Social and Cultural Foundations of Earthquake-Based Disaster Risk Perception: A Field Study in Bandirma

Disaster risk management focuses on strategies to understand, reduce, and transfer risks, enhancing preparedness, response, and recovery efforts at both local and national levels. In Turkey, public perceptions of earthquake risk, particularly following the 1999 Marmara earthquake, which still poses a significant threat, have shaped disaster response efforts and policies over the years. However, the 2023 Maraş-Antakya earthquake revealed persistent preparedness gaps, indicating the need for continuous improvement. This mixed-method study, conducted in the Bandırma district of Balıkesir province with 467 questionnaires and 20 in-depth interviews, aims to examine the perceptions and awareness of residents regarding earthquake-related disasters, understand the social and cultural foundations of disaster awareness, and contribute to efforts to increase sensitivity and reduce disaster impacts. The study sheds light on the need for disaster management policies that promote both individual and collective preparedness at personal and institutional levels, combining cultural, educational, and structural strategies with participatory urban planning to strengthen resilience.