Commemoration Programs for the February 6 Earthquakes (2026)

Commemoration Programs for the February 6 Earthquakes (2026), are a series of religious and social events held across various cities in Türkiye on the third anniversary of the earthquakes that struck on February 6, 2023, with their epicenter in Kahramanmaraş and resulting in heavy loss of life in numerous provinces. These programs were carried out through recitations of mevlid, readings of the Qur’an, prayers, cemetery visits, and commemorative ceremonies.

The commemorative activities were coordinated by provincial governorships, the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD), muftiates, and local administrations, and were conducted simultaneously in many provinces with participation from diverse segments of society.

Third Anniversary Events (February 6, 2026)

On February 6, 2026, the third anniversary of the earthquakes, commemoration programs continued throughout the day, including the exact time of the earthquakes. The events were planned and implemented across Türkiye, with particular emphasis on the areas most affected by the quakes.

As part of these activities, the Qur’an was recited, mevlids were performed, collective prayers were offered, and the graves of those who lost their lives in the earthquakes were visited. In some provinces, commemorative ceremonies were held in official halls, while in others they took place in mosques and cemeteries.

Province-Specific Commemorative Activities

Commemoration Program in Bolu

In Bolu, a commemoration program was held at Yıldırım Bayezid Mosque for those who lost their lives in the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes. The event was organized by the AFAD Provincial Directorate under the coordination of the provincial governorship. The program began with a recitation of the Qur’an, followed by the recitation of mevlid and prayers for those who perished in the earthquake.

Following the program, AFAD officials distributed lokum and rose water to attendees. The commemorative event concluded with the participation of the mosque congregation and local citizens.

Commemorations in Kahramanmaraş and Elbistan

In Kahramanmaraş, the epicenter of the earthquakes, prayers were held in mosques throughout the city for those who lost their lives in the disaster. A mevlid was recited at Abdulhamithan Mosque before Friday prayers, followed by a collective prayer after the service. Qur’an recitations were also conducted in other mosques across the city.

In Elbistan, the second major epicenter of the earthquakes, a commemoration program was held at Elbistan Asri Cemetery. The Qur’an was recited, the “1001 Hatim” prayer was performed, and carnations were placed on the graves. Additionally, the newly reconstructed Ali Haydar Samancı Mosque in Elbistan was opened for worship with prayers.

Commemoration Ceremony in Adana

In Adana, a commemoration program was held at Kabasakal Cemetery for those who lost their lives in the February 6 earthquakes. The program began with Qur’an recitations and prayers, during which citizens who lost family members in the disaster offered prayers at the gravesides and recited the Qur’an. The event was attended by a large number of local officials and citizens.

Official Ceremony in Bitlis

In Bitlis, a commemoration ceremony was organized by the AFAD Provincial Directorate in the Governorship Conference Hall. A moment of silence was observed in memory of those who lost their lives in the February 6, 2023 earthquakes.

During speeches delivered as part of the program, it was emphasized that the earthquake had affected a vast geographic area and claimed the lives of many citizens. The ceremony also acknowledged the reconstruction efforts undertaken following the disaster.

Events in Yozgat and Surrounding Provinces

In Yozgat, Nevşehir, Kırşehir, and Niğde, mevlid programs were held in memory of those who lost their lives in the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes. The Qur’an was recited and prayers were offered during these events.

In some provinces, exhibitions featuring photographs taken in the earthquake-affected areas were organized by AFAD, and commemorative activities continued after mosque programs. Provincial protocol members and citizens participated in these events.

Cemetery Visits

Grave Visits in Kahramanmaraş

In Kahramanmaraş, on the third anniversary of the earthquakes, there was a high volume of visits to Kapıçam City Cemetery. Citizens who lost loved ones in the disaster arrived at the cemetery from late at night, placing flowers on the graves, reciting the Qur’an, and offering prayers.

During the cemetery visits, municipal teams provided various offerings to visitors. The commemorative visits continued throughout the day.

Commemorative Visits in Gaziantep

In Gaziantep, those who lost their lives in the February 6, 2023 earthquakes were remembered at their gravesides. The commemorative activities consisted of cemetery visits and prayers.

These activities were carried out as part of broader efforts to preserve collective memory on the anniversary of the earthquake.