Istanbul sits in an earthquake zone, and experts expect a large quake in the Marmara region at some point. For a visitor, the chance of being in one during a short trip is small, but a few simple steps cost nothing. Check your hotel’s exits, know the drop, cover and hold routine, and follow official advice from AFAD, Türkiye’s disaster agency, if the ground shakes.
Last checked: 26 October 2026. We could not find an official AFAD guide for tourists in English, so the steps below come from AFAD-led drills and news reports. This guide is not a substitute for official instructions during an emergency.
How big is the earthquake risk in Istanbul?
News reports quote experts who put the chance of a major quake in the region over the next 30 years at roughly 60%, and some seismologists expect a magnitude 7 or higher. Reports also describe about 1.5 million buildings in the wider area as at risk in a large quake. A magnitude 6.2 earthquake near Silivri, reported by BirGün, caused strong aftershocks and sent many residents to open areas. These figures come from press reports and expert comments, not from a single official forecast, and nobody can predict the date.
Most visitors never feel a significant quake. Treat the risk as a reason to prepare, not a reason to cancel.
How to choose a hotel with earthquake safety in mind
You cannot inspect a building, but you can ask. Before you book or when you arrive:
- Ask the hotel when the building was built and whether it was strengthened or renovated.
- Prefer a lower floor if you are nervous, so you can reach the street quickly.
- Look at the corridor and stairwell on arrival. Count the doors between your room and the stairs.
- Check that the stairs are free of boxes or locked doors.
- Note whether the hotel has a visible emergency plan.
This is general safety advice, not an official rating of any building. Our where to stay guide compares areas.
What to do during an earthquake
The AFAD drills described in Turkish media teach three steps: drop, cover and hold on. A Daily Sabah report on AFAD drop, cover, hold drills describes them. Based on those sources:
- Drop to the ground, then take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on to it.
- Protect your head and neck.
- Stay inside until the shaking stops. Running outside risks falling debris.
- Keep away from windows and exterior walls.
What to do after the shaking stops
- Expect aftershocks. Watch for gas smells and damaged walls.
- Leave a building by the stairs if it looks damaged or unsafe. Do not use a lift.
- Use your phone only for emergencies, as the Istanbul Governorship asked residents to do after the Silivri quake.
- Call 112 for emergencies.
- Follow instructions from authorities.
Assembly areas exist: AFAD data shows about 3,000 designated assembly areas in Istanbul. Reports after the Silivri quake found that some were hard to reach because of construction, and engineers said fewer met the required criteria. Ask your hotel where to go instead of assuming.
Official sources and your embassy
- AFAD is the official disaster agency.
- US citizens can enrol in the free STEP programme. Our Istanbul for Americans guide explains it.
- Keep your travel insurance details and your embassy’s emergency number in your phone. Our first-time visitor tips list other basics.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to visit Istanbul because of earthquakes?
Most trips pass without any significant quake. The region has a long-term risk, so preparing is sensible.
Should I avoid old buildings when I stay?
Age alone does not decide safety, because older buildings can be strengthened. Ask the hotel about renovation and the exits.
Is there an earthquake warning app?
We could not confirm which official app to recommend. Check AFAD’s website for its current tools.
How we wrote this guide: we used news reports and AFAD-related coverage and kept only claims they support. We use AI tools to help research and draft, and an editor reviews each guide. See our Editorial Policy. Spotted an error? Use the contact page.
