Turkey Launches Nationwide Bunker Construction Program

Türkiye launches nationwide bunker construction program to enhance civilian safety amid geopolitical tensions

Türkiye has initiated a nationwide bunker construction program spanning all 81 provinces, a move designed to bolster civilian safety in the face of regional tensions. The program was developed after recommendations from the National Intelligence Academy and aims to minimize civilian casualties in potential conflict situations by creating accessible, durable shelters for residents in urban areas and other population centers.

As part of the plan, bunkers are to be built beneath national gardens and a range of other sites located across the country. The emphasis is on creating a network of safe spaces in major metropolitan centers that can be reached quickly during emergencies and are equipped with modern infrastructure that meets current safety standards.

Officials have finalized updates to the regulations governing the construction of these emergency bunkers. Türkiye currently operates under the Bunker Regulation, which has been in effect since 1987 and mandates bunker construction in buildings of specific sizes. The existing framework requires at least 1 square meter of net bunker space per person, calculated based on four individuals per independent unit. For accommodation facilities such as dormitories, barracks, hotels, and hospitals, calculations are based on 20% more than the number of beds specified in the approved architectural project.

Enforcement of these regulations has historically been lax, with many designated bunker areas repurposed as parking spaces or storage facilities rather than prepared for emergency use. The new bunkers are being designed for rapid access during emergencies and are intended to be durable structures that remain usable in disasters and crises. The program aims to improve citizen safety across all regions and to withstand a variety of emergency scenarios, focusing on urban centers to ensure a robust network of accessible shelters where people can seek protection quickly.

To inform the Türkiye approach, a comprehensive study looked at global examples, with particular attention paid to bunker systems in Israel, Japan, and Switzerland. This research guided considerations for design, accessibility, and integration with contemporary safety standards.

The cabinet has assigned TOKI, the national mass housing administration, the responsibility of constructing bunkers across the nation. Construction work has already begun in several cities, with Ankara designated as a priority location. The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change is leading the nationwide study related to bunker infrastructure. Government assessments indicate that Türkiye’s current shelter infrastructure is insufficient to protect civilians during potential wars and disasters, underscoring the need for a comprehensive update to shelter-related policies and facilities.

As part of ongoing reforms, the existing Shelter Regulation requires certain building sizes to include shelters, but enforcement has been inconsistent. The updated program seeks to align concrete shelter provisions with modern safety expectations, ensuring that bunkers remain operational, accessible, and well-maintained in emergencies.