Turkey to build shelters in all its provinces

Turkey has started building bomb shelters in all 81 provinces, a source familiar with the plans told Middle East Eye.

According to the source, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan approved the project during a cabinet meeting in June. At the time Iran and Israel were at war, with Israel hitting Iran with air strikes and Tehran responding with ballistic missiles.

The Turkish Housing Development Administration (TOKI) has been tasked with carrying out the construction.

Last month a report prepared by the Turkish National Intelligence Academy on Israel’s 12-day war with Iran recommended that the government establish early warning systems and build well-equipped shelters.

The report suggested making use of underground metro stations in major cities․ Turkish officials were particularly struck by Israel’s extensive network of bomb shelters in major cities, which allowed civilians to take refuge during bombardments.

Turkey currently lacks adequate shelter infrastructure, while existing facilities fail to meet basic requirements.