Turkey Design and Construction Earthquake Technologies in Türkiye
Introduction
In February 2023, Southern Türkiye experienced devastating earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.8 and 7.5, resulting in approximately $200 billion in damages (UNDP, 2023). However, these losses have led to new investment opportunities for earthquake technologies in Türkiye. Over the past few decades, several companies have introduced advancements to mitigate the consequences of such disasters, including early warning systems and smart infrastructure applications. These technologies aim to detect earthquakes, monitor seismic activity, strengthen infrastructure, and enhance early warning mechanisms. Additionally, artificial intelligence has been adapted to improve the identification of fragile structures, contributing to better preparedness for future seismic events on Türkiye’s fault lines.
Resilience as a Priority
The disastrous outcome in Türkiye underscores the urgent need to increase resilience against earthquakes in both the private and public sectors. Local Turkish institutions and international organizations, such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), World Bank, and United Nations, have been focused on funding Türkiye to promote resilience within the earthquake-affected cities. The World Bank has allocated $1.78 billion for reconstruction efforts (World Bank, 2023). The EBRD, as the largest institutional investor in Türkiye, has been actively collaborating with public and private sectors, investing over €17 billion since 2009, with 93% of the funds directed towards the private sector (EBRD, 2023).
Opportunities in Earthquake-Resilient Technologies
Türkiye offers abundant opportunities in earthquake-resilient building technologies, with active involvement from international and domestic institutions. Turkish universities, such as Istanbul Technical University (ITU) and Middle East Technical University (METU), have been at the forefront of developing technology to enhance resilience against earthquakes. Techno-clusters comprising companies from these universities work on earthquake tools and prepare feasibility reports for the Disaster and Emergency Management office of the Presidency (AFAD). Collaboration with the Turkish Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change further adds credibility to these endeavors.
Focus on Istanbul’s Preparedness
As Türkiye’s most populated city, Istanbul faces a high probability of experiencing a significant earthquake. The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s (IBB) Earthquake Risk Management and Urban Improvement department have been actively working to prepare the metropolitan area for such an event. Challenges exist, including the need to inspect around 1.2 million buildings and the lack of a national building grading system for earthquake resilience. The municipality currently offers free inspection services for buildings and residents, but it is limited by capacity and resources. Recent calculations indicate that a 7.5 magnitude earthquake could damage around 260,000 buildings, with 90,000 at immediate risk of collapse and 167,000 severely damaged. As a result, the IBB and other public institutions are exploring the possibility of using advanced US technologies to enhance Türkiye’s resilience against earthquakes.
Strategies for Increased Resilience
Efforts to develop strategies for increasing resilience are prominent in public and private institutions, driven by the expectation of an Istanbul earthquake. The IBB’s Earthquake Risk Management and Urban Improvement Department have issued reports and organized events to discuss challenges, damage control, and preparedness levels in the event of an earthquake. A concerning discovery is that only a small percentage of Istanbul’s buildings have been inspected, and there is a lack of a national building grading system for earthquake resilience. Consequently, any earthquake above magnitude 7 could potentially cause severe destruction and casualties. However, US companies with high-level earthquake technology could play a vital role in building inspection and strengthening efforts.
Opportunities for US Companies
Despite challenges in the cost-sensitive market due to inflation, Türkiye offers opportunities for US companies with advanced earthquake technologies. Private and public sectors are willing to invest in earthquake resilience, particularly in infrastructure projects such as dams, highways, bridges, and tunnels. To participate in tenders, US companies must have legal representatives and distributors in Türkiye, and obtaining a license to authorize building and structural checks requires application to the Insurance Association of Türkiye.
Building Strong Partnerships
US companies can make significant contributions and profitable investments by strengthening fragile buildings with cutting-edge earthquake technologies. Türkiye’s business ecosystem, which is part of the European Custom and Regulation System, facilitates cooperation and makes it easier for investors to operate. The Commercial Service team in Türkiye is ready to assist US companies in maximizing potential opportunities.
Conclusion
The devastating earthquakes in Türkiye have paved the way for investment in earthquake technologies and increased resilience efforts. US companies have the potential to play a crucial role in enhancing building inspections and strengthening structures. Türkiye offers untapped potentials and opportunities for US companies to build strong partnerships and invest in earthquake-resilient technologies.
For more information or to learn about the future of earthquake technologies in Türkiye, please contact Construction and Finance Sectors Lead Ali Bestas.
Ali Bestas
Construction and Finance Sectors Lead
Ali.Bestas@trade.gov
+90 312 294 0738