Özet:

The 1939 Erzincan earthquake of magnitude of 7.9 Ms, was the biggest earthquake ever recorded in the recent history of Turkey, which aroused deep repercussions throughout the country with the loss of life and destruction it caused. As it did in the Turkish press, the earthquake had comprehensive coverage in the Haber-Akşam Postası with the early news of the other provinces and districts affected and the detection of the casualties. In these first days, when there were many difficulties in communication and transportation with the earthquake region due to the harsh weather conditions, the newspaper reported on the measures taken by the state and government officials for rescue and first aid activities, as well as the mobilization of in-kind and cash aid made by the Turkish Grand National Assembly and the Red Crescent for the provision of earthquake victims. In the same days, consecutive floods in the Marmara and Aegean regions not only hindered the transportation of aid sent to the earthquake region but also required that some of the initiatives made for the earthquake victims be reserved for the flood victims. Haber-Akşam Postası started to publish headlines and news emphasizing the poor conditions of the earthquake victims in the towns and villages that could not be reached yet, and the increase in deaths due to delays in the response, while aid delivery to the earthquake victims and the road-clearing works were continuing. The newspaper, which increased its level of criticism about a month after the earthquake, included interrogative and even accusatory news and articles on delayed interventions, the inadequacy of aid sent, irresponsible behavior of some officials, and deficiencies in the aid organization in villages that were reached late. Trying to support such publications with documents, photographs, and rumors, the newspaper openly targeted to arouse suspicion in public opinion, especially about the outcome of the donations collected and the reliability of the officially given information. Finally, the newspaper admitted that the situations and people that were the subject of its news were limited to a few examples, and rejected the accusations that it implicated most of the post-earthquake relief efforts. Keywords: 1939 Erzincan Earthquake, National Aid Committee, Red Crescent, first aid, intervention, criticism, Haber-Akşam Postası.