THE ROLE OF GREEN SPACES IN POST-DISASTER RECOVERY: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY AMONG MIGRANT SURVIVORS OF THE 6 FEBRUARY EARTHQUAKES IN EDİRNE, TÜRKİYE

Authors : Emel Baylan, Eylem Akgül Yalçin, Zelal Özcan

Pages : 27-35

Doi:10.56629/paud.1699744

View : 76 | Download : 35

Publication Date : 2025-06-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Post-disaster migration detaches individuals not only from their homes but also from their surrounding environments and the social bonds established within these spaces. In this context, green spaces can provide psychosocially restorative contributions during the post-earthquake migration process through their functions that support social and spatial attachment for displaced survivors in their new living environments. This study aims to explore the potential effects of green space experiences on the psychosocial recovery processes of a group of earthquake survivors who migrated to Edirne following the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. Within the scope of the study, an exploratory exploratory survey was conducted with 22 earthquake survivors residing in Edirne to assess their levels of green space experience, place attachment, and social resilience. 77% percent of the participants reported using parks and green areas as reference points for establishing a connection with place and navigating within the city, while 68% stated that they had access to areas in Edirne where they could experience contact with nature. Furthermore, positive and moderate correlations were identified between green space experience and both place attachment (~0.50) and social resilience (~0.54). These findings suggest that green spaces should be considered not only as spatial or ecological assets but also as potential psychosocial resources.
Keywords : yere bağlılık, sosyal dirençlilik, afet sonrası, deprem, Yeşil alanlar

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