The Daily Why So Many Buildings Collapsed in Turkey
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Feb 28, 2023 
Ben Hubbard, Istanbul bureau chief for The New York Times, offers expert insights on the catastrophic earthquake in Turkey. He discusses the troubling practices in Turkey’s construction sector, revealing conflicts of interest where builders self-inspect. The conversation digs into government negligence, including repeated waivers of building code violations. With public outrage growing, Hubbard highlights the accountability measures against builders and architects, emphasizing the devastating impact of inadequate safety standards on the tragic loss of life.
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Selective Destruction
- In the earthquake zone, some buildings were completely flattened while others remained standing.
- Construction workers at a rescue site noted the poor quality of rebar and cement in the collapsed buildings.
Government Blame Game
- Following the earthquake, the Turkish government initiated a blame game, targeting builders.
- Numerous arrests were made, with some individuals paraded on television.
Erdogan's Rise
- The 1999 Izmit earthquake and subsequent economic crisis fueled public anger towards the government.
- This paved the way for Erdogan's Justice and Development Party, promising competence and transparency.