Understanding changes in urban dynamics and the discussions surrounding reconstruction process in post-earthquake Antakya

On February 6-7, 2023, the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş caused unprecedented destruction in Antakya, significantly altering the city's social, cultural, and physical fabric. This study aims to understand the transformations in Antakya's social and cultural structure following the earthquake and to examine the extent to which the local population's expectations, desires, and concerns align with the reconstruction process. Using qualitative research methods, fieldwork was conducted, and semi-structured interviews were carried out to investigate changes in the lives of residents before and after the earthquake, as well as their perspectives on the reconstruction process. Additionally, publications by the state and relevant institutions regarding the reconstruction process were analyzed to understand the planning framework, while discussions were further expanded through social media accounts, news websites, and YouTube videos. Findings indicate that, before the earthquake, Antakya was culturally, ethnically, and demographically diverse, supported by strong solidarity networks. The local population demonstrated a deep attachment to their neighborhoods and Antakya. However, the earthquake disrupted these social bonds, leading to fractures within the community. While the state's reserved area policy and centralized reconstruction, efforts helped restore the housing stock relatively quickly and met some expectations, non-participatory planning processes, reserved area policies, and uniform housing developments generated discontent among certain vii segments of the population. Issues such as loss of belonging, alienation, replacing use value with exchange value, the erasure of neighborhood boundaries, and uncertainties regarding property rights have been observed. In conclusion, while reconstruction efforts have accelerated the return to normalcy in Antakya, the "normal" being re- established appears to be a somewhat alienated reality for the local population. Keywords: Earthquake, Migration, Place Attachment and Identity, Reconstruction, Solidarity and Resistance, Spatial Justice and Right to the City.