On August 17, 1999, at 3:02 AM local time, a devastating earthquake hit northwestern Turkey, centered near the city of İzmit. Measuring 7.6 Mw, this earthquake was one of the most powerful to strike Turkey, generating intense shaking and catastrophic damage in a region that was home to millions. The earthquake occurred along the North Anatolian Fault, a well-known seismic fault line that has been the site of significant tectonic activity. Affected areas included not only İzmit but also the surrounding cities, such as Adapazarı and Gölcük. Buildings collapsed, roads cracked, and infrastructure suffered immense damage, leaving many residents without shelter or basic services.The impact was profound and immediate, with emergency services overwhelmed by the scale of devastation. Rescue efforts began rapidly, with local authorities and international teams working to save those trapped under rubble and to provide medical care to the injured. In the days that followed, the scenes of destruction became emblematic of the disaster, as images of collapsed buildings and displaced families circulated around the globe. Despite the challenges in rescue operations, there were remarkable stories of survival that emerged amid the chaos. The tragedy united the nation in grief and galvanized efforts for better disaster preparedness and building regulations in the years that followed, leading to significant changes in policies regarding earthquake safety.