Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Türkiye.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
Fethiye – Ölüdeniz road undergoing renovation
Road renovation works are officially underway on the Fethiye – Ölüdeniz route, fulfilling a promise made by Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Aras. The project aims to modernize the area’s infrastructure and improve access to one of Fethiye’s most iconic destinations, Ölüdeniz.
The renovation covers the route from Taşyaka to Ölüdeniz coast and between Hisarönü and Kayaköy. Key works include:
📌 11,000 meters of BSK-hot asphalt pavement
📌 2,200 meters of drinking water line renewal
📌 1,600 meters of rainwater line installation
📌 6,500 meters of steel car guardrail installation
Ölüdeniz, a globally recognized tourist hotspot, will soon feature modernized roads and infrastructure to better serve visitors and locals alike. The improvements promise a safer and more enjoyable experience for all traveling the route.
With these upgrades, Fethiye and Ölüdeniz are set to shine even brighter as top destinations for domestic and international visitors.
Source: Fethiye Belediyesi
Developments for Fethiye and Seydikemer announced by MP Yakup Otgöz
AK Party Muğla MP Yakup Otgöz has announced significant updates on long-awaited road projects, healthcare investments, and infrastructure developments for Fethiye and Seydikemer. Among the highlights are expedited timelines for major roadworks, progress on a 500-bed state hospital, and plans to relocate the yacht dock in Karagözler to Karaot.
Faster Completion for Road Projects
Otgöz revealed that the completion dates for the Seydikemer-Söğüt and Seydikemer-Kalkan roads have been moved forward to 2026, a year earlier than the originally announced 2027 timeline. Additionally, the Karabel Tunnel is now scheduled to be completed and operational by 2027.
“These road projects were among the most pressing issues in the region. Thanks to accelerated efforts, the community will benefit from improved transportation infrastructure sooner than expected,” Otgöz stated.
Progress on the 500-Bed State Hospital
Addressing healthcare needs, Otgöz confirmed that work on the 500-bed state hospital in Fethiye is advancing. Geological surveys of the designated area will begin soon, ensuring the project meets the growing health demands of the region.
“The hospital will significantly improve healthcare services in Fethiye and its surroundings, providing a robust health infrastructure for residents,” he added.
Relocation of Yacht Dock to Karaot
Otgöz also announced the resolution of challenges surrounding the relocation of the yacht dock currently located in the Karagözler Neighborhood. The new dock will be established in Karaot, following consultations with relevant ministries.
“This move will not only ease congestion in Karagözler but also enhance the city’s integration with its maritime facilities,” Otgöz explained.
Enhanced Funding for Regional Development
To expedite these initiatives, Otgöz confirmed that increased funds have been allocated compared to the previous year. He expressed gratitude to the residents of Fethiye and Seydikemer for their support and assured them that these projects will significantly contribute to the region’s development.
“The completion of these projects will mark a new era of growth and progress for Fethiye and Seydikemer,” Otgöz concluded.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/milletvekili-otgozden-fethiye-ve-seydikemere-mujdeler
Slow Food Movement comes to Fethiye
The globally recognised Slow Food Movement, which promotes good, clean, and fair food production while advocating for soil preservation, has officially launched in Fethiye.
The movement, founded in Italy and supported by over 100,000 followers in more than 60% of the world’s countries, has found its local voice under the leadership of Yaşın Ceylan Arslanoğlu. The Fethiye branch of Slow Food is actively engaging with locals at the Friday Market, promoting non-intervention agriculture and clean, sustainable food production practices.
At their market stand, Arslanoğlu and her team educate producers and consumers about the importance of traditional seeds, pesticide-free farming, and environmentally friendly practices. The group also showcases and sells locally produced goods aligned with the movement’s philosophy.
“We advocate for food that is good, clean, and fair,” said Arslanoğlu. “Our goal is to ensure clean soil for production and preserve traditional seeds. Slow Food is establishing farms globally, and Fethiye will soon have its own ‘Slow Food Farms’ to champion these practices.”
Addressing recent disclosures by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry regarding food safety, Arslanoğlu urged a proactive approach. “Pesticides are proven to harm both people and the environment. The Ministry should establish and enforce rules for clean production before food is grown. Detecting and penalising harmful practices after the fact only leads to further pollution of nature,” she emphasised.
The Slow Food Movement in Fethiye is set to play a key role in fostering sustainable and ethical food production, ensuring a healthier future for both the environment and the community.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/slow-food-hareketi-fethiyede
Türkiye aims for global leadership in Blue Flag beaches
Türkiye, currently ranked third in the world for the number of Blue Flag beaches, is determined to become the global leader in eco-certified swimming areas. Mustafa Ergiydiren, a local environmental official in Antalya, announced that the national jury will convene on 16 January to finalise this year’s applications.
“We will submit the application files to the international jury in Denmark, and the global announcement of Blue Flag locations will be made in early May. Our ultimate goal is to take the top spot,” Ergiydiren stated.
The Blue Flag program, recognised in 51 countries, upholds stringent environmental and sustainability standards for swimming areas. In 2024, Türkiye ranked third globally with 567 Blue Flag beaches, including 233 in Antalya, which holds the record for the most certified beaches in a single city.
Currently, Spain leads the global rankings, followed by Greece, with Türkiye aiming to surpass them. Italy and France round out the top five. To qualify for the prestigious Blue Flag, beaches must meet 33 strict criteria, and marinas must satisfy 25.
Ergiydiren highlighted the achievements of Antalya and neighbouring Muğla, both of which rank among the top ten globally for Blue Flag certifications. “These accomplishments reflect the high standards of Türkiye’s tourism industry,” he said.
Maintaining these certifications is a collective effort, Ergiydiren emphasized, urging visitors to report any violations of Blue Flag standards to local authorities. “Guests play a crucial role in sustaining these certifications. Promptly reporting issues ensures swift resolution and helps us uphold our commitment to quality and sustainability,” he added.
With the upcoming global review, Türkiye moves closer to its goal of leading the world in eco-friendly and sustainable beach tourism.
Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Istanbul’s bootleg alcohol crisis claims 37 lives, 92 hospitalized
In response to dozens of deaths caused by bootleg alcohol, Istanbul authorities have intensified measures to tackle its sale and consumption. Businesses selling alcohol are required to install high-resolution cameras capable of 24/7 recording by Jan. 1, 2025, retaining footage for 30 days. Those caught selling counterfeit or illegal alcohol will face license revocations, penalties, and possible legal actions, including charges of “intentional manslaughter” in cases involving fatalities.
Inspection teams comprising officials from trade, police, health, agriculture, and forestry departments have been established to enforce compliance through round-the-clock checks. Since Jan. 1, authorities have seized 29 tons of counterfeit alcohol, revoked 64 business licenses, and detained 15 suspects, four of whom have been arrested.
Methanol poisoning has hospitalized 92 people across districts like Güngören, Beyoğlu, Bakırköy, and Başakşehir, with 37 fatalities reported. Of the 48 still receiving treatment, 27 remain in intensive care on ventilators. Efforts continue to combat the issue, including the seizure of 302 tons of counterfeit alcohol last year.
You can read the full article here: https://www.dailysabah.com/turkiye/istanbul/istanbuls-bootleg-alcohol-crisis-claims-37-lives-92-hospitalized
Turkish Red Crescent aids 46 million people worldwide in 2024
In 2024, the Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay) reached 46 million people worldwide, with aid provided to 33 million within Türkiye and 13 million abroad. This extensive humanitarian effort was supported by 1,022,927 donors and 373,365 volunteers across Kızılay’s broad organizational network.
Fatma Meriç Yılmaz, Kızılay’s president, highlighted the organization’s focus on the recovery of the earthquake-hit region following the February 6, 2023 disaster. Kızılay provided TL 3.3 billion ($118.8 million) in cash support and TL 450 million in aid to 8,700 tradespeople and farmers in the area. Programs such as socioeconomic strengthening, cash aid, and continuous presence through recovery efforts were central to their 2024 operations.
Kızılay expanded its services significantly, increasing the number of soup kitchens to 45 and Kızılay boutiques from 128 in 2023 to 178 in 2024. These facilities provide essential resources, including social and psychological support, food aid, and healthcare services.
Looking ahead to 2025, Kızılay aims to enhance its humanitarian projects, with a continued emphasis on holidays like Kurban and Ramadan, as well as education and social aid programs. “We strive to leave no one behind,” Yılmaz stated, underscoring the organization’s mission of fostering “stories of kindness” through its donors and volunteers.
SPORT
Fethiyespor
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor update.
Match Results
Fethiyespor lost their away match against Kastamonuspor on Sunday. The final score was 1-0.
Fethiyespor remain in 9th position in the league table.
League Matches
Sunday 26 January at home against Beykoz A.Ş. The kick-off time is at 14:00.
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Turkish Lira (TL) exchange rates
The British Pound bought 43.14 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 43.24 TL.
The US Dollar bought 35.43 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 35.40 TL.
The Euro bought 36.50 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 36.33 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
