Why Fertile Crescent was so
furious? Time Stopped. Birds Silenced.
I would like to express my
deepest condolences to the lost lives at the gigantic quadruple earthquakes in
south east of Türkiye. I wish a steady recovery to injured, and endurance to
the families, relatives, and friends.
As the first wave struck the
region in the early hours of 6th Feb we were awakened by calls far reaching
us from each and every corner of the world. The 3 Turkish District governors we
met online discussed our 5 phase plan and decided to communicate details to our
Rotary family. Devastation became vivid as the sun rose. Suddenly the earth
trembled once again to overwhelm what little was left behind as standing. As
the day came to an end the sun was setting in dismay. 10 cities were wiped off
from the map with roughly 150,000 buildings either collapsed or in unliveable
condition.
During our visit to the region
we have witnessed how homes must have floated on liquid earth on which lasting
durability was impossible. One of the most rundown cities was historic Antakya where once stood synagogues,
churches and mosques together in a vibrant atmosphere. Now they have fallen
together. We noticed a disturbing silence while walking among the rubble. A
total noiselessness and stillness was crucial to the relief teams to detect the
slightest sound of the victims. From time to time awkward noise of the rumbling
excavators were breaking the quietness.
Local as well as foreign
rescue units were operating round the clock to be able to get through and save
lives. Their stretched strength were regenerated while pulling out live
victims. Our admiration and gratitude goes to those who have spent endless days
and nights in bitter cold.
Walking in the city of Antakya
our eyes were seeing an inconceivable shattered landscape yet our minds were
having difficulty to envision and accept the reality. Cities, towns, villages,
homes, streets it was the same shocking scenes all over. As if a world war has
just happened that resulted in an indescribable destruction.
Adıyaman splendid city of the Komagene Empire BCE 160. Remembering
just 4 months back the Rotary Family were parading the streets with polio
banners. Citizens cheering with delight, applauding the traditional climb to
mount Nemrut with our handicapped friends. Listening to heart breaking Jamal
Aliev concert in front of the gigantic statues. Now noting has survived from
the same joyful shops, lights, flags and colourful people.
We noticed the cities only
standing architecture. The famous clock tower seized to operate at 04.17. Just
as the tremor reached its location the power was cut off. The tower resisted
the earthquake and the upheaval of the ground more than 1 minute. Its strong
bedrock and design protected the column from a total collapse. In front of this
magnificent architecture I was standing with tiers in my eyes. Thoughts were
racing in my conscious mentality. I wanted to believe that the tower stopped
the time so not to witness the events about to take place in the next minute.
Did not want to be the hearer of cries, onlooker to the agony and viewer of the
catastrophe. The clock tower anticipated that stopping time may have prevented
what is to happen. Unfortunately standing upright the tower had to face the
reality. Nature behaved as expected without warning in ferocity. I wish that
the clock on this magnificent tower never functions again. May be it will continue
to reflect the consequences of atrocious human interaction with the
environment.
We saw birds not knowing where
to perch. Their nests destroyed together with those homes where people lived
and used to feed them. Will they ever sing again?
Adana acclaimed, distinguished city of the ancient crescent. Where
the original citrus tree flourishes to this day from which lemons, oranges,
mandarins emerged. It was the season for ripe fruits to be picked. However the
trees suddenly dropped their fruits not because of the big shake. Earth’s
shudder was so immense that it meant end of life to the trees. Thus they delivered
their off springs to outraged mother earth before it’s too late for new
siblings to grow.
We have talked to the victims
who sought shelter at Rotary tent and container camps. Their despair never
reflected in their eyes. Their stance unique to Anatolian culture was placing
all the suffering down in their heaths. Thanking to Rotary Family for providing
imminent humanitarian help and protection.
“You have delivered us the
most needed goods we are grateful for your perseverance”
“In return we only convey our
prayers to be felt by those who have a great affection and love for humanity”
They invited me and my wife
Belgin to a tent and offered us a glass of newly brewed Turkish tee. We inhaled
the beautiful aroma and sipped in traditional respect. Within every drop our
emotions ran wild, feeling the grievance they had endured. Yet their
hospitality never diminishes. Thus I would like to deliver all their blessings
to our graceful family.
Well Fertile Crescent home to
civilisations for 1000s of years delivers its beauty in full scale. We the
human kind, not only we should interpret and decipher the signs communicated to
us but also need to take serious action if we desire to continue living on this amazing
planet.
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