Understanding the 2025 Istanbul Earthquake: Causes and Safety Tips

On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, Istanbul was shaken by a magnitude 6.2 earthquake in the Sea of Marmara, about 40 km southwest of the city centre. The tremor lasted 13 seconds and was followed by more than 50 aftershocks, including one measuring 5.9. While there were no confirmed fatalities, 151 people were injured, mostly due to panic and minor accidents. This event has once again raised concerns over Istanbul’s vulnerability to seismic activity.

1) History of Earthquakes in Istanbul

Istanbul has a long history of destructive earthquakes due to its location near the North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ). Significant past events include:

These historical events underscore Istanbul’s seismic vulnerability, particularly in areas with older or poorly built infrastructure.

2) Reasons Earthquakes Happen

Earthquakes occur due to the movement of the Earth’s tectonic plates. The surface of our planet is made up of large plates that constantly shift, although often imperceptibly. When stress builds up at the edges of these plates, it is eventually released in the form of seismic waves — an earthquake.

Most earthquakes occur along fault lines, where plates either collide, pull apart, or slide past one another. In some cases, volcanic activity can also trigger earthquakes by shifting the surrounding rocks. The NAFZ is a classic example of a strike-slip fault, where plates slide horizontally, causing frequent seismic activity.

3) Top Probable Reasons for Turkey’s Earthquake Activity

Turkey lies in a complex seismic zone where several tectonic plates — including the Eurasian, Arabian, and Anatolian plates — interact. The most probable reasons for Turkey’s frequent earthquakes include:

• North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ): A major right-lateral fault stretching from eastern Turkey to the Aegean Sea, passing just south of Istanbul.
• Plate Movement: The Arabian Plate is pushing northwards into the Eurasian Plate, squeezing the Anatolian Plate westward — adding strain on fault lines.
• Seismic History: Earthquakes along the NAFZ tend to migrate westward over time, which means Istanbul remains at significant risk. This pattern is supported by decades of seismic data.

4) The Latest Earthquake in 2025

The 2025 Istanbul earthquake occurred at 12:49 PM local time on April 23. Its epicentre was in the Sea of Marmara, southeast of Marmara Ereğlisi. It was felt strongly across western parts of Istanbul, including districts such as Beylikdüzü and Esenyurt, and tremors were reported as far away as Bucharest and Sofia.

While the quake caused no major structural collapses, it led to injuries and widespread concern. Schools in Istanbul were temporarily closed, and emergency protocols were enacted to inspect public infrastructure. Fortunately, power, water, and communication services remained operational. This event has reaffirmed the urgent need for preparedness and structural resilience (source).

5) How to Stay Safe in Earthquakes

In a city like Istanbul, where seismic activity is a constant threat, knowing how to stay safe is essential. Here are some practical tips for earthquake preparedness:

• Drop, Cover, and Hold On: During a quake, drop to your hands and knees, cover your head under a sturdy object, and hold on until the shaking stops.
• Stay Indoors if Safe: Avoid running outside, as falling debris poses a major risk. Find cover instead.
• Secure Heavy Furniture: Anchor bookshelves, cupboards, and appliances to the wall to prevent them from tipping over.
• Emergency Kits: Have kits ready at home, work, and in your car, including water, snacks, torch, batteries, a first aid kit, and essential documents.
• Family Communication Plan: Agree on meeting points and ways to contact each other in the event of a disruption.

Preparedness can greatly reduce the risk of injury and loss during an earthquake. The 2025 Istanbul event should serve as a reminder to take these simple yet vital precautions seriously (source).

Stay alert, stay safe.