The earthquake that struck southwestern Turkey and neighboring Syria on February 6, 2023, left a trail of unimaginable devastation in its wake. With a magnitude of 7.8, it was one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in recent history, claiming the lives of over 50,000 people and injuring more than 30,000. The destruction was so severe that an estimated 70% of homes were reduced to rubble, leaving entire cities in ruins. The city of Antakya, the historic capital of Hatay province, bore the brunt of the disaster, as tectonic fault lines ruptured, causing the ground to violently shift and even liquefy in some areas. The quake’s aftermath forced most survivors to flee, leaving behind a landscape of despair and shattered lives.
In the face of this tragedy, the British architecture studio Foster + Partners stepped forward to undertake the monumental task of rebuilding Antakya. Following an initial six-week pro-bono strategic study, the studio, in collaboration with engineering consultant Buro Happold, transport planner Mic-hub, and Turkish practices DB Architects and KEYM Urban Renewal Centre, crafted a masterplan for the city’s urban revival. The plan focuses on a 30-square-kilometer area of Hatay’s capital district, with the aim of restoring Antakya’s cherished character while introducing modern, resilient infrastructure. The studio’s vision is not only to reconstruct the city but also to encourage displaced residents to return home by preserving the unique identity and spirit of their beloved city.
At the heart of this community-centric masterplan is a commitment to improving circulation, expanding open spaces, and creating new districts while enhancing connectivity between neighborhoods. Given that approximately 80% of Antakya’s buildings were damaged, the plan prioritizes the preservation of the few structures that survived the earthquake. Around these existing buildings, a new, efficient road hierarchy will be established, catering to public transport, pedestrians, and cyclists. The road network will follow the current pattern extending from Cumhuriyet Meydani, a central hub, while introducing strategic connections to promote walkability. Cumhuriyet Meydani itself will be transformed into a pedestrianized zone, reserved for public transport, fostering a sense of community and reducing congestion.
One of the most innovative aspects of the masterplan is its approach to natural environments and urban resilience. Foster + Partners has identified areas along the rivers that are prone to flooding and plans to create green buffers and soft edges to mitigate this risk. These buffers will not only provide space for water runoff but also enhance public spaces centered around nature. The Asi River edge, for instance, will be transformed into a vibrant river park north of Ataturk Park, offering residents accessible waterside retreats with stunning views of the old cityscape and the majestic mountains. This integration of natural beauty into the urban landscape is designed to create a more livable and sustainable city.
The masterplan also places a strong emphasis on earthquake resilience, recognizing the critical need for safe and durable structures in a region prone to seismic activity. Buildings across Antakya’s 13 newly identified districts will be designed with simplicity and practicality in mind, featuring rectangular forms of varying heights, adequate separation between structures, and the avoidance of setbacks and overhangs. Each district will have its own commercial hubs and high streets, evoking the city’s pre-earthquake fabric while ensuring that the new buildings are better equipped to withstand future quakes. Additionally, public plazas will serve dual purposes as emergency gathering spaces, with wide access routes for emergency vehicles and ample space for setting up shelters during crises.
As Antakya rebuilds, its rich history and cultural heritage remain at the forefront of the reconstruction efforts. The city, once known as Antioch, boasts a layered history dating back to 307 B.C., when it was founded by the ancient Greeks. Over the centuries, it grew into a major hub along the Silk Road, thriving under various empires before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire and later Turkey. Foster + Partners is committed to preserving this legacy by restoring archaeological and historic sites, such as the Uzun Bazaar and numerous churches, mosques, bathhouses, and synagogues. The masterplan aims to retain Antakya’s historic scale, facade rhythm, and dense street configurations, blending the old with the new to create a city that honors its past while embracing a fresh beginning.
The new Antakya will not only be a testament to resilience but also a beacon of hope for its residents. By focusing on accessibility, inclusivity, and community hubs, the masterplan seeks to revitalize neighborhood relationships and provide opportunities for residents to reconnect and rebuild their daily lives. New community plazas, playgrounds, and pocket parks will be scattered throughout the city, offering spaces for social interaction and cultural exchange. Ultimately, the reconstruction of Antakya is more than just a physical rebuild—it is a chance to heal, to remember, and to forge a brighter future for generations to come.
