30 Jun Rebuilding Education in Hatay, Türkiye: Ensuring Inclusion and Equity Post-Earthquake Recovery

Ece Eroglu

Sciences Po, Paris, France

E-mail: ece.eroglu@sciencespo.fr.

Abstract

On February 6 and 20, 2023, devastating earthquakes struck southern and central Türkiye and northern Syria. These earthquakes resulted in high fatalities and catastrophic infrastructural damage. Hatay was one of the most affected provinces and faced severe educational disruptions: schools were destroyed, students were displaced, and access to quality education was restricted. These circumstances entrenched pre-existing societal inequalities, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups such as low-income students, displaced children, and students with disabilities. This policy report explores institutional and policy frameworks to enable an effective and equitable educational recovery in Hatay. It argues that post disaster education policies should go beyond reconstruction projects and seek a progressive approach. Structural inequalities should be addressed through inclusive strategies, aiming for long-term resilience. Combining a coordinated multi-level governance with sustainable support mechanisms, Hatay can be “built back better”, ensuring that education in the region thrives even more inclusive, resilient, and accessible than before.

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Keywords: Sustainable Development Goal 4, Earthquake, Hatay, Education, Recovery, Inclusiveness, Equit