Hatay, a city of history, diversity, and resilience
Hatay, one of humanity's earliest settlements, has been a haven for different cultures and beliefs throughout its rich history. It has welcomed numerous civilizations and served as a gateway between Turkiye and the Middle East, connecting the Middle East to Anatolia, the Mediterranean, and Europe.
While I wish to describe Hatay in this way, I also want to shed light on what is happening in Hatay right now.
Months have passed since a devastating earthquake shook 11 of our cities, and yet, the city still bears the scars. Almost every corner reveals crumbling or abandoned buildings. In Hatay alone, there are more than 23,000 earthquake victims. This beautiful city, waiting to rise from its ashes, reminds me of a post-apocalyptic scene. Nevertheless, the hope, faith, and unwavering spirit of the people have taught me a crucial life lesson: 'To live' means to fight and never lose faith.
Humans are sometimes the masters of the world, and other times, a tiny detail in the face of nature's forces. Understanding this and acting accordingly is a valuable lesson.
So, what can we, as humans, do in the face of nature? Nothing but respect it, not fight against it.
As an architect, I believe and know that it's not the earthquake but the buildings that are deadly. It's not about what's built against nature but what's built in harmony with it, respecting its rhythms and sustainability. When we design, our focus should always be on humanity, but we should also listen to the message nature is trying to convey through us.
Yuva Project is a community founded on this very idea. Instead of short-term, temporary solutions like containers and tents,
Yuva Project offers sustainable housing units designed and produced in harmony with the needs of earthquake survivors.
With each detail we create, we are excited to know that these structures will soon be used as homes and educational spaces for earthquake victims
We are emotional, but we are also enthusiastic!
As a conscious citizen, an architect, and Miss Turkey, my duty is to make Yuva Project reach more people and create a new ray of hope for the 11 affected cities and over 13 million people. It's a project that respects the city, its people, and its history, and it also generates employment opportunities for the local community affected financially by the earthquake.
Seeing all Yuva Project employees, regardless of gender or age, working with a collective consciousness is truly special.
If you want to help build more Yuva's for earthquake victims, you can support the @yuvaproject on Instagram.
Earthquakes can happen anywhere, anytime. Let's not see this as a disaster but as a call to act against future unfortunate events. The best way to predict the future is to create it together. So, let's promote earthquake-resistant, nature respecting, and human-friendly structures, without fearing earthquakes.
#TogetherWeBuildHope
