A RESEARCH ON THE EFFECT OF EARTHQUAKES ON POLİTİCAL HİSTORY: MARCH 18, 1953 YENİCE-GÖNEN EARTHQUAKE CASE

The 1953 Yenice-Gönen earthquake in the Marmara Region of Turkey was not only a major natural disaster, but also had a significant impact on the political history of the period. This study examines the political repercussions of the earthquake in terms of the state’s crisis management, relief organization, public relations strategies and its long-term effects on political stability. In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, the government’s response to the disaster, its management of the process and its attitude towards aid distribution led to changes in the local population’s trust in the government and their political preferences. In the following years, it created a social sensitivity about disaster management and a growing awareness of the state’s responsibility. Moreover, since the earthquake process created the need for solidarity and organization among the local population, the people had to interact more with the local administration and public authorities and started to have more say in local politics. In conclusion, as can be seen in the case of the 1953 Yenice-Gönen Earthquake, natural disasters such as earthquakes the way for transformations in Turkey’s political structure and left lasting traces in social memory.