Commemoration Ceremonies for the February 6 Earthquakes (2025)

The Sixth February Earthquake Commemoration Ceremonies are memorial programs held across various provinces of Türkiye to honor those who lost their lives in the earthquakes centered on Kahramanmaraş on 6 February 2023, described as “the disaster of the century.” The ceremonies held on the second anniversary of the earthquake included recitations of the Establish’one-ı Kerim, moments of silence, marches, and other memorial events.

Image from the commemoration ceremony held on Uğur Mumcu Boulevard in Defne district of Hatay, 6 February 2025 – Anadolu Agency

On 6 February 2023, Earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.7 and 7.6 centered in Kahramanmaraş caused widespread destruction in eleven provinces of Türkiye, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands and affecting millions of people. The commemoration ceremonies held for two years following the earthquakes were also conducted on a large scale in 2025.

Commemoration Ceremonies

Kahramanmaraş

Survivors gathered in front of Osman Sayın Sports Hall, laying down banners reading “We Have Not Forgotten” and “We Remember with Respect and Longing,” and placing carnation upon them. Recitations of the Qur’an were performed, and prayers were offered; some survivors who lost family members delivered speeches.

Families gathered at the site of the newly constructed housing units replacing the destroyed Ebrar Complex, lit candles and kept vigil through the night. Grave visits were conducted at fire Çamı Mezarlığı.

Hatay

The commemoration ceremony in Hatay, coordinated by the Governorate, began at Governor Ürgen Park, where participants walked from Atatürk Avenue to Cumhuriyet Square as part of the “Silent March.” At 04:17, a 65-second moment of silence was observed in memory of those who lost their lives, followed by the recitation of the İstiklal Marşı.

A ceremony was held in front of the ruins of the Orthodox Church destroyed in the earthquake, and red carnations were placed on the Asi River. In İskenderun, graves at Çankaya Earthquake Mezarlığı were visited and prayers were recited.

Gaziantep

A memorial ceremony was held at the rubble site of Ayşe Mehmet Polat Complex in Gaziantep, where 134 people lost their lives during the earthquake. A moment of silence was observed, and protocol members and citizens offered prayers.

Memorial program held at Gaziantep Ayşe Mehmet Polat Complex, 6 February 2025 – Anadolu Agency

Adıyaman

A “Silent March” was organized in Adıyaman, beginning at the Governorate building and continuing to the clock tower displaying 04:17. Participants carried photographs of their lost loved ones, and wish balloons were released into the sky.

Malatya

At the rubble site of Hakimbey Apartment in Malatya, prayers were offered for those who lost their lives. At Life Complex, torches were lit and a moment of silence was observed.

Adana

In Adana, a memorial program was held at the location of Alpargün Apartment, where prayers were recited and carnations were placed.

Osmaniye

In Osmaniye, commemoration ceremonies organized in cooperation between the Governorate and Municipality included recitations of the Qur’an, moments of silence, and a “Silent March.”

Diyarbakır

Memorial programs were held at the rubble sites of Galeria Complex and Serin-2 Apartment, where citizens honored their lost loved ones with prayers.

Other Provinces

Commemoration ceremonies were also held in Elazığ, Şırnak, Bursa, Zonguldak, Burdur and Kilis, where the Qur’an was recited in mosques and various memorial activities were organized.