A Big Earthquake Awaits Istanbul: Mini Review

Abstract

Istanbul earthquakes occur due to tectonic movements in the northern branch of the North Anatolian Fault, which is called the Main Marmara Fault and lies under the Sea of Marmara. In the past, Istanbul witnessed many devastating earthquakes. It is possible to reach archive information about the Istanbul earthquakes recorded since the Roman-Byzantine periods. Records show that there were approximately 26 earthquakes that caused destruction in the city during the Byzantine period. The earthquakes of 1509, 1719, 1766, 1894 and 1912 during the Ottoman Empire and the recent earthquake of 1999 caused serious destruction and many casualties in the city. The conducted studies reveal that intense seismic energy has accumulated in the unbroken segments of the Main Marmara Fault in the recent past and a severe earthquake awaits Istanbul. Considering the importance of Istanbul for both our country and the whole world, it is important to prepare the city for before and after the earthquake.