Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Türkiye.
Curated from various news sources.
🧿 LOCAL NEWS
Karataş Beach Project: Officially Sanctioned Works by State Institutions
Fethiye Mayor Alim Karaca has assured the public that the channel improvement work at Karataş Beach is proceeding through a fully legal process, overseen by state institutions. Karaca emphasized, “A state institution is carrying out these works in line with the permits, not an individual.”
The project, approved by the State Hydraulic Works (DSI) and the Monuments Board, has been granted the necessary permissions from the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization and the Ministry of Forestry. Mayor Karaca underlined that the Municipality has no authority or responsibility in this process.
Reiterating the legal framework, Karaca stated, “No individual can influence this project for personal interests. The works are carried out strictly within the scope of official approvals.”
Highlighting the project’s compliance, Karaca reassured the public, saying, “The planning in the special environmental protection zone is under the Ministry’s authority. If there were any illegal activities, we would have reported them immediately.”
The Municipality remains committed to ensuring that all processes adhere to legal and environmental standards.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/calismalari-devlet-kurumu-yurutuyor-bir-sahis-degil
Fethiye Tourism Efforts Continue Year-Round
Efforts to promote tourism in Fethiye throughout all 12 months of the year are ongoing.
Today, the President of the Fethiye Hoteliers Association, Municipality Council member Bülent Uysal, relevant team members, a group of Chinese visitors, and sector representatives gathered to discuss strategies for attracting more Chinese tourists during the winter months.
By focusing on sustainable tourism, stakeholders aim to establish Fethiye as a globally recognised destination. Work will continue with determination to strengthen the region’s appeal year-round.
Source: Fethiye Belediyesi
328 Million TL Investment Underway in Ölüdeniz
A 328 million TL infrastructure investment has commenced in Ölüdeniz, with ongoing roadworks extending from Taşyaka and accelerated improvements in the region’s infrastructure.
Teams are working diligently to ensure the project’s completion before the upcoming season. Within the scope of the investment:
📌 11,000 meters of BSK hot asphalt will be laid
📌 2,200 meters of drinking water pipeline will be renewed
📌 1,600 meters of rainwater drainage will be installed
📌 6,500 meters of steel car guardrail will be placed
This project aims to enhance Ölüdeniz’s transportation infrastructure, providing a safer and more comfortable road network for both residents and visitors.
Source: Fethiye Belediyesi
🧿 NEWS FROM AROUND TÜRKIYE
Crackdown on Poaching in Menteşe
A major operation against poaching was carried out in Menteşe, where Nature Conservation, Forestry, and Gendarmerie teams took action to prevent illegal hunting. During the operation, five huts set up for the illegal hunting of wild goats in mountainous rural areas were identified and destroyed.
The Muğla Forestry Regional Directorate, Muğla Provincial Gendarmerie Command, and Muğla Nature Conservation and National Parks teams collaborated in this effort, delivering a significant blow to poachers. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to strict inspections and ongoing nature conservation efforts.
Authorities emphasized the importance of public awareness in the fight against poaching and urged citizens to report any illegal hunting activities to the relevant authorities. Protecting wildlife is a shared responsibility!
Source: Fethiye TV
Türkiye Sets New Tourism Records in 2024
Türkiye achieved record-high tourism revenues and visitor numbers in 2024, marking a significant milestone for its economy. According to official data, tourism revenue rose 8.3% year-on-year to $61.1 billion, surpassing the previous record of $54.3 billion in 2023 and exceeding the government’s target of $59.6 billion.
The total number of visitors reached 62.27 million, an increase of 9.84% from the previous year, with 52.63 million foreign tourists, primarily from Russia, Germany, and the UK. The Turkish government projects 64 million visitors and $63.6 billion in revenue for 2025.
Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz highlighted tourism’s vital role in economic growth, employment, and reducing the current account deficit. The current account gap is expected to shrink to around $10-$11 billion, aided by increased foreign exchange inflows and government policies to balance trade.
In Q4 2024, tourism revenue surged 14.5% to $13.79 billion, while visitor numbers rose 11.6% to 13.92 million. The average nightly expenditure per visitor increased 9% to $97, supporting economic stability and disinflation efforts.
Türkiye Marks 102nd Anniversary of Turkish-Greek Population Exchange
The 102nd anniversary of the Turkish-Greek population exchange, a historic event that reshaped the lives of hundreds of thousands, was commemorated on 30 January with ceremonies across several cities.
As part of the commemorations, members of a Balkan Turks solidarity association from Samsun traveled to Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, in Ankara. The delegation, which included descendants of exchangees, laid a wreath and paid tribute to both Atatürk and those affected by the exchange.
In Samsun, another ceremony took place at the historic Tütün Pier, where Atatürk arrived on 19 May 1919, marking the start of the Turkish War of Independence. Participants cast carnations into the sea as a tribute to the hardships endured by the exchangees.
Similar commemorative events were held in several cities, including Bursa, Sinop, and Balıkesir, where participants gathered to reflect on the bittersweet yet hopeful legacy of the population exchange.
Associate Professor Sabri Can Sannav, director of the Balkan Research Institute at Trakya University, emphasized the historical impact of the exchange. Between 1923 and 1933, approximately 379,000 exchangees arrived in Türkiye, primarily settling in Thrace and Western Anatolia. Edirne, a key entry point due to its border location, received around 40,000 exchangees. This migration played a crucial role in restoring population balance following the Balkan Wars and the War of Independence.
The exchangees also made significant contributions to the economy, particularly in farming and livestock industries, helping revitalize the cities they settled in, Sannav noted.
Source: https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-greek-population-swap-marks-102nd-year-205262
🧿 SPORT
Şengün becomes 2nd Turk in history to make NBA All-Star team
Houston Rockets center Alperen Şengün has been selected as an NBA All-Star for the first time in his career. The 22-year-old Turkish player, drafted 16th overall in 2021, is averaging 19.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game this season, solidifying his status as one of the Rockets’ key players.
Şengün’s contributions have helped Houston secure second place in the Western Conference with a 32-14 record. His selection marks a historic milestone, as he becomes only the second Turkish player to earn an NBA All-Star spot, following Mehmet Okur in 2007.
Born in Giresun, Türkiye, Şengün started his basketball journey in Turkish youth leagues before making his professional debut with Bandırma Kırmızı in 2018. He later played for Beşiktaş, where he emerged as one of Europe’s top young prospects.
Read more here: https://www.dailysabah.com/sports/basketball/sengun-becomes-2nd-turk-in-history-to-make-nba-all-star-team
Fethiyespor
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor update.
Match Results
Fethiyespor drew their home match against Iskenderunspor on Saturday. The final score was 0-0.
Fethiyespor remain in 9th position in the league table.
League Matches
Saturday 8 February away against Batman Petrolspor. The kick-off time is at 14:00.
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Turkish Lira (TL) exchange rates
The British Pound bought 44.41 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 44.48 TL.
The US Dollar bought 35.81 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 35.64 TL.
The Euro bought 37.13 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 37.44 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
