Earthquake at the Sea of Marmara, 1509

1. The destructive earthquake of 1509

The earthquake of the 10th September 1509 was one of the most powerful of the last five centuries in the Eastern Mediterranean. It was felt until Transylvania, Crimea and Egypt and caused destructions from the city of Bolu until Adrianople (Edirne). In Constantinople (Istanbul) material damages were great and there were also many casualties too. In the islands of Antigoni (Burgazada) and Chalki (Heybeliada) churches were damaged, in Prousa (Bursa) some public buildings were probably damaged, whereas there were also damages in Nikaia (Iznik). In the area of the gulf of Nikomideia (Izmit) destructions in mosques and castles are documented, whereas at Gebze at least 300 victims are reported. Finally, we know that because of the earthquake the towers and the fortification walls of Bolu collapsed.

2. Aftershocks and repairs

Aftershocks continued for more than a month in Constantinople and for eighteen months in Bolu. The repairs of the damages were made in the following year. Craftsmen from various regions of the empire were employed, whereas special taxes were imposed in order to face the expenses.