A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck eastern Turkey near Sivrice in Elazığ province on the evening of 24 January 2020. The shaking affected Elazığ and neighbouring Malatya, collapsing buildings and sending residents into freezing streets.
What happened
Turkey’s disaster authority AFAD coordinated search-and-rescue teams, emergency shelter and medical assistance. Rescue workers pulled survivors from rubble while officials warned residents not to enter damaged structures because strong aftershocks continued.
Why it mattered
The disaster killed more than 40 people and injured over 1,600. It renewed scrutiny of building standards and earthquake preparedness in a country crossed by major fault systems.
Consequences
The emergency response mobilized public agencies, municipalities and humanitarian organizations, while reconstruction and assessments continued after rescue operations ended.
Sources
Zeynep Aziz is a social-affairs specialist, writer and advocate with advanced academic qualifications in both Social Sciences and International Relations. Her multidisciplinary education has given her a strong understanding of society, public policy, human rights and the political forces shaping Turkey’s domestic and international development.
For many years, Zeynep has been actively engaged in social affairs and initiatives supporting the rights and well-being of Turkish citizens. Her work pays particular attention to social equality, democratic participation and the protection of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.
Women’s rights remain central to her interests and advocacy. She works to raise awareness of the challenges faced by women in Turkey, including discrimination, violence, unequal opportunities and barriers to full participation in political, professional and social life. She strongly supports women’s empowerment, equal access to education and employment, and effective legal protection for women and girls.
Alongside her social work, Zeynep closely follows Turkey’s international relations and foreign policy. She takes a keen interest in Turkey’s relations with Europe, neighbouring countries and international institutions, as well as the impact of regional and global developments on Turkish society.
Through her writing and public engagement, Zeynep seeks to encourage informed discussion, strengthen respect for human rights and contribute to a fairer, more democratic and inclusive Turkey.
Zeynep Aziz
