The politics of land management after disasters

The case of post-earthquake reconstruction in Türkiye

Bibliographic Data

ID15308249
AuthorsFatma Özdoğan (0009-0006-1666-5746, Université de Montréal, corresponding author), Gonzalo Lizarralde (0000-0001-6645-9269, Université de Montréal), Benjamin Herazo (0000-0001-8605-8147, Université de Montréal)
Year2024
Volume33
Issue5
Pages535-560
Publication date2024-07-20
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueDisaster Prevention and Management An International Journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0965-3562 • E-ISSN: 1758-6100
PublisherEmerald Publishing Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1108/dpm-12-2023-0320
OpenAlexW4400856869
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited39

Purpose In this paper, we explore the impact of land management practices on post-disaster housing, to draw lessons from the case of reconstruction in Türkiye. Design/methodology/approach We conducted two qualitative case studies of two reconstruction experiences following the 2020 Elazığ and İzmir earthquakes. We analyzed 70 articles, technical reports and press releases and then used a set of policy analysis tools to examine five policy documents in depth. Finally, we wanted to understand how key officers interpreted these policy documents, so we closely analyzed the transcripts of eight semi-structured interviews. Findings Türkiye’s legal framework comprises five main policies that concentrate power in the central government and are not tailored to post-disaster reconstruction. This framework facilitates the construction of rubber-stamped apartment buildings, which disregard cultural and social contexts and practices. The current reconstruction policy neglects alternative options like cooperative housing, which could better respond to communal needs and expectations. It also often leads to the loss of land rights among affected residents. Research limitations/implications We only analyzed decision-making processes in two case studies and based our study on a limited number of interviews. Therefore, it is difficult to generalize our results and apply them to other contexts. Further quantitative and qualitative work is necessary to conceptualize the links between land management and post-disaster housing reconstruction. Practical implications Our findings suggest a need for legislative frameworks specifically designed to address land management during post-disaster reconstruction. The concentration of power in central governments is problematic, thus it remains crucial to empower local authorities by reinforcing technical expertise and facilitating administrative autonomy. Originality/value This study offers unique insights into how power relations influence land management practices in post-disaster housing reconstruction. Examining the centralization of power and its impact on cultural and social practices identifies common forms of dispossession and points to key areas for policy improvement

Emergency management · Forensic engineering · Geography · Political science · Politics · Seismology · Disaster Management and Resilience · Engineering · History · Law · Geology