Earthquake-Focused Disaster Management İn Turkey: A Qualitative Research to Identify Existing Problems and Propose Strategic Solutions

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify problems (deficiencies/inadequacies) in the operating mechanism of Turkey's current earthquake-focused disaster management system and to identify strategic solutions to these problems. The study employed descriptive research methods, purposive sampling, and content analysis techniques, all of which are qualitative research methods. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 25 subject matter experts using semi-structured questions. The interviews were subjected to content analysis and analyzed using the MAXQDA24 package program. The findings of the study identify serious implementation problems that require improvement in many key areas, including disaster preparedness, risk management, education, economy, planning, auditing, coordination, environmental/natural damage, building stock, soil, and current habits, as reflected in the field of the current disaster management system in Turkey. Since these implementation problems reflected in the field can only be resolved through the implementation of an effective risk management strategy, the study proposes strategic solutions to these identified problems. © 2025, Ankara University. All rights reserved.