that Elazığ experienced earthquakes before 2020, however there had been no urban transformation attempts until the 2020 earthquake considering the development process of the city. It is concluded that urban transformation in Elazığ started as a result of obligations due to the impact of the earthquake in January 2020. It is observed that areas in risk were identified after the earthquake on January 24, 2020, while new urban transformation areas were used to reduce the risks and for this purpose, various comprehensive transformation efforts were conducted through different application methods. On the other hand, it is critical to start urban transformation before earthquakes to prevent possible damages. Indeed, it is concluded that there is a need to eliminate risky structures and areas, and to have a multidimensional approach towards this issue with economic, social, political and legal aspects in order to prevent damages of earthquakes.

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