Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Earthquake Engineering and Research Community organized a significant event to commemorate the 6th February earthquakes, one of the most devastating disasters in Türkiye’s recent history. The event aimed to draw lessons from past experiences and contribute to more conscious structural designs.
Held at the Atatürk Congress and Culture Center (AKM), the event brought together some of the leading experts in earthquake engineering, including Prof. Dr. Alper İlki and Architect Nevzat Sayın, known for his work on post-disaster architectural approaches. OMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz also participated in the event.
OMU Earthquake Engineering and Research Community highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration by bringing civil engineering and architecture students together. Through competitions and projects, students could advance in their professional development and increase awareness regarding earthquake-resistant building designs.
The session covered not only technical knowledge but also field experiences. Observations made in earthquake-affected regions, post-disaster interventions, and necessary steps for building a more resilient future were thoroughly discussed.
Speaking at the event, Earthquake Engineering and Research Community Advisor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Fatih Yılmaz shared the background of the initiative:
"This event has a story for our students. It all started with the ‘Earthquake-Resistant Home Design’ student competition, which allowed them to gain hands-on experience. They wanted to take this knowledge further. To participate in a similar competition in the U.S., they needed to establish a student club, which led to the formation of the Earthquake Engineering and Research Community. The best part of our community is that it brings together architects and engineers, who must collaborate in their professional lives, already during their academic years. We are honored to host you all here, and I sincerely thank everyone who participated."
Prof. Dr. Alper İlki and Architect Nevzat Sayın gave presentations during the event, discussing earthquake observations, structural awareness, and the future of safer cities. A Q&A session followed the presentations, where participants had the opportunity to ask questions and gain deeper insights.
At the end of the program, OMU Earthquake Engineering and Research Community members expressed their gratitude to everyone who contributed to the organization and emphasized their commitment to continuing similar awareness-raising events in the future.
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