After the devastating earthquakes that hit Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023, approximately 126,000 displaced individuals are currently residing in 55 container cities established through a partnership between the government and the people.
As part of the preparations for the upcoming Ramadan holiday, the earthquake victims are cleaning the containers, procuring food and basic necessities, and preparing pastries and traditional dishes for their guests.
In the Turkey-Azerbaijan Logistics Container City in the Türkoğlu district, preparations for the holiday continue. Türkoğlu District Governor Mustafa Nevzat Mercan stated that efforts are being made to provide the best service to citizens in the container city.
Mercan also mentioned that the container city offers a wide range of services, from healthcare to education, sports facilities to social amenities, and that the earthquake victims are ready to welcome the Ramadan holiday while the handover of permanent earthquake housing units has begun.
One of the residents of the container city, Fatma Kırtürk, expressed that their home suffered severe damage after the earthquake, leading to a demolition order. She shared that she lived in a tent for about 3 months before being relocated to the container city.
Kırtürk mentioned that they spent the last Ramadan holiday in a tent, but they made their pastries, which they consider essential. She added that this is their third holiday in the container city, and they are now gathering with friends and family to make pastries for each household in turn. Kırtürk expressed her wishes for health and the opportunity to return to their homes, as the keys are being handed over, and they are waiting for the message to move in.
Another resident, Senem Bilgiç, described their home as moderately damaged, prompting them to start living in the container city with their family. She stated their desire to celebrate the next holiday in their own home and mentioned that they have completed their holiday preparations, including making pastries for their guests.
Elif Gürdal shared her experience of losing her home in the earthquake and being able to save only a walking stick. She recounted staying in a tent for a while before moving to a container. Gürdal expressed her gratitude towards the government for the services provided and her constant prayers for them.
