Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
Tourism in Fethiye Hanging by a Thread – Chairman of TÜRSAB Calls for Balance
Plus: Warning from Muğla MP as Crisis Deepens Across Region
FETHIYE, TURKEY – Tourism in one of Turkey’s most iconic holiday destinations is facing a serious downturn, with industry leaders warning of stagnation and missed expectations as the season enters its crucial mid-point.
Özgen Uysal, Chairman of the Fethiye Regional Representative Board (BTK) of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB), said despite steady airport arrivals, activity in the tourism sector remains weak. Traditional draws like boat tours, jeep safaris and paragliding are seeing minimal interest. “Today is June 21, and a third of the season is already behind us. But on the ground, business is worryingly slow,” Uysal said.
He attributed the situation to multiple pressures, including the Iran-Israel conflict, which caused a sharp drop in early reservations, and the low exchange rate, which has made Turkey a more expensive destination for foreign tourists. “Flights are up, especially from the UK, but this hasn’t translated to occupancy,” Uysal said. He also condemned recent viral images of unruly nightlife behaviour, saying such tourists harm the region’s image: “Tourism should mean quality—we don’t need this kind of reputation.”
Despite the challenges, Uysal encouraged local and expat residents to rediscover the region’s beauty: “From Marmaris to Dalyan, Fethiye to Ölüdeniz—the whole Dalaman Airport corridor awaits. We wish everyone a beautiful summer season.”
Meanwhile, a Warning from Muğla’s Representative
Echoing the alarm, Gizem Özcan, CHP Member of Parliament for Muğla, delivered a stark warning in the Turkish Grand National Assembly, declaring that the expected summer boom has “turned into total collapse.” She painted a dire picture: collapsing bookings, fleeing tourists, struggling shopkeepers and rising unemployment among seasonal workers.
“Muğla’s economy is hanging by a thread. Inflation hasn’t just crushed household budgets—it’s flattened tourism too,” Özcan said, calling for an urgent and comprehensive state-backed support plan. “A tourism emergency plan must be launched immediately to save small businesses and revive the region’s economy.”
As concerns grow from Fethiye to the wider Muğla province, pressure is mounting for swift action to rescue one of Turkey’s most vital industries before the season slips away entirely.
Sources: https://www.gercekfethiye.com/baskan-uysal-fethiye-de-turizm-pamuk-ipligine-bagli-dengeyi-bulmaliyiz/101616/ /https://businessturkeytoday.com/opposition-party-deputy-this-isnt-a-tourism-season-its-a-season-of-collapse.html
President Taşar Urges Caution Against Pirate Taxis, Calls for Improvements in Fethiye Transport
FETHIYE, TURKEY – President of the Fethiye Drivers and Car Dealers Chamber, Şaban Taşar, has issued a strong warning against the use of unlicensed “pirate taxis,” echoing recent guidance from the British Foreign Office urging tourists to choose official, metered taxis during their stay in Turkey.
Taşar emphasised the importance of passengers verifying that vehicles are licensed and that taximeters are switched on. He urged both local and foreign visitors to use yellow commercial taxis, which are regulated and transparent, to avoid unsafe or illegal transport options advertised through informal channels and ride-sharing platforms.
In addition to addressing unlicensed taxis, Taşar highlighted several pressing transportation issues affecting the region, especially during the summer season. He cited regular traffic congestion on the Ölüdeniz and coastal roads, urging residents and visitors to favour public transport over private vehicles, particularly in popular areas like Ölüdeniz, Karagözler, the Yarımada, and Çalış.
Taşar also stressed the urgent need for increased parking infrastructure in Fethiye and Ölüdeniz, warning that limited space and rising demand are putting pressure on already stretched facilities. “To preserve the beauty and efficiency of our tourism areas, parking needs must be prioritised,” he said.
Commenting on taxi fare regulations, Taşar reminded the public that Fethiye’s taxi rates are revised only once a year, with the current base fare set at 200 TL, an opening fee of 120 TL, and a per-kilometre rate of 40 TL. He urged both drivers and passengers to ensure that taximeters are activated at the start of each journey.
Acknowledging that the tourism season has not met expectations and that rising costs continue to challenge drivers, Taşar encouraged businesses in the transport sector to reassess their pricing and service quality to remain competitive. “There are claims that some surrounding tourism centres are offering more affordable services,” he said. “Whether true or not, we must improve both our prices and quality to keep Fethiye attractive.”
Despite the challenges, Taşar expressed optimism about Fethiye’s future. “Fethiye is a world-class destination. By maintaining high standards and ensuring safe, legal transport options, we believe the city will reclaim its rightful place in tourism.”
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/baskan-tasar-korsan-taksilere-dikkat-cekti
Forest Entry Bans Announced for Antalya and Muğla to Prevent Summer Wildfires
As Turkey braces for what is expected to be one of the hottest summers on record, the Governorships of Antalya and Muğla have both introduced strict seasonal bans on access to forested areas. These measures aim to protect life, property, and the environment amid a rising risk of wildfires.
Antalya: Entry Ban in Effect from 1 May to 31 October 2025
At a recent Forest Fire Combat Commission Meeting, chaired by Antalya Governor Hulusi Şahin, officials reviewed preparations for the 2025 fire season. A new circular was issued, prohibiting entry into forest areas—except for specified zones—between 1 May and 31 October.
Key highlights of the Antalya measures include:
- General forest access prohibited, except in designated areas listed in the circular.
- Barbecues, samovars, and open flames banned in picnic areas between 21:00 and 08:30, and completely prohibited in undesignated forest areas.
- Burning stubble, discarding unextinguished cigarettes, and using fireworks or wish balloons is banned within a 4 km radius of forests or village borders.
Despite 275 forest fires in 2024, only 333 hectares were lost, thanks to rapid response teams and improved coordination. Governor Şahin credited the province’s success to hard-learned lessons from the devastating 2021 Manavgat fire, which burned 60,000 hectares.
Antalya is entering the 2025 season with:
- Over 1,000 forest personnel,
- 114 water trucks, 35 water supply vehicles,
- 7 helicopters, 5 planes, and 1 UAV.
Muğla: Entry Ban from 3 June to 31 October 2025
The Muğla Governorship has also announced a forest entry ban across 50 zones from 3 June to 31 October, following a decision by the Muğla Province Forest Fire Fighting Commission.
The rules are comprehensive and apply to high-tourism districts like Marmaris, Bodrum, Fethiye, Milas, Datça, Köyceğiz, and Dalaman:
- Forest access is restricted to authorised personnel only.
- Picnics and barbecues are banned outside registered picnic sites, and fires are completely prohibited even in those. Only cold food is permitted.
- Burning of stubble, garden waste, vineyards and orchards is prohibited in all villages and neighbourhoods.
- Harvesting machinery operators must carry a 2-tonne water tanker and two 12 kg fire extinguishers.
- Fireworks, wish balloons and similar flammable items are banned in tourist areas, campsites and public events.
- Leaving waste in forest areas—especially flammable or glass materials—is strictly forbidden.
- Industrial facilities, energy providers, and municipalities must implement rigorous fire-prevention protocols.
Violations will be penalised under the Forestry Law, Provincial Administration Law, and Law on Misdemeanours. Citizens are urged to call 112 to report any sign of fire.
With both Antalya and Muğla home to vast stretches of Turkey’s most visited and biodiverse forested regions, officials are urging both residents and visitors to respect the restrictions.
These proactive measures are crucial to preventing the kind of large-scale devastation that has struck in previous years. By working together and staying vigilant, we can help protect Turkey’s forests and the communities that depend on them.
Sources: https://www.ntv.com.tr/turkiye/antalyada-ormanlara-giris-yasagi-basliyor,h23-PNkSqU20EacCiRb-hQ/https://www.ntv.com.tr/turkiye/muglada-ormanlara-giris-yasak,6gnwxLQPz0WFdwRQYaD12g
Garden Fire in Fethiye: Quick Response Prevents Disaster
FETHIYE, TURKEY – A fire that broke out in the garden of a house in the Karaçulha Neighborhood caused alarm on Friday but was swiftly brought under control by firefighters, preventing further damage to nearby homes and agricultural land.
The blaze erupted for unknown reasons in the Çalıca-Gölyeri area, sending dense smoke into the air. Local residents quickly alerted emergency services by calling the 112 Emergency Call Center. In response, units from the Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department were promptly dispatched to the scene.
Thanks to their rapid intervention, the flames were extinguished before spreading further. While the house itself was not affected, various garden items were destroyed, and there was material damage to the surrounding agricultural land.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. No injuries were reported. The incident serves as a reminder of the heightened fire risk in the region during the dry summer months.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiyede-bahce-yangini-korkuttu
Motorcycle Awareness Initiative Held in Fethiye
In cooperation with Honda Turkey, a motorcycle awareness initiative was carried out in Fethiye, with the support of the Fethiye Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Fethiye District Police Department, Fethiye Chamber of Drivers and Automobile Tradesmen, and Kıvrak Motor.
As part of the campaign, information stands were set up behind the Çalış Yörük Tent to raise awareness about the increasing use of motorcycles in the region. The stands remained open to the public until 22 June 2025 and offered training sessions and informative activities focused on safe and responsible motorcycle use.
The initiative reflected a strong collaboration between local institutions and the private sector, with the shared goal of improving road safety and reducing motorcycle-related incidents.
Source: Fethiye Belediyesi
Divers Play Drums and Zurna Underwater in Fethiye to Showcase Marine Beauty
FETHIYE, TURKEY – In a unique and vibrant display, a group of divers in Fethiye played traditional Turkish drums and zurna beneath the sea in an effort to highlight the underwater wonders of the region and promote diving tourism.
The eye-catching event took place in Dalyan Bay, where three divers from the Fethiye Diving School — Önder Diktaş, Berkay Çetin, and Burkay Kayıran — descended to a depth of 5 metres with their instruments. For around 15 minutes, the trio performed traditional dance tunes among the fish, creating a lively underwater show.
In a particularly memorable moment, one diver set aside his zurna, picked up a yellow handkerchief, and danced the halay, a traditional folk dance, to the beat of the drums — all while submerged.
“We wanted to draw attention to the beauty of the seabed by playing drums and zurna among the fish,” said Diving Instructor Önder Diktaş. “The tourism season has begun, and we invite everyone to discover Fethiye’s underwater world. Diving tourism holds a valuable place in Turkish tourism, and the seabed is as rich and stunning as the country’s historical and natural landmarks.”
The underwater performance was filmed by camera and later shared on social media, where it quickly gained attention and praise for its creativity and celebration of marine life. The divers hope their unusual approach will inspire more locals and tourists to explore the fascinating depths of Fethiye’s coast.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiyede-dalgiclar-su-altinda-davul-ve-zurna-caldilar
Brown Waters in Izmit Bay Prompt Investigation and Environmental Concern
IZMIT BAY, TURKEY – Parts of Izmit Bay in northwestern Türkiye have turned brown, triggering alarm and an environmental investigation. Aerial images revealed large discoloured patches in the coastal waters, prompting local authorities to begin sampling and analysis.
Experts, including Professor Halim Aytekin Ergül of Kocaeli University, identified the cause as a large bloom of Prorocentrum micans, a type of dinoflagellate phytoplankton. While naturally occurring, such blooms can damage marine ecosystems by harming species like amphipods and macro-benthic organisms, which play vital roles in the food chain.
Though not harmful to humans, these blooms can disrupt local ecosystems and are linked to mucilage, or “sea snot” – a sticky substance that chokes marine life. Ergül pointed to population growth and wastewater discharge as key stressors on the bay, despite the presence of advanced treatment plants.
He warned that the region’s environmental capacity is being exceeded and called for urgent upgrades to wastewater systems and stricter controls on pollution to prevent future ecological damage.
Source: https://www.dailysabah.com/turkiye/seawater-near-turkiyes-izmit-coast-turns-brown-from-algae/news
Whistled Language Unites Kuşköy and Canary Islands in Cross-Cultural Visit
GİRESUN, TURKEY – Two whistled language heritage bearers from Spain’s Canary Islands visited the remote village of Kuşköy in Turkey’s Black Sea province of Giresun, where the centuries-old tradition of whistled communication — locally known as bird language — continues to echo across the mountains.
Organised under the auspices of Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the visit brought José Molina González and Carmen Castilla Padilla from La Gomera Island to the Çanakçı district, where they were warmly welcomed by District Governor Furkan Aksoy.
Kuşköy, perched at 500 metres above sea level, has long preserved its unique form of whistled language, used by villagers to communicate across steep valleys and rugged terrain. During the visit, local residents demonstrated how they use the language in daily life, engaging their Spanish guests with practical examples and friendly whistled exchanges.
Giresun University academic Hayrettin Karadeniz described the encounter as a “cultural convergence,” highlighting the deep similarities between the whistled traditions of Kuşköy and La Gomera. “This is a powerful reminder of how geography shapes human expression. It’s uplifting to see this rare form of intangible heritage recognised and shared across borders,” he said.
Padilla expressed admiration for the continuation of the whistled language in Kuşköy. “Like in our mountainous region, we use simple phrases to bridge distance. It’s beautiful to see the same tradition thrive here,” she remarked.
The visit marks an important step in preserving and promoting the world’s few remaining whistled languages, underscoring their cultural value and the importance of inter-community collaboration.
SPORT
Fethiyespor
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor update.
Fethiyespor Placed in Red Group of TFF 2nd League for 2025–2026 Season
The group stage draw for the 2025–2026 TFF 2nd League took place today at the Orhan Saka Conference Hall, located within the TFF Riva Hasan Doğan National Teams Camp and Training Facilities. Following the draw, Fethiyespor has officially been placed in the Red Group.
A total of 18 teams will compete in the Red Group during the upcoming season, which is set to kick off over the weekend of August 23–24, 2025. Fethiyespor’s opponents are now confirmed, while the official fixture list will be announced at a later date by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF).
As preparations begin for the new campaign, excitement builds for what promises to be a competitive and thrilling season ahead. Stay tuned for fixture updates and all the latest from Fethiyespor!
Fethiyespor Club Sports School Registrations Continue
Registrations are ongoing at the Fethiyespor Club Sports School, offering young athletes the opportunity to take their first step towards professionalism.
With a team of expert coaches, Fethiyespor provides training in football, gymnastics, swimming, and yoga, all within a supportive and motivating environment. The club invites children of all levels to join and develop their skills under the roof of a respected and well-established sports institution.
📍 Registration Location: Fethiyespor Infrastructure Academy Building
📞 For More Information: 0531 614 1933
Fethiyespor continues to invest in the future of sport by nurturing the next generation.
Join the Fethiyespor Yabancilar group on Facebook for more news and updates
You can also follow Fethiyespor on Twitter and Instagram
Turkish Lira (TL) exchange rates
The British Pound bought 53.38 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 53.44 TL.
The US Dollar bought 39.67 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 39.39 TL.
The Euro bought 45.72 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 45.49 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead
Source: Living Earth
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