School principal remembers Azerbaijan’s support after Türkiye’s deadliest quake Photo

The principal of the Heydar Aliyev Primary School in Türkiye’s Kahramanmaraş province has expressed deep gratitude to Azerbaijan’s leadership and people for their extensive support following the devastating earthquake that struck Türkiye on February 6, 2023.

School principal Murat Demirci said the disaster claimed the lives of 238 students and four teachers, while the school building was completely destroyed. Prior to the earthquake, the school had more than 1,200 enrolled students, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media. 

Demirci described the scale of the tragedy and its lasting impact on the region, noting that Kahramanmaraş suffered some of the most severe destruction.

"This terrible catastrophe dealt a severe blow to every family in Kahramanmaraş, both physically and morally. The most extensive destruction was recorded in the city center. Following the support provided by brotherly Azerbaijan, and at the request of the residents of Kahramanmaras, it was decided to name the school after the great leader Heydar Aliyev. In addition, the Onikisubat district, where our school building was located, was also renamed the Azerbaijan district. This is a tribute to the sincere support of our brothers. The greatest assistance we received came precisely from the people and leadership of Azerbaijan. For this, I express my gratitude both to President Ilham Aliyev and to the Azerbaijani people," he said.

According to Demirci, Türkiye continues to face the long-term consequences of what he described as a “disaster of the century,” with recovery efforts extending beyond physical reconstruction.

"Students also require long-term psychological support. At the same time, these trials have made us stronger. We are raising children in a spirit of optimism and commitment to Turkish national values," he emphasised.

The February 6, 2023 earthquake remains one of the deadliest natural disasters in Türkiye’s modern history, prompting an unprecedented international response, including large-scale humanitarian assistance from Azerbaijan.

By Sabina Mammadli