Earthquake Safety of Buildings in Turkey

Purchasing real estate in Turkey naturally raises concerns among potential buyers about seismic safety. Turkey is located in a seismically active region where several tectonic plates intersect. However, modern building standards and technologies significantly improve the seismic resistance of Turkish homes. This is especially true for resort areas like Alanya, which are located in zones with minimal earthquake risk. Understanding modern earthquake-resistant construction requirements and choosing the right developer allows investors to purchase real estate with complete confidence in its safety.

Seismic Activity in Turkey: Geography and History

The Republic of Turkey is located on the Anatolian Plate, which borders the Eurasian and African Plates. Turkey's main seismic zones are associated with three major fault lines: the North Anatolian, East Anatolian, and West Anatolian. According to the country's official seismic map, approximately 40% of its territory is relatively safe.

Alanya occupies a unique position on Turkey's seismic map. Situated in the central part of the Anatolian tectonic plate, the resort town is significantly removed from active faults and is classified as a risk level 4. It's safe to say this is an area where earthquakes, especially strong ones, are virtually nonexistent in Turkey. The region's geological characteristics confirm that tremors are extremely rare, and the few that are recorded occur primarily offshore.

History shows that major earthquakes in Turkey have primarily occurred in the northern and eastern regions, along active tectonic faults. The February 2023 earthquake occurred in the southeast of the country, along the East Anatolian Fault, with only weak aftershocks felt in Alanya and no damage.

It's important to understand that not only geographic location but also compliance with modern building codes determines a building's safety. Even in seismically active zones, properly designed and constructed buildings generally withstand tremors successfully.

Modern standards of earthquake-resistant construction in Turkey

Turkish Seismic Code (TBDY)

Since January 1, 2019, the updated Turkish Seismic Building Code (TBDY — Türkiye Bina Deprem Yönetmeliği) has been in effect in Turkey. It replaces previous regulations and significantly tightens requirements for earthquake-resistant construction. This document is a comprehensive set of rules governing the design, construction, and assessment of buildings in seismically active regions.

The code establishes a detailed classification of seismic zones, defines design loads for each region, and prescribes the use of modern seismic impact calculation methods. Particular attention is paid to soil characteristics, as their type significantly influences a building's behavior during an earthquake.

TBDY is regularly updated to reflect the latest scientific advances in seismology and construction technologies. The document is mandatory for all participants in the construction process and is monitored by government agencies at all stages of project implementation.

Design and materials

Modern earthquake-resistant construction in Turkey requires the participation of qualified seismic engineers and licensed architects. Design documentation must include detailed calculations taking into account seismic loads specific to the specific region.

The quality of materials plays a key role in ensuring seismic resistance. Modern buildings in Turkey are constructed using high-quality concrete of at least class C25/C30. This concrete has a compressive strength of at least 25–30 MPa, ensuring the reliability of load-bearing structures under dynamic loads.

The reinforcement must meet strict requirements for quantity, diameter, and steel quality. High-strength reinforcing steel grades S420 and S500 are used, ensuring the necessary ductility and strength under alternating loads. Particular attention is paid to the proper reinforcement of the connecting joints of the load-bearing elements.

Foundations are designed taking into account the soil type and seismic characteristics of the region. Depending on the conditions, slab or pile foundations are used to ensure uniform load distribution and minimize deformation during seismic impacts.

Construction technologies and methods

Modern earthquake-resistant construction in Turkey relies on monolithic frame technology. A load-bearing reinforced concrete frame with infill ensures optimal rigidity and structural integrity of the building.

Strict quality control is implemented at all stages of construction. An independent technical supervision system includes mandatory inspections of concrete quality, proper rebar placement, and compliance with design specifications. Each batch of concrete undergoes laboratory strength testing.

State inspectorates monitor construction for compliance with design documentation and TBDY requirements. The yapı denetim system ensures multi-level quality control, including inspection of foundations, load-bearing structures, and utility systems at every stage of construction.

How to ensure the safety of your future property

Documentation to be requested

Purchasing earthquake-safe real estate begins with a thorough review of the documentation:

• The main document is the developer's license (Yapı Ruhsatı), which confirms the right to construction.
• Design documentation: includes static calculations performed in accordance with TBDY, architectural drawings indicating all load-bearing elements, material specifications, and construction technologies. Particular attention should be paid to the availability of seismic load calculations for the specific site.
• Technical Passport of the Property (Yapı Kullanma İzin Belgesi or İskan): Issued upon completion of construction, it certifies the building's compliance with all building codes, including seismic safety requirements. This document guarantees that the construction has passed all necessary inspections.
• Concrete and Reinforcement Quality Reports: Contain laboratory test results for materials used in construction. These documents confirm the materials' compliance with stated specifications and standard requirements.

Visual inspection and expert assessment

High-quality earthquake-resistant construction can be identified by a number of external characteristics. Smooth, crack-free walls, meticulous construction work, and proper building geometry are all indicators of the developer's professional approach to the construction process.

During the inspection, pay attention to the quality of the concrete surfaces, the absence of efflorescence and cracks. High-quality waterproofing and modern engineering systems are also signs of compliance with building standards.

Engaging an independent expert to assess construction quality can provide additional assurance. The specialist will conduct a technical assessment, evaluate the design's compliance with the design documentation, and verify the quality of the completed work.

Preference should be given to new buildings constructed according to modern TBDY 2018 standards, as they were initially designed with the most stringent seismic safety requirements in mind.

Choosing a reliable developer

A construction company's reputation is a crucial factor when choosing a property. Experienced developers with a long history of successfully completed projects typically strictly adhere to all technical requirements and use high-quality materials.

Transparency of construction information, willingness to provide all necessary documentation, and the presence of an in-house quality control department demonstrate the company's serious approach to safety. Furthermore, reputable companies provide warranties for completed work and provide after-sales service.

Invest in peace of mind with New Level Group

Choosing a reputable developer with an impeccable reputation and thoroughly reviewing all documentation are the key to ensuring the safety of your investment. Seismic resistance should not be viewed as a cause for doubt or concern, but rather as an important criterion for making an informed choice of property.

Modern technologies make it possible to construct buildings capable of withstanding significant earthquakes, ensuring the complete safety of residents. Investing in high-quality real estate in earthquake-safe regions of Turkey, particularly in Alanya, is not only profitable but also an absolutely reliable decision.

New Level Group is a shining example of a developer that strictly adheres to all TBDY 2018 requirements and even exceeds established construction quality standards. For example, when constructing the New Level Premium residential complex, we used the latest construction technology—cassette formwork. This innovative material is used for casting ribbed floor slabs. This technology significantly reduces the weight of the building's structure.

New Level Group residential complexes use only the highest-quality materials. Each stage of construction undergoes multi-level quality control. By choosing New Level Group real estate, you're investing not only in high-quality housing but also in absolute peace of mind for your family's safety.

Take advantage of the opportunity to receive a free consultation with our real estate experts, who will explain in detail the construction technologies and safety measures used in New Level Group projects. Visit our construction sites and completed residential complexes to witness for yourself the unrivaled quality of construction and full compliance with all modern seismic safety standards.