Üsküdar Üniversitesi has continuously maintained its support and efforts for the region since the first day following the century's disaster, the February 6 Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquake, which caused devastating consequences in 11 provinces. The academic and administrative staff, along with students of the Üsküdar family, who launched a relief campaign from the first day of the earthquake, delivered the monetary and in-kind aid they collected to the region and continue to do so. Academics, on the other hand, continue their studies and research in the region.
Aid mobilization launched from the first day
Under the management of Özcan Demir, Istanbul Provincial Representative of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Head of Üsküdar Üniversitesi Health, Culture, and Sports (SKS) Department, Üsküdar Üniversitesi sent aid materials consisting of 5 buses to the region within the first two days of the earthquake, as part of the aid efforts coordinated by the Turkish University Sports Federation. Üsküdar Üniversitesi members, who immediately organized and launched a full mobilization with their academic and administrative staff and students from the first hours of the earthquake, delivered the materials they collected daily from the Central Campus to transfer points for delivery to the earthquake-affected areas.
Prof. Dr. Tayfun Uzbay worked to provide medicine to earthquake victims…
Prof. Dr. Tayfun Uzbay, Advisor to the Rector of Üsküdar Üniversitesi, Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, and Member of the Central Committee of the Turkish Pharmacists' Association, who continued his work in Ankara for his duty in the Central Committee of the Turkish Pharmacists' Association after the earthquake, stated that 25 field pharmacies were established to provide free medicine for earthquake victims affected by the disaster and in need of medication.
Selman Utku carried out various activities in the rubble area day and night
Selman Utku, an SKS specialist from Üsküdar Üniversitesi, volunteered in the earthquake region with the “Kamp Ateşi Türkiye Arama ve Kurtarma Derneği” (Campfire Turkey Search and Rescue Association) after the two earthquakes measuring 7.68 in Kahramanmaraş and 7.6 in Gaziantep on February 6. In the search and rescue efforts, the 8-person team, including Utku, played a significant role in rescuing 14 of our citizens from under the rubble. Through the Kamp Ateşi Türkiye Arama ve Kurtarma Derneği, Utku participated in search and rescue operations in various areas of the disaster zone, including Reyhanlı, Samandağ, Altınözü, Kırıkhan, Terzihöyük Village, Odabaşı Neighborhood, Akevler Neighborhood, and Rönesans Residence in Hatay. In the following days, as a team leader, Utku organized aid arriving from various regions of Turkey and took part in distributing it to villages in need. At night, he continued search and rescue activities in the rubble of collapsed buildings based on verified information later in the hours.
OHS academics went to the earthquake region and conducted examinations
Academics from the Occupational Health and Safety (İSG) Department of Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Health Sciences and the Vocational School of Health Services (SHMYO) went to the earthquake region and conducted examinations. The academics proposed the creation of earthquake museums, similar to those found in Japan, in the cities leveled by the earthquake.
Dr. Rüştü Uçan: “Earthquake museums can preserve social memory”
OHS Specialist Dr. Rüştü Uçan stated that museums displaying items recovered from the rubble could become symbols to ensure earthquakes are not forgotten.
Psychological Support Service provided
Specialists from Üsküdar Üniversitesi NPİSTANBUL Brain Hospital provide a ‘Free Earthquake Trauma Psychology Support Line’ service for students and employees affected by the earthquake disaster.
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan: “When the damage from the earthquake starts to clear, psychological damage begins”
Stating that psychological damage emerges as the debris of the earthquake begins to clear, Üsküdar Üniversitesi Founding Rector, Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan said; "We reacted very quickly regarding psychological support. We established psychological support lines. Psychiatric problems have just begun to emerge. When the physical damage from the earthquake starts to clear, psychological damage begins. We are stronger and more resilient than many societies. Let's learn our lessons now. Let's be strong within ourselves. You must spread feelings of brotherhood and friendship in society so that you can achieve global brotherhood. Without unity within, we cannot achieve regional unity outside. This is one of the most important lessons fate has given us."
The earthquake region was visited during Ramadan as well…
After the earthquakes that affected 11 provinces and were described as the disaster of the century, earthquake victims in Kahramanmaraş and Hatay were visited under the leadership of Üsküdar Üniversitesi Health, Culture and Sports (SKS) Department and the Haydi Tut Elimi Derneği. During the visit, where food and clothing aid was provided, residents of Üsküdar also brought gifts to children who felt the pain of the earthquake most deeply, alleviating their suffering, if only a little, with the colorful and fun activities they organized.
Earthquake-affected students were met…
A team of 30 people visited Dedeler Primary-Secondary School in Türkoğlu district of Kahramanmaraş, organized activities with the children, and provided clothing and food aid.
Pain was tried to be alleviated with activities…
Magic and clown shows were performed, children's faces were painted, and candies and balloons were distributed.
Reyhanlı Education Campus was visited…
On the other hand, after Kahramanmaraş, the team visited Hatay and made a visit to the Reyhanlı Education Campus, an international educational institution.
Treats were offered to earthquake victims in tent cities…
The Üsküdar delegation visited the tent cities in central Antakya in the earthquake region and offered treats to the children there.
“Earthquake Manifesto” from Üsküdar Üniversitesi
The 5th International Positive Psychology Congress, organized by Üsküdar Üniversitesi this year with the theme “The Science of Goodness / What Arises from Goodness? & Earthquake and Post-Traumatic Growth,” lasted three days. In the “Earthquake Result, Post-Traumatic Growth Manifesto” announced by the congress organizing committee, it was emphasized that traumatic experiences like earthquakes can lead not only to psychological disorders but also to positive change and development. The 7-point manifesto drew attention to the lessons to be learned from the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes that plunged our country into mourning. The manifesto emphasized that the earthquake should be seen as an opportunity for growth, development, and increased awareness for all our citizens and our country, stating, “Activities supporting development and learning in terms of awareness, preparedness, and coping should be increased for all individuals – children, youth, and adults – in our country. As a society, steps should be taken to lead to development in terms of solidarity, cooperation, and organization.”
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan: “We must discuss the results from all aspects”
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, Founding Rector of Üsküdar Üniversitesi and also the Congress President, emphasized the importance of the manifesto, announced in his closing speech, being well understood by all segments of society. Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan said, "If we, as a society and as administrators, can discuss and develop the results and concepts in the manifesto empirically, it would be the most beautiful spiritual investment we make in Turkey's future. The manifesto contained the lessons learned from this. This was what the congress produced, actually the output of the congress. Of course, transforming this into practice is not easy. For this, I believe a duty and responsibility falls on all of us."