The awareness conference “Living with Earthquake”, organized in collaboration between the Kırşehir Governorship and Ahi Evran University, was held on May 2, 2025, at the 15 July National Will Hall of Ahi Evran University Congress and Culture Center. The event was attended by Kırşehir Governor Murat Sefa Demiryürek, Rector of Kırşehir Ahi Evran University Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil, Deputy Governor Alper Balcı, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Musa Özata and Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Şimşek, Kırşehir Provincial Director of Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) Uğur Olgun, AFAD volunteers, the search and rescue volunteer team (GEA), members of the Ministry of National Education AKUB search and rescue unit, as well as academic and administrative staff and numerous students.
Kırşehir AFAD Provincial Director Uğur Olgun, who made the opening speech, emphasized that disasters are not only destructive natural events but also a test of social unity, stating: “Earthquakes challenge every individual and society; however, it is solidarity and unity that keep us standing. The major earthquakes in our country have caused us deep pain, but they have also shown us how to recover. The 1999 earthquake made us aware of our shortcomings in disaster preparedness and led to the establishment of volunteer search and rescue teams. The earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023, affected more than 13 million of our citizens across 11 provinces. During this process, volunteers played a vital role in providing shelter, psychological support, and aid, offering a powerful example of solidarity. More resilient societies are only possible through strong awareness and volunteerism.”
Following the speech by the Provincial Director of AFAD, a video presentation was shown to the participants, featuring the efforts and visits of Kırşehir Governor Murat Sefa Demiryürek to the disaster zones during the February 6 earthquakes. The video evoked strong emotions in the auditorium.
Following, Governor Murat Sefa Demiryürek took the podium and emphasized the importance of public awareness and preparedness for disasters in his speech, stating: “Earthquakes are an unavoidable reality for countries like Turkiye, located on active fault lines. However, the real issue is how we live with this reality, how we prepare, and how we act together. The earthquakes of February 6, 2023, did not just destroy buildings—they shattered lives. Yet, those dark days also showed how we united as a nation and healed each other’s wounds. Volunteer organizations like GEA Search and Rescue emerged as heroes, bringing hope to humanity during this process. I express my gratitude to all GEA volunteers, especially in the presence of Umut Dinçşahin. This conference is not only important for knowledge sharing but also for spreading awareness of solidarity and responsibility in the face of disasters throughout society.”
Later, Umut Dinçşahin, the Coordinator of GEA Search and Rescue, Ecology, and Humanitarian Aid Group, was invited to the stage. Dinçşahin informed the participants about GEA’s intervention processes during disasters at both national and international levels, its volunteer-based structure, and its educational activities on disaster awareness, and explained the necessary actions to take during emergencies. The conference, aiming to increase public awareness of disasters and strengthen solidarity based on volunteerism, attracted great interest from participants and was successfully concluded.
At the end of the program, Kırşehir Governor Murat Sefa Demiryürek presented a plaque of appreciation to Umut Dinçşahin. The event concluded with a group photo taken with all speakers and participants.
