Galeria Life Center to Redevelop Diyarbakir Site of 2023 Earthquake Tragedy

89 kişinin hayatını kaybettiği 2023’teki trajik Diyarbakır depreminin gerçekleştiği yer yeniden geliştirilecek. Galeria Yaşam Merkezi adlı yeni proje, bölgeyi modern bir yerleşim ve ticaret merkezine dönüştürürken mağdurların anısını koruyacak. Karar, mülk sahiplerinin dikkatli değerlendirmesi ve Çevre, Şehircilik ve İklim Değişikliği Bakanlığı’nın onayı sonrasında geldi.

Details of the Decision

On February 6, 2023, a devastating earthquake struck Diyarbakir, collapsing one of the blocks at the Galeria Site and killing 89 people. The remaining blocks were deemed unsafe and were demolished in a controlled operation soon after the disaster. In the wake of the tragedy, the Galeria Property Owners Platform, which consists of 200 members, was formed to represent the rights of the property owners and determine the future of the 6-acre site.

The platform worked closely with city planners, architects, and government officials to come up with a solution that would honor the victims while ensuring the future development of the land. Their collective decision was to pursue on-site transformation, preserving the memory of those who lost their lives in the disaster. The proposal to rebuild the area as a residential and commercial complex was approved by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change.

As a tribute to the victims, the new development will be named Galeria Life Center. This name was chosen to ensure that the tragic history of the site is remembered while moving forward with a positive vision for the future. The redevelopment project represents both the resilience of the community and their determination to rebuild the area in a way that preserves its significance.

New Development Plan

The redevelopment of the Galeria Site will involve the construction of 268 residential units and 177 commercial spaces. This includes a two-story shopping mall that will provide a central space for residents and visitors. The complex will be made up of four nine-story buildings, designed to meet modern safety standards and provide a blend of living and commercial spaces. The goal is to create a vibrant and sustainable community in the heart of Diyarbakir.

The building permit is expected to be issued soon, with construction slated to begin shortly after. The entire project is designed to blend functionality with modern aesthetics, ensuring that the new Galeria Life Center becomes a key part of Diyarbakir’s urban landscape. It will offer high-quality living spaces while supporting the local economy through its commercial zones.

A Tribute to the Victims

Ender Budak, spokesperson for the Galeria Property Owners Platform, emphasized the importance of preserving the site’s name and honoring those who died in the earthquake. “This land carries the memory of our loved ones. Naming it Galeria Life Center ensures that their legacy lives on while we build a future for new generations,” Budak said during a press conference. He added that the redevelopment plan is not only about rebuilding structures but also about healing the emotional wounds left by the disaster.

The Galeria Life Center will include memorial spaces where residents and visitors can reflect on the tragedy. These areas are intended to offer a sense of closure and respect for those affected by the earthquake. Budak stressed that the development will stand as a symbol of resilience and recovery, showing the strength of the community in the face of adversity.

Importance of On-Site Transformation

The decision to pursue on-site transformation instead of relocating the project was a critical aspect of the plan. Many residents and property owners were in favor of preserving the land’s connection to its history. The Galeria Property Owners Platform fought hard to retain control over the land and ensure that any redevelopment would respect the memories of those lost. By keeping the project on-site, the community can rebuild without forgetting the events that shaped the area.

Additionally, the new development plan aligns with the government’s broader objectives of urban renewal and safety improvements. Following the earthquake, safety has been a top priority for all new construction projects in Turkey, and the Galeria Life Center will be built to the highest standards. This includes earthquake-resistant design elements and strict compliance with safety regulations.

A New Beginning with Respect for the Past

The redevelopment of the Galeria Site into the Galeria Life Center is more than just a construction project. It is a symbol of resilience and a commitment to preserving the memory of the 89 lives lost during the 2023 earthquake. The new development will provide homes and businesses for the future, but it will also serve as a lasting tribute to those affected by the tragedy.

As the building permit is processed and construction begins, the people of Diyarbakir can look forward to a new chapter for the Galeria Site—one that blends remembrance with progress. The Galeria Life Center will stand as a testament to the strength and unity of the community, ensuring that the memory of the earthquake is preserved even as the city moves forward.

Source : SonDakika Haber