Voters in Turkey cast their ballots amid the ruins of the worst natural disaster this region has seen in a century. Despite the suffering, analysts say the contest is fierce and it could change the course of history. For VOA, Yan Boechat has this photo report from the region hit in the February earthquakes in Turkey with words by Heather Murdock.
In Photos: Turkey Votes in Earthquake Disaster Zone

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A family watches their heavily damaged building be demolished three months after they evacuated during the earthquake that killed more than 50,000 people. “I left even without my shoes,” says Sema, 27, in Nurdagi, Turkey, May, 11, 2023.

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Millions of people were displaced by the earthquakes and many now live in tents with no knowledge of when or if their homes will be repaired or rebuilt, in Hatay, May 13, 2023.

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Some voters in Gaziantep say they think outsiders are hoping the opposition will win, but they will be voting for their current government, May 14, 2023.

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Observers at this poll in the city of Gaziantep say the vote is going smoothly and they expect the results to be fairly reported and well-respected, May 14, 2023.