Not Fate, but Profiteering!

Earthquakes are part of the natural cycle of the planet we live on. The tectonic movements of the Earth are, much like rainfall or the changing of the seasons, a result of the planet’s living and dynamic structure. For this reason, an earthquake itself is an ordinary natural event. The real issue, however, is how this natural event turns into a major disaster, even a mass-scale destruction.

Humanity’s reckless attempt to dominate nature, the construction of cities on unsuitable ground for the sake of profit, the building of uncontrolled structures, and the disregard for science transform ordinary natural events into deadly disasters. Earthquakes do not kill; buildings constructed through negligence, lack of oversight, incompetence, and greed kill. Buildings made with stolen materials, superficial inspections, zoning amnesties, and an administrative mindset that avoids responsibility are the real causes of this destruction.

After so much loss, the fact that some officials describe what happened as “destiny” or “the nature of things” is an approach entirely detached from reason and science. This discourse is not only a way of escaping responsibility; it is also a dangerous mindset that distances society from questioning and condemns it to darkness and dogma. Because the moment something is called “destiny,” negligence is made invisible, those responsible are pushed into the background, and the culture of accountability is weakened.

Yet in many parts of the world, much stronger earthquakes and natural events occur. However, thanks to structures built with reason, science, engineering, and public responsibility, these events do not always turn into major disasters. Proper ground surveys, strong building inspections, competent staff, disaster planning, and scientific precautions can eliminate the helplessness presented to us as “destiny.”

In homage to Antakya’s cultural memory and its history of earthquakes. ''Antakya'', Tansu Kırcı, 2025

That is why it is a grave mistake to attribute the destruction we experience in our geography solely to nature. Anyone who uses reason can see that these disasters are neither destiny nor the inevitable nature of things. The real problem is the result of people blinded by greed, institutions that fail to fulfill their duty of inspection, a mentality that places profit above human life, and forms of governance that avoid taking responsibility.

After the people we have lost, mourning alone is not enough. Alongside grief, we must question, demand accountability, and defend science. Because every discourse we fail to question, every excuse we accept, and every act of negligence we normalize prepares the ground for future disasters.

No matter who says it, and no matter from which position of authority it comes, we must not accept any statement concerning our right to life without thinking and questioning. We must use reason, defend science, and hold those responsible to account.

Because an earthquake is a natural event; disaster, however, is often created by human hands.