Hazard risk

How dangerous are earthquakes in Turkey?

The strongest earthquake on record near Turkey is M7.8 (2023). Real records from USGS, NOAA and the Smithsonian - not guesses.

Strongest on record
M 7.8
2023 - Pazarcik earthquake, Kahramanmaras earthquake sequence
Quake rate nearby
~54/yr
M4+ within 444 km
Tsunamis on record
17
since 2000 BC
Volcanoes nearby
6
within 444 km

Turkey straddles the North Anatolian and East Anatolian faults, the source of its most devastating earthquakes. This page pulls real records for Turkey: the largest earthquakes on record from USGS, how often the ground shakes nearby, tsunamis from the NOAA database, and volcanoes from the Smithsonian program. Nothing is guessed.

A quiet recent record is good news, but many damaging earthquakes strike places that were quiet for decades. The only real protection is a warning the moment the ground moves - which is exactly what the free QuakeMate app gives you, along with tsunami and volcano alerts for Turkey.

Check Turkey hazard risk in detail

An interactive breakdown of the earthquake, tsunami and volcano risk near Turkey - or search any city or region.

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Earthquake risk in Turkey - FAQ

Is Turkey at risk of earthquakes?

Yes. On average about 54 quakes a year nearby of magnitude 4+ within 444 km, based on the last 20 years of USGS data. The strongest earthquake on record nearby is M7.8 in 2023.

What was the biggest earthquake in Turkey?

The strongest earthquake on record near Turkey is M7.8, in 2023 (Pazarcik earthquake, Kahramanmaras earthquake sequence), from USGS.

Does Turkey get tsunamis?

Yes - 17 tsunamis since 2000 BC (most recently 2023) within 444 km, from the NOAA database. The deadliest killed around 260,000 people.

How do I get earthquake warnings in Turkey?

Download the free QuakeMate app for iPhone. It watches your location and sends a real-time push the instant a quake strikes nearby, plus tsunami and volcano alerts, with custom magnitude and distance rules. On Android, join the waitlist.

Other hazards in Turkey

Earthquake risk in nearby countries