As Turkey celebrated the 105th anniversary of the Turkish Grand National Assembly on National Sovereignty and Children's Day, a powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Istanbul near Silivri in the early afternoon. What began as a morning of ceremonial visits to Anıtkabir by officials with children transformed into a crisis situation with citizens fleeing to parks and open spaces. The earthquake, lasting 13 seconds, generated over 180 aftershocks throughout the day. Schools in Istanbul, Tekirdağ, and Yalova were closed for 1-2 days.
Interior Minister Yerlikaya reported 151 people injured from jumping from heights in panic. AFAD's Earthquake Science Council warned that more earthquakes may occur in the coming period. Seismologist Naci Görür emphasized that the "big Istanbul earthquake" remains a future threat.
Meanwhile, in Ankara, despite the governor's ban, CHP supporters broke through police barricades to march to Anıtkabir, following through on Özgür Özel's promise from the previous day.