Statement

February 20, 2023

The Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law is deeply saddened by the devastating earthquakes which struck areas of Turkey and Syria on 6 February 2023.

The scale of destruction is vast, and it is clear that a great many lost their lives or were severely injured. Many more have been displaced. Both Turkey and Syria have long been countries whose law the Institute has studied in depth; many connections – academic and personal – link us to both locations. Our thoughts are with all those who have been impacted, especially Institute alumni, guest researchers and visiting fellows. We have taken first steps at the Institute to raise funds for individuals in need in Turkey and Syria. We are in addition in the process of planning specific projects to help affected researchers.

Holger Fleischer, Managing Director

Ralf Michaels, Director

Biset Sena Güneş, Head of the Centre of Expertise on Turkey

Nadjma Yassari, Head of the Research Group on Islamic Law