It would be wrong to continue writing about the beauty and culture of Türkiye without adding my voice and expressing heartfelt condolences to those that lost loved ones and their homes to the earthquake’s of February 2023.

The news outlets and social media have supplied a deluge of shocking images and stories from the earthquake zones in both Türkiye and Syria. There’s little to add that isn’t already out there. I live a long way from the areas directly affected though to put it into context I felt the tremors at 04.17 as I lay listening to a storm outside. That’s over 400 miles from the epicentre.

The people of Türkiye and Syria need help and will do for some time, to recover some normality to their lives. Children have been orphaned, people permanently disabled, long term injuries suffered, family breadwinners lost, homes destroyed. Donations to recognised charities must continue. I’ve put a few links at the end of this piece.

One thing I have to say, is the response from Turks and foreigners, both here in Türkiye and abroad has been magnificent. The international rescue teams, extensive free time and services given by businesses and individuals, the financial and material donations and concerted campaigning , all were heartwarming in the face of such tragedy.

Sadly the situation in Syria looks much more complicated due to the conflict and politics there. The suffering there is already beyond comprehension and my platitudes will add nothing.

Hopefully lessons will be learned and action taken to prevent such a disaster occurring in the future. There will obviously be more earthquakes but other countries have shown it’s possible to live without significant damage being incurred.

If possible please donate to one of the linked charities to help those affected.

https://www.dec.org.uk/

https://www.redcross.org.uk/

https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/giving/appeals/turkiye-syria-earthquake-appeal/