Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
Fethiye Municipality: Working Non-Stop in 41 Neighborhoods
Fethiye Municipality is continuing its infrastructure improvement efforts across the district, with paving stone works currently in full swing in the Patlangıç, Karaçulha, Eldirek, Çamköy, and Karagedik neighborhoods.
Operating with the principle of equal service for all, the municipality is carrying out planned and coordinated works in a total of 41 neighborhoods. The goal is to improve accessibility, enhance infrastructure, and meet local needs through consistent investment in every part of Fethiye.
Municipal teams are working tirelessly to ensure that each neighbourhood benefits from modern and durable paving systems—laying the groundwork for safer, more liveable streets throughout the district.
Source: Fethiye Belediyesi
Fethiye Municipality and Gendarmerie Begin Removal of Unauthorized Tents in Forest Areas
Fethiye Municipality’s police teams, in coordination with the Gendarmerie, have launched an operation to remove unauthorized tents from forested zones and other areas deemed unsuitable for camping.
With temperatures rising and the risk of forest fires increasing, the operation aims to prevent potential hazards by clearing these sensitive areas. Municipal teams are not only dismantling the illegal setups but also informing citizens about the dangers and legal restrictions related to camping in fire-prone zones.
Authorities emphasise that these measures are being taken to protect both the environment and public safety, urging residents and visitors to comply with regulations and avoid camping in restricted areas during the high-risk summer months.
Source: Fethiye Belediyesi
92 Million Tons of Textile Waste Ends Up in Landfill Each Year – Fethiye Takes Action ♻️
Every year, approximately 92 million tons of textile waste is sent to landfills around the world—a serious environmental and economic loss. In response to this growing issue, Fethiye Municipality continues its efforts to promote textile recycling across the district.
To encourage responsible waste disposal and support sustainability, 180 worn-out textile recycling bins throughout Fethiye have been cleaned, repainted, and had their outer coverings renewed. These bins are now back in service and ready for public use.
Residents are urged to deposit their unused clothing, shoes, bags, and home textiles in these dedicated bins instead of throwing them away. By doing so, they can help reduce waste, protect the environment, and support the circular economy through recycling.
Source: Fethiye Belediyesi
Turkey’s First VIP Animal Shelter Project Begins in Fethiye
A groundbreaking project is underway in Fethiye as construction begins on Turkey’s first “VIP Animal Shelter.” The state-of-the-art facility is being built on a 37-acre forested area leased by Fethiye Municipality from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry for 49 years. Once completed, the shelter will house up to 1,500 animals, each in its own dedicated room, and will set a new national standard in animal welfare.
Scheduled for completion in December 2025, the shelter will include a fully equipped operating room and employ more than 20 staff, including veterinarians. The project aims to double the number of sterilisation procedures currently carried out and will focus on rehabilitation, treatment, and adoption, rather than euthanasia.
Fethiye Mayor Alim Karaca, a long-time advocate for animal rights, highlighted the importance of the shelter:
“This is one of the projects I have dreamed of for years. As someone who keeps animals at home, I believe this shelter will be a model for the entire country. Each animal will have its own space, and we will prioritise their health and well-being. In a tourist area like Fethiye, where the number of stray and aggressive animals is rising, ensuring both animal welfare and public safety is our responsibility.”
Veterinarian İlay Öztürk from the current Fethiye Municipality Animal Shelter shared that nearly 400 animals are currently under their care, with ongoing treatment and adoption efforts. She emphasised that the new facility will offer advanced surgical capabilities and separate living areas, including outdoor paddocks.
The VIP Animal Shelter initiative comes amid growing national attention on animal welfare. Following a directive from Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, inspectors have been dispatched to evaluate shelter conditions across the country. After recent inspections, the Muğla Nature Conservation and National Parks Directorate fined Bodrum Municipality approximately 100 million TL for releasing 688 stray animals into the wild without proper care—an act that raised widespread concern. Similar penalties were also issued to Seydikemer and Milas municipalities.
Mayor Karaca reiterated the municipality’s stance:
“Killing or abandoning animals is unacceptable. Our priority is spaying, neutering, and caring for them responsibly.”
With construction progressing rapidly, Fethiye’s VIP Animal Shelter is set to become a pioneering model for humane animal care in Turkey.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/turkiyenin-ilk-vipi-hayvan-barinagi-projesi-fethiyede-hayata-gececek
Fethiye Stands Out Amid Sky-High Coastal Prices: 5 TL Tea, 300 TL Sunbeds, and Free Beach Access
As debate continues across Turkey over soaring beach prices—including a recent 1 million TL bill and minimum spend fees of 2,000 TL for two at exclusive beach clubs in Bodrum—Fethiye Municipality is earning praise for maintaining its affordable, inclusive pricing policy at public beaches and community facilities.
While luxury resorts along the Aegean coastline make headlines for eye-watering charges, Fethiye remains committed to providing budget-friendly beach experiences for residents and tourists alike. At Fethiye Municipality’s public beaches, double tea is served for just 5 TL, and full-day sunbed rentals are offered for 300 TL—with no entrance fee to the beaches themselves.
Long queues of local and foreign holidaymakers have been forming daily at Akmaz, Karaot, and Çalış beaches, which are operated by Fethiye Municipality Services Tourism and Trade Inc. These spots have become increasingly popular for their clean, accessible environments and low prices.
Mayor Alim Karaca emphasised the municipality’s dedication to fair pricing:
“We wanted to create an affordable alternative for people in our region. At public beaches leased from the Ministry of Environment and Urbanisation, we provide non-profit services. We won’t tolerate overpriced practices that have become common in many tourist areas of Muğla.”
In addition to low-cost refreshments, community houses across the district are also helping retirees and fixed-income residents stretch their budgets. At municipal cafés, double tea costs 3 TL, Turkish coffee 30 TL, and meals such as omelettes, breakfast plates, toast, and döner kebabs range from 65 to 100 TL. A large pizza is available for 135 TL.
Free Access and Inclusive Services
Fethiye’s public beaches are open and free for all, and the municipality offers exemptions for veterans’ families, people with disabilities, and the elderly. Designated picnic areas allow visitors to bring their own food, umbrellas, and beach chairs. For those who prefer not to rent sunbeds, bringing a towel or mat means a day at the beach remains entirely cost-free.
Contrast Across the Region
Meanwhile, Bodrum—one of Turkey’s most expensive tourist destinations—has opened nearly 70 public beaches this summer. Seventeen of these, located near municipal cafés, now charge 100 TL for sunbed use. While the majority remain free, the new charges have sparked criticism. Bodrum Mayor Tamer Mandalinci defended the fees, citing improved services and satisfaction from the previous year.
Marmaris, in contrast, is offering completely free access to its well-kept public beaches, including use of umbrellas and sun loungers. Municipal teams have prepared for the season by installing free facilities in locations such as İçmeler, Selimiye, Turunç, Bozburun, and Siteler.
Supporting Accessibility
As part of efforts to ensure beach access for all, Muğla Metropolitan Municipality has expanded its Accessible Beaches project. With the addition of Akmaz and Büyüksamanlık in Fethiye, the total number of accessible beaches in the province has increased to 23, ensuring that more people with disabilities can enjoy the sea safely and comfortably.
As luxury prices continue to rise along the coast, Fethiye’s inclusive approach to beach tourism offers a model of affordability and accessibility that continues to draw widespread support from the public.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/bodrumda-1-milyonluk-adisyon-fethiyede-5-tlye-cay-300-tlye-sezlong
Demolition Orders Issued for Iconic Bosphorus Establishments Over Illegal Modifications
Local authorities in Istanbul have issued demolition orders targeting illegal additions and modifications on numerous buildings along the Bosphorus coastline—including several of the city’s most iconic restaurants and hotels.
Among the venues affected are high-profile establishments such as Bebek Hotel, Baylan Patisserie, Bebek Fish Restaurant, Arnavutköy Fish Restaurant, Mandarin Hotel, and Ottoman Hotel. Inspections revealed violations such as unauthorised rooftop structures, additional floors, and unapproved facade renovations.
The municipality’s move follows an investigation initiated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, prompted by complaints submitted to the Regional Council for the Conservation of Cultural Property. The probe focused on preserving the historic and architectural integrity of the coastline, with enforcement actions targeting Bebek, Arnavutköy, Kuruçeşme, and Ortaköy—a key stretch from Bebek Mosque to the July 15 Martyrs Bridge.
Since early 2025, more than 100 properties have been examined by expert teams. Several were referred for legal action, while many others were asked to provide documentation or comply with previously issued enforcement rulings.
Authorities say the inspections aim to safeguard Istanbul’s cultural heritage and coastal landscape, which have come under increasing pressure from unregulated construction and commercial expansion along the Bosphorus.
Demolition processes are expected to commence in the coming weeks, with property owners being urged to comply with restoration and removal requirements to avoid further penalties.
Environmental Crisis Deepens in İzmir Bay Amid Rising Pollution and Fish Deaths
Despite past recovery efforts, İzmir Bay is once again under environmental threat, with experts warning of a looming plankton surge that could trigger mass fish deaths. Levent Yurga from Ege University attributes the crisis to ongoing pollution from untreated domestic and industrial waste, particularly during rainy seasons when floodwaters carry additional contaminants into the bay.
The bay’s weakened “immune system” has allowed invasive plankton species to flourish, reducing oxygen levels and causing repeated episodes of fish mortality. Toxic plankton blooms and jellyfish overpopulation, seen in areas like Seferihisar and Foça, signal continued ecological imbalance.
While past investments briefly improved water quality by 2003, recent events—including fish deaths and foul odours along Bayraklı and Karşıyaka shores—highlight the urgent need for renewed action. Yurga stresses that reducing pollution through expanded wastewater treatment and public engagement is essential to restoring the bay’s health.
Environmentalists and authorities are under growing pressure to respond, with criticism directed at the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, governed by the CHP since 2003, for inadequate pollution management. Without decisive action, İzmir Bay’s rich marine ecosystem and the livelihoods it supports remain at serious risk.
New Tourism Routes to Showcase Göksu Travertines, the “Pamukkale of the Black Sea”
Tourism authorities in Giresun are launching new development projects to highlight one of the region’s most spectacular natural wonders: the Göksu Travertines. Dubbed the “Pamukkale of the Black Sea,” these striking white limestone formations and turquoise pools, discovered and opened to visitors in 2022, have quickly become one of the province’s top attractions.
In 2024 alone, the site welcomed around 400,000 visitors. Now, plans are in motion to link Göksu Travertines with other nearby destinations—Mavi Göl (Blue Lake), the highland areas of Kümbet and Kulakkaya, and the historic Halil Rıfat Paşa Tunnel—via a newly developed tourist route designed to boost the region’s appeal.
Governor Mehmet Fatih Serdengeçti told Anadolu Agency that one of Giresun’s greatest tourism assets is its highlands. “On our most attractive route in Dereli, we have both the Blue Lake and Göksu Travertines. This area has become one of the most visited destinations in the Black Sea region,” he said.
The project, themed “from blue to white,” will connect the shimmering Blue Lake to the travertines, combining natural beauty with recreational and cultural experiences. Planned features include forest trails, a wooden tunnel, cave houses, and new recreation areas. New cafés have already been built, and local markets are in development to support the regional economy. Improvements to road access and accommodation options are also underway.
Governor Serdengeçti added that the initiative aims to shine a spotlight on the 19th-century Halil Rıfat Paşa Tunnel—an impressive handmade rock structure located along the Dereli-Şebinkarahisar highway. “We are carrying out recreational landscaping around it. We want visitors to see Göksu Travertines, Mavi Göl, the Halil Rıfat Paşa Tunnel, and our highlands,” he said.
With enhanced infrastructure and expanded attractions, Giresun hopes to position itself as a must-visit destination for nature lovers and cultural explorers alike.
Source: Hürriyet Daily News
SPORT
Fethiyespor
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor update.
Fethiyespor Transfer Update
Fethiyespor has reached agreements with two more new players, adding depth and experience to the team. Midfielder Samet Asatekin, renowned for his commanding presence, leadership on the pitch, and extensive experience in the PTT 1st League, has joined Fethiyespor.
Selim Kemence also signs with the club, bringing energy and versatility after his recent spell with FC Versailles in France.
Samet Asatekin
Fethiyespor to Open 2025–2026 Season Away Against Ankara Demirspor
The 2025–2026 Nesine 2nd League fixture draw took place on Wednesday in Ankara, setting the stage for an exciting new season.
Fethiyespor will kick off their campaign away to Ankara Demirspor in the opening week. The match is scheduled for 23rd August 2025, with the exact kick-off time still to be confirmed.
Join the Fethiyespor Yabancilar group on Facebook for more news and updates
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Turkish Lira (TL) exchange rates
The British Pound bought 54.22 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 53.48 TL.
The US Dollar bought 40.16 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 39.84 TL.
The Euro bought 46.95 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 46.92 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead
Source: Living Earth
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