April 28, 1903 Earthquake: Malazgirt, Turkey

Reference #1138 lists earthquake on April 28, 1903, 23:46 UTC, 39.1 N, 42.5 E, magnitude 6.3, 2200 deaths.

This earthquake, with an epicenter north of Lake Van, almost totally destroyed about 120 villages within a radius of 30 km, causing great loss of life. In the town of Malazgirt the military hospital and what remained of the city walls were utterly destroyed, while here and in Patnos, houses, mosques, churches and mills collapsed. Among those who perished were the commander, officers and men of the garrison at Malazgirt. Nearby villages were leveled with the ground, and about 20000 animals perished. The shock, which lasted some 60 s, was felt throughout eastern Anatolia; it was not preceded or followed by any strong shocks, except for one damaging aftershock on 6 August, which had an epicenter between Gop and Malazgirt: this killed a number of people. The main shock killed 3560 and injured hundreds; 12000 houses were completely destroyed. (reference #1215)

Reference #1250 lists earthquake on April 29, 1902, 6000 deaths in Malazgirt. [probably describing earthquake on April 28, 1902]

Reference #1071 lists earthquake damages for 19 April 1903 with Intensity 9, in Malazgirt, "all houses but a few were destroyed. 1700 people were dead. There were slight damage as far as Ezurum and Bitlis and the damaged region extended to Suphan Dag. It was strongly felt at Mus and Ahlat." [probably describing earthquake on April 28, 1902]