The strong earthquake hit Istanbul with a magnitude of 6.2, Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) reported.
The quake, which occurred during a public holiday, sent people rushing out of buildings in fear.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake struck at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers.
Its epicenter was located in the Sea of Marmara, approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Istanbul.
AFAD stated that the main quake was preceded by a 3.9 magnitude tremor at 12:13 p.m. and was followed by several aftershocks, including one measuring 5.3.
Authorities urged residents to stay away from buildings, as the tremor was felt across neighboring regions.
The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality said in a statement on social media that there were “no serious cases” following the quake.
Kemal Çebi, mayor of Istanbul’s Kucukcekmece district, told broadcaster NTV there were “no negative developments yet,” although he noted traffic congestion and the vulnerability of many densely situated buildings in the area.
Local broadcaster TGRT reported that one person was injured after jumping from a balcony during the quake.
Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said preliminary inspections showed no damage to highways, airports, railways, or subways.
Earthquakes are common in Turkey, which sits on two major fault lines.
In February 2023, a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake and a powerful aftershock caused extensive destruction in southern and southeastern Turkey, killing more than 53,000 people.
An additional 6,000 fatalities were reported in northern Syria.
Although Istanbul was largely spared in that disaster, the recent quake has reignited concerns about the city’s vulnerability to a similar catastrophic event in the future.