1939 Erzincan

The devastating Erzincan Earthquake, which struck on December 26-27, 1939, profoundly impacted not only Erzincan but the entire eastern region of Türkiye. Marking the first major disaster in the young Republic's history, the quake registered a magnitude of 7.2 on the Richter scale, resulting in 32,962 fatalities and approximately 100,000 injuries. The immense force of the earthquake transformed Erzincan and its surrounding provinces into scenes of devastation, with an estimated 116,720 buildings destroyed.

Newspapers of the era, including Cumhuriyet, Akşam, Anadolu, Beyoğlu, Haber, Halkın Sesi, İkdam, Son Dakika, Son Posta, Son Telgraf, Tan, Ulus, Vakit, and Yenigün, captured the severity and extensive scope of the catastrophe through striking headlines. Prominent reports declared, "Elazığ Province and Kemah Reduced to Rubble" (Akşam) and detailed how essential facilities were obliterated: "Government Buildings, Schools, Military Facilities, and Post Office in Erzincan Completely Destroyed" (Anadolu).

Among the most impactful visual records was a photograph of a mother grieving the loss of her sons, embracing İsmet İnönü, the President of Türkiye at that time. This poignant moment symbolized the profound human suffering caused by the disaster.

Date: December 26-27, 1939

Magnitude: 7.2 Mw

Fatalities (official figures): 32,962

Damaged Buildings (official figures): 116,720