Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
Coast Guard Cleans Seabed in Fethiye for World Environment Day
To mark World Environment Day, the Fethiye Coast Guard Command diving team carried out a seabed cleaning operation along Fethiye Kordon, removing approximately 1.5 tons of waste in just two hours.
The operation revealed a variety of debris—including vehicle tires, batteries, plastic crates, metal furniture parts, glass bottles, and plastic chairs—collected from a relatively short stretch of coastline. The waste was displayed at an awareness stand in Beşkaza Square, drawing the attention of residents and visitors alike.
Coast Guard Commander Burak Akanpınar and Fethiye Deputy Mayor Oğuz Bolelli visited the stand, expressing both appreciation and concern over the findings. Deputy Mayor Bolelli praised the Coast Guard for their continued commitment to environmental responsibility and public safety.
Unmanned Lifesaving Vehicle Demonstrated
As part of the exhibit, the Coast Guard also showcased their unmanned lifesaving vehicle and underwater transfer vehicle. The lifesaving vehicle can respond to emergency situations up to 500 metres away, reach speeds of 15 km/h, and carry up to 200 kg. Meanwhile, the underwater transfer vehicle enhances diving operations by allowing personnel to stay submerged longer and cover larger areas.
The event not only highlighted the importance of environmental protection but also showcased the advanced capabilities of the Coast Guard in both safety and sustainability.
📍 The display at Beşkaza Square drew large crowds, with many residents expressing surprise at the quantity and variety of waste removed from the sea.
Source: Fethiye TV
Significant World Environment Day Initiative at Ölüdeniz Kumburnu Beach
In honour of World Environment Day on June 5th, an important environmental initiative took place at Fethiye’s Ölüdeniz Kumburnu Beach, drawing attention to the importance of preserving nature and combating pollution.
Zehra Dilek, Public Relations Officer of Ölüdeniz Kumburnu Beach Operations, shared a statement emphasising the significance of the day and the urgent environmental issues facing the world.
“June 5th World Environment Day is a vital occasion declared by the United Nations to raise environmental awareness, promote nature conservation, and encourage sustainable living, Dilek said. Today, global challenges such as the climate crisis and environmental pollution threaten not only our present but our future as well. Cleanliness is essential not only in our personal spaces but for public health too.
To mark the occasion, the beach operations team conducted a comprehensive coastal and seabed clean-up, involving diving teams working underwater and on-site personnel clearing the shore. The event also highlighted efforts to reduce the use of plastics, aligning with broader sustainability goals.
Protecting Ölüdeniz Kumburnu Beach—one of the natural treasures of the world—and passing it on to future generations is a responsibility that belongs to all of us,” Dilek added.
The event served as a powerful reminder of the role individuals and institutions play in safeguarding the environment and preserving cultural and ecological heritage.
Source: Fethiye TV
Explosion Rocks Motor Yacht During Refuelling at Bodrum Marina
An explosion occurred on a 15-metre motor yacht during refuelling at a marina in Bodrum, in Turkey’s Muğla province, injuring three people and causing significant damage to the vessel.
The yacht, which had docked at a fuel station in the marina, exploded shortly after refuelling as it began to depart. The force of the blast damaged a large portion of the boat, causing it to take on water and partially sink.
Three people were injured in the incident, including one person who was onshore at the time. Emergency teams, including firefighters and paramedics, were quickly dispatched to the scene. The injured were transported to local hospitals by ambulance.
Efforts are now underway to recover the sunken vessel.
The dramatic moment of the explosion was captured by a workplace security camera. The footage shows the yacht erupting in a sudden blast as it pulls away from the dock, with debris flying in all directions.
🎥 Watch the explosion footage here
Sources: A Haber/Anadolu Ajansı
Turkey Faces Critical Shortage of Animal Shelters Amid Rising Stray Dog Population
With an estimated 3.5 to 4 million stray dogs across Turkey, the country is facing a significant public and animal welfare challenge, according to Ali Eroğlu, President of the Central Council of the Turkish Veterinary Medical Association.
During a visit to Aksaray in central Turkey on Wednesday, Eroğlu addressed the growing concerns around stray dogs, attacks, and the severe lack of shelter infrastructure.
“As the Turkish Veterinary Medical Association, we view this as a strategic national issue. It requires strong legislation, well-structured institutions, and sufficient funding,” said Eroğlu.
He revealed that more than 1,000 municipalities currently lack animal shelters, leaving millions of stray animals with nowhere to go.
Eroğlu referenced Law No. 7527, which requires municipalities to establish shelters and natural living areas for stray animals. The law remains in effect following its recent rejection of appeal by the Constitutional Court.
“Shelters must be constructed without delay,” he said. “Trying to house 20 or 30 animals in a facility built for just a few will only create new problems.”
Eroğlu also addressed misconceptions about neutering, clarifying that sterilised animals are not necessarily non-aggressive.
“The purpose of sterilisation is to control population growth, not to change behaviour,” he noted. “Our current data suggests Turkey has around 4 million stray animals, and we lack the capacity to care for them properly.”
He recalled a tragic incident in Şanlıurfa, where a young woman died after being struck by two vehicles while fleeing from a dog attack.
“We cannot allow such tragedies to continue. This issue is no longer just about animal welfare—it is a public safety crisis that must be addressed immediately,” Eroğlu emphasised.
The situation has renewed calls for urgent action, with growing public pressure on local governments to provide humane, sustainable solutions to the country’s stray animal crisis.
Source: Daily Sabah
Quake off Gökçeada adds to country’s recent seismic activity
Turkey experienced another significant tremor on the morning of June 5, when a 4.6 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Gökçeada in the western province of Çanakkale, in the Aegean Sea. The quake occurred at 8:18 a.m. local time at a depth of 12.61 kilometres, according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD).
Renowned earthquake expert Naci Görür explained that the earthquake originated along the northern branch of the North Anatolian Fault, the same fault segment where experts anticipate a major earthquake could strike Istanbul. He warned that the recent tremor may influence the stress distribution along this critical fault line.
This quake follows a recent series of seismic events in the region, including a 5.8 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Marmaris in the southwestern province of Muğla on June 3, which was shortly followed by a 5.0 magnitude tremor in the Aegean Sea near Crete, Greece.
Earlier this year, Istanbul was shaken by a 6.2 magnitude earthquake on April 23, sparking heightened concerns about the possibility of a large-scale seismic event in the region. This was followed by hundreds of aftershocks.
The recent activity underscores ongoing seismic risks in western Turkey and neighbouring areas, with experts urging continued vigilance and preparedness.
Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Turkish Cuisine Week Showcases Classic Flavours in London
A rich tapestry of taste and tradition was on display in London this week as the city hosted a special event to mark Turkish Cuisine Week, offering guests an immersive experience of Turkey’s celebrated culinary heritage.
Organised by National Geographic Traveler (UK) and held at the official residence of Turkish Ambassador Osman Koray Ertaş, the evening featured a lavish menu of classic Turkish dishes, reflecting the country’s deep-rooted gastronomic culture. The annual event forms part of global celebrations honouring Türkiye’s culinary legacy.
In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Ertaş highlighted the unique richness of Turkish cuisine, attributing its diversity to the nation’s geography and history.
“The food is also a matter of social identity for us. It’s about solidarity, strengthening familial ties, and sharing,” he noted.
Elif Balcı Fisunoğlu, Vice General Manager of the Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), emphasised Türkiye’s growing appeal to British travellers—not only for its coastline and warm climate, but also for its cultural depth and culinary excellence.
“This year’s theme for Turkish Cuisine Week is the classic dishes of Turkish cuisine,” she said. “These are not just meals—they are memories, values, and rituals that have connected generations.”
Pat Riddell, editor of National Geographic Traveler (UK), expressed his appreciation for the collaboration, praising Turkey as a destination rich in experiences for curious travellers.
“In many ways, Turkey is an ideal destination for our readers,” he said.
The event brought together foreign diplomats, journalists, and British state officials, who sampled signature dishes that highlighted the timeless appeal of Turkey’s culinary traditions.
Source: Anadolu Agency
SPORT
Fethiyespor
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor update.
Fethiyespor Presents Plaques and Participation Certificates to Schools Following Youth Tournament
Following the final of the “Fethiyespor is Looking for Future Stars” tournament—held for the first time this year—Fethiyespor has visited participating schools to present plaques and certificates of participation to both students and school representatives.
The initiative, which the club aims to establish as an annual tradition, brought together young talents from various schools in the region. In recognition of their involvement and enthusiasm, Fethiyespor extended its gratitude by personally delivering tokens of appreciation.
The club expressed sincere thanks to all schools, administrators, teachers, students, and parents who supported the tournament and contributed to its success.
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Turkish Lira (TL) exchange rates
The British Pound bought 53.06 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 52.86 TL.
The US Dollar bought 39.22 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 39.27 TL.
The Euro bought 44.72 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 44.56 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
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