Türkiye Builds Bomb Shelter Network After Israel-Iran War

Türkiye has started building bomb shelters across the country.

The Ankara authorities made the decision to create shelters following the war between Israel and Iran. This was reported by Middle East Eye, citing a source familiar with the plans.

According to the interlocutor, in June, at a cabinet meeting, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan approved the project.

The construction is being overseen by the Turkish Housing Development Administration (TOKI).

The document mentioned using underground metro stations as potential shelters. It also included measures aimed at reducing risks for the civilian population in the event of a regional conflict. The government paid particular attention to the Israeli experience, where the bomb shelter system allows for the rapid protection of residents during shelling.

On Tuesday, the NTV channel reported that the initiative is aimed at “creating safe zones where civilians can be protected in the event of wars or disasters.” Among the possible scenarios, a nuclear threat is also mentioned.

According to the channel, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation, and Climate Change is studying international experiences, including those of Japan and Switzerland. Construction has already begun in several cities, including Ankara.