Spatial Traces of Trauma: Changes in Home Perception in Young Individuals After the Twin Earthquakes

The devastating twin earthquakes that struck Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023, not only razed buildings and claimed tens of thousands of lives but also fundamentally reshaped the psychological landscape of survivors. A new study focusing on young individuals in Malatya, one of the hardest-hit provinces, reveals a profound transformation in their perception of "home." What was once a sanctuary of comfort, trust, and belonging has become a landscape marked by anxiety, fear, and loss, highlighting the deep psychological scars left by the disaster.

The Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes: A Catastrophe Unfolds

The seismic event on February 6, 2023, comprised two powerful earthquakes. The first, a magnitude 7.7 Mw tremor, struck the Pazarcık district of Kahramanmaraş. Approximately nine hours later, a second major earthquake, measuring 7.6 Mw, centered in Elbistan, further compounded the destruction. These "doublet earthquakes," a rare but highly destructive phenomenon, unleashed a wave of devastation across 11 provinces, with Malatya, Adıyaman, Gaziantep, and Hatay among the most severely affected.

Official figures paint a grim picture: over 53,500 lives lost, more than 107,000 injured, and approximately 1.5 million people displaced, left homeless. The sheer scale of destruction saw tens of thousands of buildings collapse or rendered uninhabitable. This unprecedented disaster created an immediate humanitarian crisis, demanding extensive rescue and relief efforts, and initiating a long and arduous journey towards recovery and reconstruction.

A Phenomenological Exploration of "Home"

The study, employing a phenomenological research design, delved into the lived experiences of young individuals aged 18-24 in Malatya. By analyzing their perceptions of "home" before and after the earthquakes, researchers aimed to understand the spatial, emotional, and social dimensions of this fundamental concept. The methodology involved gathering written responses to two core questions: "What did home mean to you before the earthquake?" and "What does home mean to you after the earthquake?" Thematic analysis was then used to identify patterns and shifts in meaning.

Before the Tremors: A Haven of Comfort and Belonging

Prior to the catastrophic earthquakes, the concept of home for these young individuals was deeply intertwined with positive associations. It was a multifaceted space embodying:

• Comfort and Relief: Home was described as a personal sanctuary, a retreat from the stresses of daily life, a place for physical and emotional rejuvenation. It was where one could "evaporate" daily fatigue and find a "harbor." Participants spoke of feeling most comfortable and at ease within its familiar walls, a space for release and uninhibited self-expression.
• Trust and Solidity: The physical structure of the home was perceived as inherently secure. Thick walls, known rooms, and familiar objects provided a sense of safety and stability, akin to a "baby in its mother’s arms." It was seen as an enduring entity, something that "would always stay in place and never shake." This physical security directly translated into emotional reassurance and a bedrock of peace.
• Shared Space of Family and Community: Home was not just an individual’s private domain but a vibrant hub of social interaction. It was the setting for family gatherings, shared meals, intimate conversations, and the simple joys of everyday togetherness. Neighborhood encounters and the warmth of familiar faces contributed to a broader sense of community that extended from the home.
• Belonging and Identity: The feeling of belonging was intrinsically linked to home. It was the place where individuals felt rooted, recognized, and connected to life. Home served as an extension of the self, a haven of refuge, and a private space for introspection. This sense of rootedness was crucial for the development of place identity and a stable sense of self.
• Daily Life and Routine: Home was the stage for the predictable rhythms of daily life. It was where habits were formed, routines were enacted, and family roles were played out. The ease of accessing necessities like food and a warm shower, and the freedom to relax without worry, were integral to the concept of home as a place of normalcy and control.

After the Earthquakes: A Landscape of Trauma and Uncertainty

The February 6th earthquakes shattered these established meanings, replacing them with a starkly different emotional and spatial reality. The thematic analysis revealed a dramatic shift across all dimensions:

• Loss of Comfort and Insomnia: The earthquake transformed home from a site of relaxation into a source of fear and vigilance. The comfort and peace associated with home were replaced by anxiety, sleeplessness, and a pervasive sense of unease. The sound of aftershocks, the constant prayer for safety, and the fear of collapse disrupted any possibility of rest, turning the home into a place of dread. Participants expressed a desire to escape, with some even preferring to live in caravans, indicating a profound aversion to their former dwelling.
• Insecurity and Fear Replaces Trust: The physical solidity that once defined home was annihilated. Homes were no longer perceived as safe havens but as potential threats. Every structural element became a source of anxiety, with constant fear of collapse. This loss of trust extended beyond the immediate dwelling, fostering a general distrust of buildings. The home, once a symbol of security, became a place where "we have no security and always live in fear of it collapsing on us." The metaphor of the house as a potential "grave" underscored the depth of this existential fear.
• Isolated Space of Loss and Silence Replaces Shared Life: The vibrant social fabric of home was torn apart. Homes that once echoed with laughter and conversation became silent spaces marked by absence and loss. The destruction of neighborhoods and the death of loved ones left behind a void, transforming spaces of joy into sites of collective dread. The weakening of friendships and the retreat into solitude reflected a broader social dislocation.
• Longing Replaces Belonging: The profound sense of belonging previously felt within the home was replaced by an aching longing. Participants missed the sensory details of their former lives – the sounds of family meals, music, and childhood play. The loss of home was not just the loss of a physical structure but the disappearance of a lived world, a memory-filled environment that had once been an intrinsic part of their identity. The inability to recapture the old sense of belonging left them feeling lost and disoriented.
• Need for Shelter Replaces Daily Life: The earthquake fundamentally altered the function of home. The ordinariness of daily routines was disrupted, and the home was reduced to its most basic function: shelter. The emphasis shifted from comfort and aesthetics to mere survival. The realization that even seemingly robust structures could collapse instilled a deep sense of impermanence. What was once taken for granted – the walls, the routines, the very concept of a stable home – was revealed to be fragile and ephemeral. The home became less a place for living and more a place to endure.

Extending Place Attachment Theory in Disaster Contexts

The study’s findings offer a critical extension to existing theories of place attachment. While foundational models, such as Scannell and Gifford’s (2010) "person-process-place" framework, highlight the multidimensional nature of attachment (affective, cognitive, behavioral), this research demonstrates that in the aftermath of catastrophic events, attachment is not simply weakened; it is fundamentally reconfigured.

The "process-emotional" dimension, in particular, was profoundly impacted. Feelings of security and peace were supplanted by anxiety, fear, and insomnia. This suggests that in disaster contexts, attachment becomes a fragile, trauma-inflected, and ambivalent experience. The home, once a stable site of security and belonging, transforms into a vulnerable space marked by rupture and existential insecurity.

Broader Implications for Recovery and Policy

The insights gleaned from this study carry significant implications for post-disaster recovery efforts. It underscores the critical need for interventions that extend beyond mere housing repair. The profound psychological and social disruption experienced by survivors, particularly young individuals, demands comprehensive, community-based support systems.

• Psychosocial Support: Restoring a sense of security and belonging requires robust mental health services. Trauma-informed care, counseling, and group therapy can help individuals process their grief, anxiety, and loss.
• Restoring Collective Memory: The destruction of homes also signifies the erasure of shared memories and social narratives. Initiatives that facilitate the preservation and sharing of collective memory, through storytelling, community events, and memorialization, can help rebuild the emotional and social fabric of affected communities.
• Rebuilding Everyday Continuity: The disruption of daily routines and social interactions has a profound impact on well-being. Efforts to re-establish community spaces, support social networks, and facilitate the resumption of everyday activities are crucial for fostering a renewed sense of normalcy and belonging.
• Housing Policies: Future housing policies must not only prioritize structural integrity but also consider the psychological and social dimensions of home. Designs that foster community interaction, provide private spaces for reflection, and incorporate elements of resilience and safety are essential for long-term recovery.

The study’s dedication to those lost in the earthquakes serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of such disasters. By understanding the deep and multifaceted impact on the concept of "home," policymakers, aid organizations, and communities can work towards a more holistic and empathetic approach to rebuilding lives and fostering resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. The spatial traces of trauma are etched not only on the physical landscape but deep within the human psyche, and healing requires addressing both.