Although an approach to take measures before problems actually occur is not possible in many developing countries, even for certain services that are regularly provided, it is hard but not impossible to devolp an understanding of service that is planned, implemented, and evaluated in advance of any unusual situation (i.e. disaster). This study aims to analyze the experiences gained in the 1999 Earthquake of Turkey's Marmara Region, and the studies concerning rehabilitation and preparedness for a new earthquake, which have been continuing from the earthquake until 2005, and to present acquired information from the point of view of public health, along with the experiences gained. On August 17, 1999, Turkey's Marmara Region was shook by an earthquake of a magnitude of 7.4 as measured on the Richter scale. The outcome was frightful: 17,480 deaths, 43,953 injyured, and 200,000 homeless. Futhermore, this earthquake gave rise to a multitude of serious public health problems such as difficulties in the provision of safe water, sewage problems, housing difficulties, those related to the collection of wastage, etc. The primary, as well as secondary and tertiary, health services systems were absolutely unprepared for such a disaster: There was no mobile hospital and no burn or trauma centers. The number of hospital beds and health personel were not sufficient enough to meet the needs. Intensive care, and hemodialysis services as well as the supply of blood were inadequate. Basic health¹ services could not be provided satisfactorily either. Due to the lack of personnel in the health centers, basic needs such as immunization, mother and child health services, the examination of patients, and laboratory analyses could not be met acceptabily. There were also difficulties in inhuming the deceased. In addition, the earthquake triggered a number of serious environmental risks. 6,500 tons of acrylonitrile ran out of the AKSA acrylic factory into the sea and the soil. A series of explosions happened at TUPRAŞ (petroleum factory) just after the earthquake caused very serious damage. Soon, after the earthquake came a period of rehabilitation and restoration activities such as settlement of homeless people in transitory homes, and accelerated construction of new houses and appartements for them; reopening of schools and workplaces; and providing psychological help and support to the survivors. In 2000, a National Earthquake Council was formed according to the European Code of Ethics Concerning Earthquake Prediction; And emergency preparedness plans have been processed by this council as well as by the local authorities, universities, and by various NGOs. Futhermore, many projects concerning disaster prevention and rescue are in progress. As a result, although it is hard to get prepared for an unusual situation such as earthquake, studies for preparedness for an earthquake have been accelerated in Turkey after the earthquake in Turkey's Marmara Region.