Following two 7+ magnitude earthquakes in southeastern Turkey and northern Syria that have already taken the life of thousands, Gaziantep Castle, a 2,000-year-old castle and tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site, has also been badly damaged. Though rescuing survivors remains the most important effort, as the New York Times has reported, the castle’s damage speaks to concerns regarding the preservation of historic sites in a region “that has been a cultural crossroads for thousands of years.” The areas impacted by the earthquakes have been part of multiple empires including Hittite, Babylonian, Persian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, and Ottoman.
According to CNN, the castle, located in Gaziantep, Turkey, the city closest to earthquake’s center, collapsed after the first 7.8-magnitude quake shocked the region. Dating back to the Roman empire, around the second, third, and fourth centuries A.D., the structure was originally built as a lookout. It was expanded to its current form by Byzantine emperor Justinianus during the sixth century, according to Turkish Museums, which is run by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The structure is regarded for its unusual circular shape—spanning a diameter of about 328 feet—and its 12 towers. Most recently, the castle has been used to house the Gaziantep Defense and Heroism Panoramic Museum.
According to Andalou, a Turkish state-run news agency, the castle suffered extreme damage following the massive earthquakes. “Some of the bastions in the east, south, and southeast parts of the historical Gaziantep Castle in the central Şahinbey district were destroyed by the earthquake—the debris was scattered on the road,” the report stated.
How can you help?
As reported by Conde Nast Traveler, the best way to support rescuers and survivors in Turkey and Syria is through donations to global relief charities. To make a direct contribution, consider the following funds:
The Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) Foundation is a “a global medical relief organization that is working on the front lines of crisis relief in Syria, in neighboring countries, and beyond to save lives and alleviate suffering.” According to a recent press release, the organization is already mobilizing in affected areas and is currently looking for donations for trauma supplies and emergency aid. You can donate here.
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is on the ground in Syrian and Turkey and currently assessing damage of schools and water stations and assisting unaccompanied children. Donate to UNICEF here.
Oxfam fights global inequality, provides lifesaving aid during emergencies, and advocates for economic justice, gender equality, and climate action. The organization is currently providing aid to survivors and first responders. Donations to Oxfam are accepted here.
The Turkish Red Crescent deployed 240 staff and hundreds of volunteers to assist in response and recovery efforts. According to a recent press release, the organization is “mobilizing all our shelter, food, nutrition, and blood services capacity to the region.” In addition to monetary donations, which are accepted here, the humanitarian group, is also encouraging Turkish citizens to donate blood.
