An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 struck eastern Turkey, primarily affecting the provinces of Çaldıran and Muradiye. This powerful seismic event caused widespread destruction across a large area, reducing entire towns to rubble. The quake's timing in late November made rescue and recovery efforts particularly challenging, as many people were indoors due to the cold weather. The death toll estimates ranged between 4,000 and 5,000, making this one of the deadliest earthquakes in Turkish history. Many survivors were left homeless in the aftermath, prompting a massive humanitarian response both locally and internationally.

In the wake of the disaster, the Turkish government faced criticism for its preparedness and response efforts. The slow initial response, coupled with inadequate infrastructure in the affected areas, hampered rescue operations and contributed to the higher casualty rate. As the nation mourned, international aid organizations stepped in to provide relief supplies, medical assistance, and temporary shelter for the displaced population. This response highlighted the need for improved seismic safety regulations and disaster management strategies in Turkey, particularly in earthquake-prone regions.

Following the earthquake, there were significant discussions regarding urban planning and building codes to enhance resilience against future earthquakes. The catastrophe served as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of certain regions to natural disasters and prompted a reevaluation of emergency response protocols. In the longer term, it spurred advancements in earthquake research and preparedness, laying the groundwork for better protection against such occurrences in the future.