ANKARA (Realist English). Turkey has launched the construction of bomb shelters across all 81 provinces, according to a source familiar with the plans cited by Middle East Eye. The initiative was approved by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a cabinet meeting in June, when tensions between Iran and Israel escalated into open conflict involving air strikes and ballistic missile attacks.
The state Housing Development Administration (TOKI) has been tasked with building the shelters. The move follows recommendations from a report by the Turkish National Intelligence Academy, which analyzed Israel’s 12-day war with Iran and urged the government to establish early warning systems and construct shelters capable of protecting civilians in the event of a regional conflict.
Officials noted Israel’s extensive network of fortified shelters, which allowed residents to take cover during bombardments, as a model. Turkey currently lacks adequate shelter infrastructure, with many existing facilities failing to meet basic safety standards.
Broadcaster NTV reported that the goal of the initiative is “to create safe areas where civilians can be protected in case of possible wars or disasters,” including potential nuclear threats. The Ministry of Urbanisation has also studied international examples such as Japan and Switzerland. Construction has already started in several cities, including Ankara.
Turkey’s Shelter Regulation, introduced in 1987, requires shelters in buildings above a certain size, but enforcement has been weak. Many spaces designated as shelters have been converted into parking areas or storage facilities. The new programme seeks to correct decades of neglect and prepare the country for potential large-scale emergencies.
