The 1999 earthquake in Turkey, also known as the İzmit earthquake, resulted in a significant loss of life and widespread destruction. The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.6 and struck northwestern Turkey on August 17, 1999. Approximately 17,000 people were killed, and thousands more were injured. The cities of İzmit, Istanbul, and Adapazarı were particularly hard hit, with many buildings collapsing or sustaining severe damage. The earthquake also caused significant economic losses, estimated to be in the billions of dollars.