Istanbul, Türkiye – A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck Türkiye’s largest city, Istanbul, on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. The quake, which originated in the Sea of Marmara near the Silivri district, was felt across Istanbul and as far away as Türkiye’s capital, Ankara, located 275 miles (440 km) to the southeast.
According to Türkiye’s disaster agency, AFAD, the earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 4.3 miles (7 km) and was centered offshore, about 50 miles west of Istanbul. This marks one of the strongest earthquakes to hit Istanbul in recent years, shaking the sprawling city of over 16 million residents.
The tremors caused widespread panic as people fled buildings in fear. In some cases, residents disregarded safety protocols, with reports of individuals jumping from high places to escape, resulting in injuries. Istanbul’s governor’s office confirmed that at least 151 people were injured, though no fatalities or widespread structural damage have been reported so far.
An abandoned building in Istanbul’s Fatih district partially collapsed, but there were no injuries at the site. Authorities continue to survey the city to assess the extent of the damage.
Aftershocks Add to Residents’ Fears
The initial quake was followed by a series of aftershocks, including three notable tremors recorded in Istanbul’s Buyukcekmece district. These aftershocks heightened anxiety among residents, many of whom remained outdoors, fearing further collapses.
AFAD has urged the public to avoid entering damaged buildings and to follow official guidance. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya emphasized the need for caution and assured that disaster response teams had been deployed to affected areas.
Historical Context and Geologists’ Warnings
Geologists have long warned of Istanbul’s vulnerability to major earthquakes due to its location near the North Anatolian Fault Line. Naci Görür, a prominent Turkish geologist, stated that while this quake was not the “big one” long anticipated for the region, it adds stress to the fault system, increasing the likelihood of a larger event in the future.
In 1999, a 7.4-magnitude earthquake in northwestern Türkiye claimed over 17,000 lives, and the devastating twin earthquakes in southeastern Türkiye and Syria in February 2023 left more than 55,000 dead. These events have left Istanbul’s residents acutely aware of the risks posed by seismic activity.