Mother’s Mission: Investigating the Causes of a Deadly Building Collapse in Turkey
In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that struck southern Turkey on February 6, 2023, claiming the lives of over 55,000 people, questions about building regulations and safety have come to the forefront. One mother, Nurgül Göksu, has taken it upon herself to uncover the truth behind the collapse of the building where her loved ones lived, in the hopes of preventing similar tragedies in the future.
Nurgül was an ordinary housewife living on the outskirts of Istanbul before the earthquake struck. Her oldest son, Ahmet Can Zabun, resided in the city of Kahramanmaras with his wife Nesibe and their young baby. When the quake hit, Nurgül rushed to Kahramanmaras to search for her son and his family, whom she refers to as her “three children.” Despite many buildings in the area being damaged, Ahmet Can’s residential block, known as the Ezgi Building, was one of the few that completely collapsed.
The collapse of certain buildings while others remained standing raised questions among the Turkish population. Many wondered why some buildings failed to withstand the earthquake while neighboring structures of similar height, age, and construction style remained intact. Nurgül anxiously awaited news as rescue teams sifted through the rubble of the Ezgi Building. Tragically, eight days later, the bodies of Ahmet Can, Nesibe, and their six-month-old daughter Asude were found.
Devastated by the loss of her family, Nurgül made it her mission to uncover the reasons behind the collapse of the Ezgi Building. She sought evidence and expert knowledge, consulting with local civil engineers and construction experts. Through her research, she discovered a BBC Turkish video on YouTube that detailed the collapse of another building in Izmir following a 2020 earthquake. Nurgül reached out to the BBC for help in analyzing the collapse of the Ezgi Building, and they began a months-long collaboration.
Nurgül’s investigation focused on whether the alterations made to the building had been carried out correctly. She gathered evidence, including “before” and “after” photos, and shared her findings with the BBC. Her efforts aimed to ensure that all parties responsible for the building’s collapse would be held accountable. Nurgül’s determination to seek justice led her to give numerous TV interviews and create an Instagram account dedicated to the Ezgi Building, where she gathered information from other affected families and building experts.
The prosecutor’s office eventually opened an inquiry into the collapse and commissioned an expert report. Nurgül’s evidence played a crucial role in the investigation, which concluded in July 2023. The report revealed that numerous alterations to the building had been carried out in violation of regulations and were illegal. Dr. Beyza Taşkın, an associate professor of civil engineering at Istanbul Technical University, stated that the intact surrounding buildings indicated a major structural issue with the Ezgi Building. Lab analysis confirmed that some materials and construction processes did not meet approved standards.
One significant aspect highlighted in the report was the earlier renovation of a cafe on the ground floor of the building. Concerns were raised about the structural integrity of the building following this renovation, which involved merging three separate units, installing a service lift, and making ventilation holes. The removal or replacement of a bearing wall, originally included in the building’s design, also raised red flags. Residents had petitioned the local authority to assess these alterations in 2021, but their concerns were dismissed.
Following the release of the report, the prosecutor’s office initiated a criminal case. The interior designer of the ground floor cafe and the engineer responsible for the initial construction were arrested and await trial. An arrest warrant was also issued for the building contractor, although it remains unexecuted due to his advanced age. The cafe owners, whose arrest was ordered, have disappeared and are still at large. The local authorities involved in approving the renovations are yet to be questioned.
The Ezgi case is not an isolated incident. Dozens of cases related to faulty constructions and illegal building alterations have been opened in areas affected by the earthquake. The Turkish ministry of justice reported over 350 arrests in such cases as of July last year.
While pursuing justice for her own case, Nurgül has also been assisting others by sharing her knowledge of building regulations and civil engineering. She hopes that by uncovering the truth and holding those responsible accountable, she can set an example and prevent future violations of building regulations.
Nurgül’s determination and resilience in the face of unimaginable loss serve as an inspiration to many. Her quest for justice not only honors the memory of her loved ones but also seeks to ensure the safety and well-being of future generations. Through her efforts, she hopes to bring about lasting change in building regulations and prevent similar tragedies from occurring again.