The Effect of Earthquakes on Urban Transformation Applications: The Case of the 2020 Elazig Earthquake

Abstract

As Turkey is located in the first degree seismic belt, it is constantly faced with the risk of earthquakes. Considering the earthquake experiences of our country, it is seen how serious this situation is and the precautions to be taken should be serious in this context. This study aims to reveal the effect of earthquakes in our country on urban transformation practices with the 24 January 2020 Elazig earthquake. Within the scope of the study, the conceptual framework and application methods of urban transformation are discussed. In addition, in the study, the contribution of the legal regulations made under the influence of earthquakes to the legal dimension of the urban transformation phenomenon is discussed within the scope of the Law No. 6306 on the Transformation of Areas Under Disaster Risk. Afterwards, the historical development process of the city of Elazig was outlined, and the urban transformation practices carried out after the 2020 Elazig earthquake were revealed. As a result of the study, it was seen that the city of Elâzığ had earthquake experiences on different dates before the 2020 earthquake, but when the development process of the city was examined, it was seen that urban transformation applications were not carried out until the 2020 earthquake. It has emerged that the urban transformation works in Elazig had to be carried out due to the January 2020 earthquake. It has emerged that the urban transformation works in Elazig had to be carried out due to the January 2020 earthquake. After the January 24, 2020 Elazig earthquake, it was seen that risky areas and structures were identified, risks were tried to be reduced with new urban transformation areas, and comprehensive transformation studies were carried out with different application methods for this purpose. As seen in the example of the Elazig earthquake, the realization of urban transformation without earthquakes is extremely important in terms of preventing possible damages. It has been concluded that in order to prevent the damages that may arise from the earthquake before it occurs, it is necessary to eliminate risky structures and areas in urban areas, and to approach the issue from a multidimensional perspective from economic, social, political and legal aspects.