My bella Antiochia

My beautiful Antiochian region, you are recovering as best you can from the seismic disasters suffered from February 6, 2023 onwards that have disfigured you.

As part of the second anniversary of the earthquakes that wiped out the Antioch region in southern Turkey from February 6, 2023, this photography exhibition shows the contrast between past and present. The region used to be synonymous with hospitality, refinement, gastronomy and dynamism. Today, the city is nothing but ruins and dust. Part of the population has left, while those who have remained survive as best they can.

Testimony to an unprecedented disaster, these few photos illustrate the complexity of this region. The destruction leaves gaping wounds and gives way to difficulties for the survivors who have chosen to remain living there, with remarkable resilience.

Although spared more than urban dwellers, many villagers have lost their homes, built with great sacrifice; most are condemned to stay in their containers or tents as they have no financial means to rebuild.

This selection of photos reflects only a tiny fraction of the changes undergone since February 2023, but is nonetheless representative of what can be seen. Above all, this exhibition helps us not to forget this region and is dedicated to the people who struggle every day to continue to live as dignified a life as possible.

Exhibition organized by Suat Istanbullu (suat.istanbullu@inalco.fr)