5Istanbul, Turkey
Few travellers walking beside the Bosphorus realise that Istanbul sits close to one of the world’s most important active fault systems.
The North Anatolian Fault extends across northern Turkey and passes beneath the Sea of Marmara, close to the metropolitan area of Istanbul.
The main concern is not simply whether a large earthquake can occur, but the enormous population, dense development and large number of older buildings across the city.
Some districts have modern earthquake-resistant construction, while others contain much older buildings built before newer seismic standards were introduced.
This does not mean travellers should avoid Istanbul. Millions visit safely every year. However, choosing well-maintained modern accommodation and knowing basic earthquake procedures is sensible.
Traveller tip: Avoid assuming that an expensive or centrally located hotel is automatically earthquake-resistant. Newer professionally constructed buildings may offer an additional level of reassurance.
