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Abstract: We present results on imaging contrast of seismic velocities across the Mudurnu segment of the North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ) in northwestern Turkey with polarization analysis of early P waveforms generated by near-fault seismicity and recorded by near-fault stations. The analysis uses changes in motion polarity from fault–normal to source–receiver directions to identify early-arriving fault zone head waves on the slow side of the fault, and measure the arrival times of the head and direct P waves. The moveout between the head and direct waves with increasing source–receiver distance along the fault provides an estimate of the average contrast of seismic velocities across the fault. The results indicate that the average contrast of P wave velocities across the Mudurnu segment of the NAFZ is at least 6%, with the south block being the faster side. The findings provide a basis for deriving improved event locations, focal mechanisms and estimated shaking hazard associated with earthquakes on the fault. The analysis technique can be used in other fault zones monitored with sparse seismic instrumentation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]