A powerful earthquake measuring 6.2 magnitude struck the Marmara Sea just off the coast of Silivri, a district on the western fringes of Istanbul, on Wednesday afternoon, sending tremors across Turkey’s largest city and prompting thousands to flee buildings in panic.
The quake, which occurred at 12:49 p.m. local time (0949 GMT), was confirmed by Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), which also reported a series of aftershocks measuring between 4.4 and 4.9 magnitude in the following minutes.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the seismic activity via a post on social media platform X, noting that the quake was “strongly felt” across Istanbul and neighboring provinces. “Our teams are in the field conducting assessments,” he added.
In central Istanbul, the normally bustling streets were transformed into scenes of concern and uncertainty. Residents poured into the open, many barefoot or in house slippers, anxiously calling loved ones or scrolling through phones for updates.
“I just felt the building sway. I grabbed my phone and ran,” said Mehmet, a painter working on the fourth floor of an apartment near the Galata Tower, who declined to give his full name. “I thought it might collapse.”
Although the tremor was forceful enough to rattle buildings and send items falling from shelves, no major damage or casualties had been reported as of Wednesday evening, according to officials from Istanbul’s Metropolitan Municipality and the Governor’s Office.
“So far, there is no information about structural collapses or fatalities. But we advise all residents to avoid re-entering buildings that may have sustained damage until full inspections are carried out,” the Governor’s Office said in a public advisory.
The impact of the quake extended well beyond Turkey’s borders. Reports from Sofia, Bulgaria, confirmed that tremors were felt in the capital, causing momentary alarm.
Regional seismologists noted the epicenter was located beneath the Marmara seabed—a tectonically active zone that has long worried scientists due to its potential for triggering a larger earthquake near Istanbul.
Istanbul, a city of over 16 million people, sits perilously close to the North Anatolian Fault, one of the world’s most active seismic zones.
Experts have repeatedly warned that the region is overdue for a major earthquake. The devastating 1999 İzmit earthquake, which struck east of Istanbul, claimed over 17,000 lives and left lasting scars on national consciousness.
Wednesday’s event, though less destructive, served as a sobering reminder of the region’s vulnerability. Emergency services remain on high alert, and authorities are urging residents to stay informed through official channels.
With aftershocks expected to continue, AFAD and local authorities have launched rapid inspection efforts across Istanbul. Citizens are being advised to steer clear of damaged or visibly compromised structures and to review earthquake safety protocols.
“This incident reinforces the need for preparedness,” said a spokesperson for AFAD. “We encourage all residents to remain calm, follow safety guidelines, and report any structural concerns immediately.”
As night fell over Istanbul, many residents were still gathered in open areas, hesitant to return indoors. While the city escaped serious harm this time, the tremor has reignited debates around urban resilience, infrastructure preparedness, and the long-feared “big one” that experts warn could strike in the near future.
