The Effect of place attachment and fatalism on the decision to stay after the earthquake: The Hatay example

The February 2023 earthquake in Hatay, Turkey, inflicted severe physical damage and profound emotional distress, leading many residents to grapple with their connection to the community. In this qualitative study with 22 participants from Hatay, the complex relationship between place attachment and fatalism when remaining in the catastrophe area was explored. Through thematic analysis of in-depth interviews, a rich tapestry of insights was uncovered regarding the significance of belonging to people (family and friends, the graves of their lost ones, and memories), belonging to culture (multicultural structure, indulgence and character of the community, feeling at home and the place a person was born, cuisine, history, and fear of losing cultural identity), and belonging to the environment (memories in Hatay and nature). Strong connections to the local environment, including memories tied to specific locations and the natural landscape, were found to deeply influence residents' decisions to stay. The concept of fatalism is also examined. Some of them emphasized the importance of their actions in supporting Hatay's rehabilitation and restoration, while others viewed their situation as fate. The importance of encouraging community involvement by providing forums for locals to participate in conversations about reconstructing their homes is underscored by this study. Cultural history must also be preserved since it creates a feeling of identity and strengthens ties within the community. Ultimately, this research contributes to a broader understanding of identity, agency, and community responses to crises, offering valuable lessons for future disaster management initiatives.