In the early 1930s, the region around Salmas, which lies at the border of northwestern Iran and southeastern Turkey, experienced a significant seismic event. On this day, a major earthquake registering 7.1 Mw occurred, creating chaos and destruction across the affected areas. With a maximum Mercalli intensity measured at IX, the earthquake's impact was devastating, leading to a high level of destruction in various communities. Buildings that had stood for decades crumbled under the stress of the shaking ground, and many people were trapped in the rubble. Casualties were profoundly high, with estimates suggesting that as many as three thousand people lost their lives during this seismic tragedy.

The historical context of this earthquake is steeped in the tectonic complexities of the region. The area is situated near the converging plates of the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it prone to frequent seismic activity. In the immediate aftermath, local authorities, alongside various relief organizations, struggled to provide aid as infrastructure including roads, hospitals, and communications were severely interrupted. Efforts to rescue individuals trapped in the debris were hampered by aftershocks and the ongoing threat of additional quakes. Survivors faced immense challenges in accessing food, shelter, and medical care, prompting a regional humanitarian response that brought attention to the necessity for improved disaster preparedness and building standards in earthquake-prone areas.