In a message posted on his social media account, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated, "We will persist in our efforts until the last citizen whose residence has been demolished or left inhabitable returns to a secure home."
In his post, President Erdoğan noted that the anguish of those who perished in the Kahramanmaraş-centred earthquakes that occurred one year ago remains vivid in their hearts, just as it did on the first day of the earthquakes.
Wishing Allah's mercy upon each of the 53 thousand 537 people who lost their lives and extending condolences to their families and loved ones as well as the Turkish nation, Erdoğan said:
"I would like to reiterate my deepest sympathies for over 107 thousand of our citizens who were injured in the disaster of the century. I pray to Allah for a speedy recovery for our injured people who are still undergoing treatment. The devastation that took place in eleven of our provinces, which are among the most ancient settlements in the history of mankind, was truly immense. Such tremendous disasters and great suffering are also crucial moments that challenge a nation's unity, solidarity, and fraternity.
Thankfully, our nation has successfully overcome this painful and yet historical challenge. While our state promptly mobilised all available resources, Türkiye united as one and rushed to the aid of their fellow earthquake survivors, showcasing the solidarity of the century in the face of the disaster of the century.
Amidst grief, prayers, and the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah in remembrance of the souls lost, we are working diligently to keep the commitments we have made to our nation.
We will persist in this endeavour until our cities are reconstructed and recovered and until the last citizen whose residence has been demolished or left uninhabitable returns to a secure home.
May Allah not allow our country and nation to face such disasters again and protect us from similar hardships."
Director of Communications Altun's post
Presidency's Director of Communications Fahrettin Altun also commemorated the February 6 earthquakes centred in Kahramanmaraş via his social media account.
Recalling that a year has passed since the earthquake disaster that left people's hearts broken beyond words, Altun said, "I wish Allah's mercy on the 53,537 lives lost in the earthquakes, which have been described as the disaster of the century, a quick recovery for those who were wounded, and offer my heartfelt condolences to all our brothers and sisters who lost family members. May Allah Almighty shield our beautiful country and our august nation, which has shown the solidarity of the century, even in its darkest hours, from all perils and disasters.