An integrated critical approach to off-fault strike-slip motion triggered by the 2011 Van mainshock (Mw 7.1), Eastern Anatolia (Turkey): New stress field constraints on subcrustal deformation

•The Van rupture source generated off-fault aftershocks in the entire crust.•Strike-slip aftershocks increased the intensity of stress in an off-fault area.•These aftershocks revealed rotational upper/non-rotational lower crust.•Strike-slip motion was activated and rooted in subcrustal depths.•This study leads to paradigm changes in interpreting subcrustal strike-slip faulting.