Asfa Holding Chairman Asaf Atasoy’s Message on the Anniversary of the August 17 Marmara Earthquake

Yayın: 17 Ağustos 2025 GÜNDEM

Asfa Holding Chairman of the Board of Directors, philanthropist and businessman Asaf Atasoy, published a commemorative message on the 26th anniversary of the August 17, 1999 Marmara Earthquake.

Asfa Holding Chairman of the Board of Directors, Asaf Atasoy, included the following statements in his message;

The earthquake that occurred on August 17, 1999, with its epicenter in Gölcük, Kocaeli, has left a deep mark on our memories as one of the most devastating disasters our nation has ever experienced. This massive disaster, which lasted 45 seconds, resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of our citizens, the injuries of hundreds of thousands, and the impact of millions more.

While these tragedies remain fresh in our memories, we have once again experienced immense devastation and profound grief with the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023, affecting 11 of our provinces. This disaster, which saw the loss of thousands of our citizens, has once again demonstrated the vital importance of disaster preparedness.

The reality of earthquakes is an unchanging reality in our country. Therefore, ensuring building safety, raising disaster awareness, and making our cities resilient are our most important duties. Working hand in hand with all our institutions and organizations, we are resolutely continuing our efforts to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

On this occasion, I commemorate with mercy all our citizens who lost their lives in the Marmara Earthquake of 17 August 1999 and the earthquake of 6 February 2023, and offer my condolences to their families and loved ones.

Abdullah Yiğit-Istanbul

Last Updated: August 17, 2025