The 5 biggest earthquake disasters in the Middle East in history
After the two major earthquake disasters that Türkiye experienced in Kahramanmaras, search and rescue efforts continue. Kahramanmaras-centered earthquake affected 10 provinces in Türkiye and north of Syria. The earthquake also struck historical buildings. Many earthquakes have occurred throughout history, such as this earthquake, which is described as the 'disaster of the century'. Here are some of the worst earthquakes to occur in the Middle East…
Aleppo, Syria (1138)
The earthquake that took place in Aleppo, Syria on October 11, 1138, was recorded as one of the most severe earthquakes in history. According to the Egyptian historian Ibn Taghribirdi, approximately 230,000 people died in this disaster.
This earthquake caused a disaster for the first time, affecting the regions of northern Syria and western Türkiye. The Aleppo earthquake also affected historical places in the region. Aleppo Citadel was also severely damaged in this earthquake.
Damgan, Iran (856)
One of the most severe earthquakes in the history of the world was recorded as the Damgan earthquake that occurred in the north of Iran. The 7.9 magnitude earthquake that took place in the Elburz region of Iran on 22 December 856 affected the capital city of Damgan, the capital of Iran's Kimizs province, and the surrounding regions and had devastating results.
Antakya, Turkey (526)
One of the most devastating earthquakes Türkiye has ever seen occurred in the Byzantine city of Antakya at that time. The earthquake in 526 destroyed many buildings. Although the Byzantine Emperor Junstinian made efforts to rebuild the city, the city was plundered by the Persians 10 years later.
Depiction of the Seleucid Palace destroyed in the 526 earthquake
Jordan Valley, Palestine (1033)
One of the largest earthquakes in history occurred in the Jordan Valley. Many settlements were affected by the earthquake that destroyed a large part of the Levant region. The magnitude of the earthquake is estimated to be between 6.7 and 7.1. At least 70,000 people died in the earthquake.
Cairo, Egypt (1754)
Tens of thousands of people lost their lives in this earthquake in Cairo, Egypt. This devastating earthquake was 6.6 magnitude and is estimated to have killed 40,000 people. The Saint Catherine Monastery on the Sinai Peninsula, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, was also severely damaged in this earthquake in 1754.
Saint Catherine's Monastery
