Experts emphasize the pre-crisis importance of ensuring disaster coordination with artificial intelligence systems, inspecting buildings for earthquake resistance, and prioritizing risks. They also state that a national building inventory should be compiled with the aid of technology. Research Assistant Gamze Nilsu Çolak, mentioning the 'imece' (communal aid) culture in Turkish traditions and customs, highlights that thanks to this technologically supported culture of solidarity, as utilized in the February earthquake disaster, it is now possible to always provide and request support not only during disasters but for every citizen in need.
Turkey's building inventory needs to be compiled with the help of technology…
Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Computer Engineering (English) Research Assistant Gamze Nilsu Çolak emphasized the importance of support provided to those in need during crisis situations and discussed the role of technology-based platforms in social solidarity.
A national building inventory should be compiled
Research Assistant Gamze Nilsu Çolak stated that one of the preventative measures before a crisis is to ensure disaster coordination with artificial intelligence systems, inspect buildings for earthquake resistance by utilizing geographical information systems, and prioritize risks. She added, “Before this, a building inventory for our country needs to be compiled with the aid of technology. These are some of the things that can be done with today's technology. Technological developments, accelerating with increasing momentum, daily reveal that the possibilities in every field are limitless.”
The 'İmece' Culture Exists in Turkish Traditions
Çolak stated that when it comes to disasters and crises affecting the entire country, and even the world, wounds can heal much faster if everyone pitches in and takes responsibility, instead of solely waiting for solutions from the state and authorities. She said, “The 'imece' culture is already present in Turkish traditions and customs. When this culture merges with technology, it can reach millions. The main point here is to make people feel 'they can do it' and 'they can be useful.' Digital campaigns developed for earthquake victims, such as 'Evim Yuvan Olsun' (My Home Be Your Home), allow people to help even from where they are sitting. Furthermore, in this campaign, not only those with homes but also those without homes who can provide financial support can help. Just as a person with several apartments can help, a small child who has saved money in their piggy bank can also take initiative.”
Supporting People Through Technology-Based Aid Platforms is Possible
Çolak noted that during the great catastrophe in February, there were perhaps people who were new to helping and doing it for the first time. She said, “However, beyond a momentary surge of emotion providing one-time aid, this assistance needs to be made sustainable. If this culture takes root, thanks to this 'imece' culture of solidarity supported by technological infrastructure, it becomes possible to always support every citizen in need, not just during times of disaster. For instance, through aid organizations that also utilize technology, people can list verified real needs online, view those in need of what they have, and provide support. Without going too far, someone in need might even be on the street behind one's home, and solidarity can be provided without paying large sums or expending great efforts.”
Help Can Be Requested Through Existing Campaigns
Research Assistant Gamze Nilsu Çolak, stating that estimated population distributions of earthquake-affected regions are made on the platform called 'Afet Haritası' (Disaster Map), continued her words as follows:
“By creating an earthquake map, mobile pharmacies, damaged buildings, and gathering areas like tent cities in these areas were marked. Considering the significant amount of misinformation prevalent on online platforms where everyone can intervene, the importance of verified organizations like 'Afet Haritası' is substantial. On this platform, where accurate information is shared, it is possible to make donations without restrictions. Furthermore, long before the recent disaster, a solidarity campaign called 'Bir Kira Bir Yuva' (One Rent, One Home) was created in collaboration with our metropolitan municipalities, similar to the 'Evim Yuvan Olsun' (My Home Be Your Home) campaign. Through this campaign, it is possible not only to give help but also to ask for help. The application has two options: 'I want to provide support' and 'I need home/rent support.'