Land Management and the Politics of Post Earthquake Reconstruction in Türkiye

What is it about?

This paper looks at how land management decisions shape recovery after earthquakes in Türkiye. We studied two cities, Elazığ and İzmir, that were rebuilt after the 2020 earthquakes. We examined government policies, laws, and interviews with experts and community members to understand how land is controlled and used after disasters. We found that most reconstruction decisions are made by central authorities, with little involvement from local governments or residents. This approach speeds up construction but often causes people to lose their land rights and community connections. The study shows that more open and local land management could help rebuild fairer and more resilient communities.

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Photo by Emad El Byed on Unsplash

Photo by Emad El Byed on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study shows that land management plays a key role in how societies recover after disasters. We found that in Türkiye, earthquake reconstruction often strengthens central control over land instead of supporting local needs. This research is important because it reveals how land policies can shape the success or failure of rebuilding efforts. By identifying how power is concentrated in national institutions, the study helps explain why recovery sometimes disconnects people from their land and communities. These findings can guide governments, planners, and researchers to design fairer and more participatory land management systems after disasters.

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