In a significant step towards rebuilding communities devastated by the February 6 earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey has inaugurated its first rural satellite city in Hatay's Kumlu district. The project, led by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, aims to provide modern, earthquake-resistant housing while preserving the region's cultural and architectural identity.
A New Hope for Earthquake Survivors
Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum announced the completion of the rural satellite city, which consolidates 16 villages into a single, cohesive community. "In Kumlu, Hatay, we have united 16 neighborhoods as requested by our citizens and established our rural satellite city. Through the General Directorate of Construction, we built 692 village houses that harmonize with the natural environment and reflect local architecture. Our citizens are happy, and so are we," Kurum stated in a video shared on his social media account.
The houses, constructed with reinforced concrete and steel frames, range from 100 to 125 square meters and are designed as 3+1 residences. Infrastructure improvements, road construction, and ground stabilization works are also nearing completion. Additionally, spaces have been allocated for schools, health clinics, and places of worship, ensuring the new community is fully equipped for modern living.
A National Effort for Recovery
The February 6 earthquakes, which claimed thousands of lives and left entire neighborhoods in ruins, prompted a nationwide effort to rebuild. To date, 32,260 village houses have been completed across the affected regions, with 5,554 delivered to homeowners in Hatay alone. By the end of the year, the ministry aims to deliver 62,817 homes, with 10,763 of them in Hatay.
Reşit Duman, head of the Kumlu District Mayors' Association, highlighted the project's impact on morale. "After the earthquake, some of our citizens left Hatay. Now, they are starting to return. The population of our district is growing, and a culture of communal living is developing. This project will set an example for Turkey," Duman said. He emphasized the growing sense of solidarity and cooperation between the state and citizens, calling the project "even more beautiful than we imagined."
Voices from the Community
Ahmet Güngör, a local mayor, praised the structural integrity of the new homes. "Today, 18 tons of steel are used in a single foundation. This city has a brilliant future ahead. Even if history had written this, I wouldn't have believed it. But with the state's involvement, everything has changed. This has become a true village-city," he said.
Mehmet Çağlar, one of the beneficiaries, expressed his gratitude. "When we first saw the houses, we couldn't believe they would be given to us. We thank the state; they built and delivered them."
Global Reactions
The project has drawn international attention as a model for post-disaster recovery. Experts have praised Turkey's approach, which combines rapid reconstruction with cultural preservation and community integration. "Turkey's rural satellite city project demonstrates how disaster recovery can be both efficient and respectful of local identity," said Dr. Emily Carter, an urban planning expert at the University of Cambridge. "This could serve as a blueprint for other countries facing similar challenges."
The initiative has also been lauded for its emphasis on sustainability and resilience. By using earthquake-resistant materials and integrating modern infrastructure, the project ensures that the new communities are better prepared for future disasters.
A Symbol of Resilience
The rural satellite city in Kumlu stands as a testament to Turkey's resilience and determination to rebuild stronger than before. As Minister Kurum aptly put it, "We have a father, a state, and a flag behind us. Together, we will overcome any challenge."
With the project setting a new standard for disaster recovery, Turkey is not only rebuilding homes but also restoring hope and fostering a sense of unity among its citizens.
