Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attended a major ceremony in Malatya on Saturday, marking the delivery of the 300,000th home constructed for earthquake victims and the inauguration of dozens of new investments across the province.

Speaking at the event, Erdoğan recalled the devastation caused by the February 6, 2023 earthquakes, which struck 11 provinces and claimed the lives of 53,737 people.

Highlighting the government’s rebuilding efforts, Erdoğan said: “Today in Malatya, we are handing over the keys to the 300,000th home. As of today, we have delivered their new homes to two out of every three eligible citizens in the earthquake zone.”

He added that the government aims to complete 453,000 independent units by the end of the year, stressing that the reconstruction drive will continue until every earthquake survivor has a new home and workplace.

During the ceremony, Erdoğan also inaugurated 41 completed projects across Malatya, with a combined investment value of 5.94 billion lira. He said these projects would give the city “a whole new look” and contribute to its long-term recovery and development.

Turning to national security issues, the President underlined Türkiye’s determination to eliminate threats of terrorism and foreign meddling.

“As we approach our goals, we see that the intensity of the attacks has also begun to increase. Those who thrive on bloodshed, conflict, and instability have accelerated their campaigns in recent times. We are prepared for any dark scenario. We will not fall into the trap that is being set for us.”

Erdoğan said Türkiye would not allow its future to be sacrificed to “imperialist games,” stressing that the government remains committed to building a terror-free country where no household suffers grief.

Reaffirming his vision for unity, Erdoğan declared that Türkiye’s resilience would only strengthen in the face of challenges: “By tearing down the wall of terror that looms over our children's lives, our struggle to consolidate our internal front will continue with the same determination. Our brotherhood will grow stronger, our affection will increase, and our solidarity will, inshallah, be cemented. New windows will open before Türkiye and our region.”

The ceremony in Malatya symbolized not only the government’s ongoing reconstruction efforts in quake-hit provinces but also Erdoğan’s broader message of resilience, unity, and national strength. (ILKHA)