In Hatay, the earthquake-ravaged Uzun Çarşı, a prominent trade hub, is witnessing increased activity, albeit not as bustling as in previous years. The community’s hope for 2024 centers on a year devoid of seismic disruptions. The earthquakes, particularly in Kahramanmaraş, dealt severe blows to Hatay, with the Antakya district bearing substantial devastation—around 25,000 lives lost and countless structures demolished across the province. The once vibrant Uzun Bazaar, now amid ruins, experiences a poignant mix of revival and somberness as life tentatively restarts, marking a bittersweet New Year’s shopping season. Merchants, reminiscing about livelier times, yearn for Antakya’s resurgence. The once-thriving market now stands quiet, echoing the shared aspiration for a seismic-free 2024.
Veysel Korkmaz – Ayşe Güler Tokdemir
Veysel Korkmaz – Ayşe Güler Tokdemir