Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Türkiye.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
Three Injured in Paragliding Accident on Babadağ
A paragliding accident occurred on Saturday on Babadağ in Fethiye’s Ölüdeniz region, resulting in injuries to three individuals. The incident involved a parachutist and his passenger, who fell into a forested area during their jump.
Another individual who attempted to assist the downed paragliders sustained injuries after falling on the rocks. The emergency response was swift, with 112 emergency services and UMKE (National Medical Rescue Team) teams arriving at the scene shortly after the incident.
All three injured individuals were promptly transported to a local hospital for treatment. The parachute was observed to be entangled in the trees, highlighting the precarious nature of the fall.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances leading to the accident to ensure the safety of future paragliding activities in the area.
Source: https://www.muglagazetesi.com.tr/oludenizde-parasut-kazasi-164287h.htm
Muğla Governorship Issues Fire Risk Warning Amid Hot Weather
Following a hot weather warning issued by the General Directorate of Meteorology, the Muğla Governorship has cautioned residents about an increased risk of forest fires. Governor Orhan Tavlı Akbıyık, in a statement on social media, emphasized the urgent need for vigilance as temperatures soar above seasonal norms.
“According to the latest meteorological evaluations, it is estimated that the air temperatures, which are still above seasonal norms throughout our province, will continue to increase,” Governor Akbıyık said. “Increasing air temperatures pose a serious risk in Muğla, which is particularly sensitive to forest fires. It is of great importance for our citizens to be sensitive to forest fires.”
The Governor urged residents to avoid entering forest areas prohibited by the Governorship, refrain from burning stubble, and to avoid using fire for cleaning vineyards, gardens, and greenhouses. Additionally, he stressed the importance of not leaving garbage, cigarette butts, and other fire-starting materials on roadsides.
Governor Akbıyık called on the community to remain alert and report any fire-related incidents to the 112 Emergency Call Center. “I invite you to be sensitive and careful about not abandoning the substances, paying attention to the warnings, and reporting any negativities to the 112 Emergency Call Center,” he stated.
As temperatures continue to rise, the combined efforts of the local government and residents are crucial to preventing devastating forest fires in the region.
Source: https://www.muglagazetesi.com.tr/once-meteoroloji-ardindan-valilik-uyardi-164220h.htm
Wildfires scorch over 10,000 acres across 5 provinces
In the past week, wildfires have devastated over 10,000 acres of land across five provinces in Türkiye, causing widespread destruction and highlighting the severe risk posed by ongoing high temperatures and strong winds.
In the Bergama region of the western province of İzmir, a fire broke out around 3 p.m. on July 16.
Prompted by the rising smoke, local authorities dispatched eight planes, 19 helicopters, 50 land vehicles, 10 water supply vehicles and four bulldozers to combat the flames. Despite concerted efforts, the blaze spread rapidly.
The fire was finally brought under control after 23 hours of intense aerial and ground intervention but had consumed approximately 70 hectares of land in the Caneli district of neighboring city Denizli before being tamed.
It is believed to have been ignited by a lightning strike.
In another incident, a fire in Çanakkale Bayramiç on July 15 was subdued the next day. The fire damaged 1,000 acres of forest and 2,000 acres of agricultural land. Similarly, in Altıeylül, Balıkesir, a fire that raged for 11 hours, burning 1,000 hectares of land.
Manisa Soma also saw a forest fire starting at noon on July 15, which took more than a day to be held under control. This blaze destroyed 70 hectares of forest and numerous animals perished.
Authorities underline the urgent need for vigilance and preparedness as Türkiye grapples with unusual climatic conditions.
Source: https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/wildfires-scorch-over-10-000-acres-across-5-cities-198630
Sea Water Purification Project in Bodrum
Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Aras has announced a groundbreaking initiative to address the drinking water needs of Bodrum through the establishment of a desalination facility. This project, led by the MUSKI General Directorate, aims to transform sea water into potable water, significantly enhancing the water supply for the peninsula.
Speaking at the first 100 days promotion ceremony, Mayor Aras revealed that this innovative project will provide a substantial amount of additional drinking water to Bodrum. The MUSKI General Directorate has set ambitious goals to ensure the success of this saltwater treatment initiative.
As part of the project, six wells will be drilled in Bodrum’s Turgutreis District to extract water at a sufficient flow rate. This water will then be purified and made drinkable before being distributed to the residents of Bodrum. Ongoing feasibility studies in Ekinanbarı support the development of this essential infrastructure.
The planned desalination facility in Turgutreis will initially purify 10,000 cubic meters of saltwater per day, with the capacity to expand to 20,000 cubic meters in the second phase. Once operational, this facility is expected to provide enough additional water to meet the daily needs of 100,000 people in Bodrum.
This significant investment in Bodrum’s water infrastructure highlights the commitment of Mayor Aras and the MUSKI General Directorate to sustainable and innovative solutions for the region’s water shortages.
Source: Fethiye Haber Bülteni
Sweltering temperatures empty Istanbul’s parks, shorelines
In Istanbul, extreme heat and humidity have emptied coastal areas and parks, with residents staying indoors or in shaded spots.
According to meteorological data, the oppressive heat, with temperatures expected to range between 33-36 degrees Celsius (91.4-96.8 degrees Fahrenheit) throughout the week, continues to affect the city.
Residents, suffering from the heat, prefer to stay indoors or in air-conditioned spaces to avoid the sweltering conditions.
Due to the extreme heat and high humidity, Istanbul’s popular summer spots, including coastal areas and green spaces, have remained quiet.
According to the General Directorate of Meteorology, the humidity level in the city is expected to reach up to 81% at night.
With temperatures running 4 to 8 degrees Celsius above seasonal norms, citizens, especially those with chronic illnesses, the elderly and children, are advised to be cautious and take precautions between the hottest hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Recent reports highlight that not only Istanbul but nearly all major metropolises across the globe are grappling with unprecedented high temperatures. This surge in heat is part of a broader trend, as cities worldwide face record-breaking temperatures due to ongoing climate change.
The extreme weather conditions are stressing urban infrastructure, impacting public health and prompting urgent calls for effective climate action and adaptation strategies.
Experts are linking the record-high temperatures in Istanbul and other major cities around the world to the ongoing climate crisis.
With rising global temperatures attributed to climate change, urban areas are experiencing extreme heat events more frequently and intensely. This trend is straining city resources, exacerbating health risks and highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.
Source: https://www.dailysabah.com/turkiye/istanbul/sweltering-temperatures-empty-istanbuls-parks-shorelines
Restoration revives Beçin Ancient City’s history in SW Türkiye
In the Milas district of Muğla in southwestern Türkiye, the castle walls and towers of the Beçin Ancient City, a site on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List and once the capital of the Menteşeoğulları Principality, are being restored to their former appearance through ongoing excavation and restoration efforts.
As one of the region’s most significant archaeological sites, Beçin Ancient City continues to reveal its historical treasures through year-round excavation work. The uncovered ruins shed light on the past, while the remaining historic structures are being restored for tourism.
The ancient city’s history dates back to the second millennium B.C. but gained significant importance during the Menteşeoğulları Principality.
Historical sources indicate that the castle in the ancient city, located 5 kilometers (3.11 miles) from the district center on the Milas-Ören road, was built during the Byzantine period using stones from surrounding ancient structures. During the Menteşeoğulları era, the castle was renovated and utilized.
Read more here: https://www.dailysabah.com/turkiye/restoration-revives-becin-ancient-citys-history-in-sw-turkiye/news
SPORT
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the sport update.
Fethiyespor
Fethiyespor working out in the gym as part of their training regime for the new season.
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Türkiye to Participate in Paris 2024 Summer Olympics with 102 Athletes
Türkiye is set to compete in the Summer Olympic Games, taking place in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11, 2024. The Turkish contingent will consist of 102 athletes, including 54 women and 48 men, across 18 different sports disciplines.
Among the participants, Ecem Güzel and Yiğit Yalçın Çıtak, who both trained at Bodrum Turgutreis Sailing Club, will represent Türkiye in the ILCA 6 and ILCA 7 sailing categories, respectively. Additionally, Ayşe Tekdal will represent Muğla and Türkiye in the Marathon Walking Mixed Relay Team in Athletics.
The Muğla Youth and Sports Provincial Directorate expressed its support and optimism for the athletes. “We wish success to all our athletes and technical team, especially our athletes who are the pride of Muğla, who have qualified to go to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games.”
Source: https://www.gercekfethiye.com/paris-2024-olimpiyatlarina-mugla-dan-3-sporcu-katilacak/80528/
Turkish Lira (TL) exchange rates
The British Pound bought 42.66 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 42.89 TL.
The US Dollar bought 33.04 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 33.05 TL.
The Euro bought 35.99 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 36.09 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
