Turkey experienced more than 53,000 earthquakes over the past year, averaging six earthquakes per hour, according to a report by Türkiye Today.
Of these earthquakes, fewer than five hundred were above magnitude 4, meaning that they could be perceived by humans nearby. Of these, most were harmless, but several were strong enough to deal structural damage to buildings or other property.
The most active province of Turkey during this time was Balikesir, with approximately 21,000 earthquakes over a four and a half month period. These earthquakes included two of magnitude 6.1, in August and October, though most were below magnitude 4.
Earthquake risk in Turkey remains high
A significant earthquake which occurred in Turkey was April's magnitude 6.2 tremor off the coast of Silivri, near Istanbul. Türkiye Today noted that the earthquake risk around Istanbul, a city of more than 15 million people, remains high.
While the quantity of earthquakes was high, human casualties were remarkably low, with only three recorded deaths and fewer than six hundred injuries.
Nevertheless, Türkiye Today maintained that preparedness, public awareness, and urban renewal projects would play an important role in minimizing damage from the next major earthquake.