The 2023 earthquake sequence in southeastern Türkiye, including the devastating magnitude 7.8 and 7.5 events, occurred along and around the East Anatolian Fault Zone. Studying this sequence provides a rare opportunity to improve understanding of how large continental earthquakes happen and how their source properties are controlled by mature active fault zones. The investigators will study the aftershock sequence in detail, with the aims to uncover the physical mechanisms that drive aftershocks, and potentially foreshocks, in this complex earthquake system. The dense seismic data previously collected will be used to create detailed images of fault zone structures, helping to identify the controlling factors that determine the rupture propagation directions and damage patterns away from the active faults. The results of this research will offer new insights into the behavior of earthquake sequences and the properties of fault zones, which are crucial for assessing seismic hazards in regions prone to large earthquakes. Thus, the findings will not only advance scientific knowledge but will also benefit society by contributing to improving earthquake risk assessments in Türkiye, a region that is highly susceptible to major earthquakes. The project will strengthen scientific collaboration between the U.S. and Türkiye and provide hands-on training opportunities for students and researchers in cutting-edge methods such as machine learning for seismic event detection, promoting a mor