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A teenager who lost both parents in the February 6, 2023 earthquakes in southern Türkiye is now preparing to represent his country at the European Shooting Championships, after turning to sport as a way to cope with trauma and rebuild his life.
Mehmet Ali Kaya, a high school student from Adiyaman, has been selected for the Türkiye under-16 national team in the air pistol discipline, a competitive shooting sport that requires precision, focus, and mental control. His journey from disaster survivor to national athlete reflects how structured sports programs can help young people recover from large-scale tragedies.
Mehmet Ali was at home with his family in the Yesilyurt neighborhood of Adiyaman when the powerful earthquakes struck on February 6, 2023. The building collapsed, trapping him and his parents under the rubble. While he was rescued alive, his mother and father died in the disaster.
After being pulled from the debris, Mehmet Ali spent several months living with relatives, trying to adjust to a new reality. During this period, a school friend encouraged him to try air pistol shooting, a sport that is governed internationally by strict safety rules and usually practiced at licensed shooting ranges under professional supervision.
What started out as a trial session gradually turned into a regular training routine. Mehmet Ali joined programs organized by the Adiyaman Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports, a local government body responsible for developing youth athletics, and began working closely with his coach, Hidayet Kahraman.
As his training went on, Mehmet Ali began taking part in national competitions. Over time, his results improved, eventually leading him to finish second at a national-level tournament, a performance that secured his place on the Türkiye under-16 national team.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency, he explained that sport played a key role in helping him get through a very difficult emotional period. He said that forgetting his parents was impossible, but that regular training helped him push through the hardest days by keeping his mind occupied and bringing discipline into his daily life. He also noted that what he initially saw as a hobby slowly became a central part of his routine and personal development.
Now 15 years old, Mehmet Ali is preparing to represent Türkiye at the upcoming European Championships in Bulgaria, where he will compete against young athletes from across the continent. He has said his immediate goal is to win a medal, while his long-term ambition is to qualify for the Olympic Games.
Officials say Mehmet Ali’s progress also highlights the importance of organized youth support after the earthquakes, which affected several provinces and caused widespread loss of life and displacement.
Huseyin Elustu, head of the Adiyaman Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports, described Mehmet Ali as a strong example of how young people can bounce back when given access to sports and social activities. He said the institution focused on helping young survivors reconnect with daily life through athletics and provided continuous support to Mehmet Ali throughout his training and competitions.
According to Elustu, despite losing both parents in what is often described in Türkiye as the “disaster of the century,” Mehmet Ali managed to show that success was still possible through persistence and structured support. Officials expressed confidence that he would perform well at the European Championships.
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