Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
Kindness in Action: Cleanup in Green Valley Inspires Community
Fethiye, Muğla — A simple picnic turned into a powerful display of community spirit in Green Valley on Thursday. Two young visitors, disheartened by the amount of litter scattered around the area, began picking up rubbish on their own.
Their quiet act of responsibility quickly caught the attention of others nearby. One by one, fellow picnickers joined in, and soon a spontaneous cleanup was underway—proof that kindness is contagious.
“I wish everyone would take their waste along with their memories,” one participant said. “They don’t even have to take it far—there are containers right at the exit.”
Let this be a reminder that small actions can lead to big change. Let’s all respect and protect the places we love.
Source: Fethiye Belediyesi Temizlik İşleri Müdürlüğü
Boat Tours in Fethiye See Surge in Demand as Tourism Season Gains Momentum
Fethiye, Muğla – Tourism activity in Fethiye has picked up pace, bringing renewed energy to the local economy—particularly for boat tour operators. Çağdaş Kocayiğit, President of the Fethiye Taxi Drivers’ Cooperative and a tourism professional, shared positive updates on the 2025 tourism season, noting that businesses are finally seeing the benefits of the summer surge.
Kocayiğit explained that while the season started later than usual due to weather and shifting travel patterns, activity levels have significantly increased since mid-July.
“In previous years, we used to have good starts in April. However, this year, May was quite slow. Recovery began in mid-June, and we can say that the busy season truly started around July 10–12.”
He reported that current occupancy rates are holding steady at around 90%, with consistent levels across hotels, rental villas, and tour bookings.
Boat Tours in High Demand
Among the many attractions in Fethiye, the 12 Islands boat tour continues to be a favourite for both tourists and locals. Kocayiğit encouraged residents to enjoy the experience:
“Citizens who want to take a boat tour should not hesitate due to pricing. We offer four-stop, open-buffet tours including lunch for an average of 1,000 TL. There are options for every taste—some are lively and fun, others more peaceful.”
Tickets are available from local agencies along the Fethiye waterfront and town centre.
Kocayiğit also drew attention to the high operational costs faced by boat tour operators, many of whom struggle during the off-season:
“While summer appears profitable, winter expenses—such as beaching the boat, shipyard fees, repairs, and labour—can reach 70,000 to 80,000 TL. If this level of activity continues for another 60–70 days, it will give tradespeople the breathing room they need to prepare for the winter months.”
With Fethiye’s natural beauty, clear waters, and vibrant marine tours drawing increasing numbers, local tourism stakeholders are hopeful that 2025 will close as a year of strong recovery and sustained growth.
Source: https://www.gercekfethiye.com/fethiye-de-tekne-turlarinda-yogunluk-olustu/103335/?p=2
Cruise Ship Le Dumont D’Urville Brings 111 Passengers to Fethiye
Fethiye, Muğla – The French-flagged cruise ship Le Dumont D’Urville arrived off the coast of Fethiye on Thursday morning, carrying 111 passengers, most of whom were tourists from Saudi Arabia and several other countries including the Philippines, Egypt, Yemen, the Dominican Republic, Sudan, and India.
Due to its size—131 metres long and 18 metres wide—the ship was unable to dock directly at the Fethiye Pier and instead anchored just off Şövalye Island. Passengers were transported to the pier by smaller shuttle boats.
After arriving at the port, many of the cruise guests departed to explore local tourist spots such as Kayaköy, Ölüdeniz, and the surrounding countryside, while others visited Fethiye’s historic Paspatur Bazaar for shopping and sightseeing.
The luxury vessel, with a gross tonnage of 9,998 and 125 crew members, remained anchored in Fethiye Harbour throughout the day. Crew members also took the opportunity to go ashore and enjoy the town.
Following its stop in Fethiye, Le Dumont D’Urville was scheduled to continue its voyage to Marmaris.
This visit marks another encouraging moment for Fethiye’s tourism sector as the region continues to attract international visitors via both land and sea.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiyeye-111-yolcu-getirdi
Lease Tender Held for 53 Businesses at Fethiye Intercity Bus Terminal
Fethiye, Muğla — The Muğla Metropolitan Municipality has conducted a lease tender for 53 commercial units located at the Fethiye Intercity Bus Terminal in the Kesikkapı neighbourhood. The three-year lease tender, held on 17 July 2025, drew considerable attention, with 36 of the 53 available business spaces receiving applications.
Among the businesses offered were a variety of commercial premises, including a barbershop, telephone operator dealer, office, clothing store, gym, restaurant, kiosk, coffee shop, ticket office, secure luggage storage, taxi stand, market, electronics store, and a bank.
In a statement from the Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Real Estate and Expropriation Department, it was confirmed that although 36 businesses received applications, only 20 were actually bid on during the tender. Sixteen applicants did not participate in the bidding process, and 17 commercial units received no applications at all.
The lease process was conducted transparently in compliance with State Tender Law No. 2886. According to the municipality, the tender was fully documented, with video recordings taken to ensure procedural integrity.
The commercial units are located on parcel no. 3056, block 3, in the Kesikkapı neighbourhood—home to the recently developed Fethiye Intercity Bus Terminal, a key transportation hub in the district.
Officials noted that the outcome demonstrates both demand and room for further engagement in the terminal’s retail and service offerings. Further opportunities for leasing are expected to be announced in due course.
Government Aids Recovery After Devastating Izmir Forest Fires
Izmir, Turkey –The Turkish government has launched a large-scale recovery effort following devastating forest fires that burned from June 25 to July 4, affecting 12 districts and 37 neighborhoods in Izmir, western Turkey.
The fires began in Aliağa and quickly spread to multiple areas, including Foça and Ödemiş, the latter suffering the most severe damage. In Ödemiş, fires destroyed homes, barns, and olive groves across several neighborhoods.
Under the coordination of AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Authority), emergency aid and temporary housing were swiftly deployed. 26 containers equipped with essential amenities were installed in the worst-hit neighborhoods. Affected residents also received financial support for rent, relocation, and furniture replacement.
Over 53,000 people were evacuated, 3,558 personnel, 73 aircraft, and 892 vehicles took part in the firefighting efforts. A total of 226 people were treated for smoke inhalation, though none remain hospitalized.
396 damage reports were filed, including losses to 318 homes, 13 businesses, and 64 vehicles. More than TL 60 million in emergency aid and over TL 33 million in compensation has been distributed to date. Reconstruction efforts for 232 homes and other structures are already underway.
Residents expressed gratitude for the government’s swift response, particularly the provision of air-conditioned containers and financial aid.
Turkey to Launch Nationwide Online Price Comparison Platform for Restaurants and Cafes
Ankara, Turkey – Turkey’s Ministry of Trade has announced plans to introduce a new online system that will allow consumers to view and compare prices of food and beverage services at restaurants, cafes, and similar establishments across the country. The initiative aims to enhance price transparency and protect consumers from unjustified pricing, particularly in tourist-heavy areas and major cities, where high restaurant prices have often drawn public criticism.
Under the new system, food and beverage businesses will be required to upload their current price lists to a digital platform designated by the ministry. Consumers will be able to access and compare menu prices online, empowering them to make more informed choices before dining out.
The move follows the success of marketfiyati.org.tr, a price comparison website for supermarket goods launched earlier this year. That platform received more than 490,000 unique visitors within 24 hours of its debut, underscoring public demand for transparent pricing tools.
In addition to the online database, the ministry’s statement outlined that restaurants and cafes will be able to provide access to prices via QR codes placed on tables, complementing the physical menu display rules already in place since last year, which require visible pricing both at entrances and on tables.
The upcoming regulation will also include new rules to ensure fair weighing practices. Businesses selling products by weight will be obligated to deduct the weight of packaging from the total cost, aligning with ethical standards in measurement.
Furthermore, bookshops and newsstands will be allowed to use digital price display devices—such as electronic price viewers—in addition to traditional price labels, enabling faster updates and improved clarity for customers.
The draft regulation is expected to be finalized and enacted following consultations with relevant industry stakeholders.
Lavish Roman Villa with Fish Pond Unearthed in Ancient City of Tripolis
Denizli, Turkey – Archaeologists in Denizli, western Turkey, have uncovered an exceptionally well-preserved Roman-era villa in the ancient city of Tripolis, located near the Büyük Menderes River in the Yenicekent neighborhood of the Buldan district.
The newly discovered 1,600-year-old structure spans approximately 1,500 square meters and features four rooms, two halls, a 20-meter colonnaded gallery, two fountains, an underground cistern, and a unique 40-square-meter fish pond, making it a standout find in the ongoing 2025 excavation season.
Led by Professor Bahadır Duman of Pamukkale University, the excavations at Tripolis have been ongoing for 13 years. The city, considered one of the best-preserved in western Anatolia, has yielded significant artifacts, including 1,700-year-old frescoes, Roman-era depots, a 1,500-year-old church, and ancient mosaic floors.
The villa is particularly notable for its vivid multicolored frescoes, rich in plant motifs and architectural patterns, and for its sophisticated fish pond system with embedded clay pipes designed to shelter fish from predators and sunlight. Marine shells found nearby suggest the pond was used to raise freshwater species such as carp and eels for social gatherings.
According to Duman, such elaborate fish ponds were status symbols in Roman times, and discovering one so far inland makes this architectural gem exceptionally rare.
Excavation and restoration efforts are continuing under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s “Heritage for the Future” project, with a team of 40 archaeologists and researchers at work.
SPORT
Double Victory for Özgür Yürük at Cappadocia Rally
Nevşehir, Turkey – Fethiye-based rally driver and founder of the Dental Operation Center, Özgür Yürük, claimed a double win at the Cappadocia Rally, the fourth round of the 2025 Turkish Rally Championship.
Competing for GMG Racing alongside co-driver Mutlu Güler, Yürük topped both the overall classification and Category 4, demonstrating skill and resilience on one of the most challenging courses of the season in Nevşehir’s unique and rugged terrain.
The Cappadocia Rally, known for its demanding gravel stages set against the region’s dramatic volcanic landscapes, tested the endurance and precision of every team. Yürük and Güler’s performance stood out, delivering consistently fast times and navigating the technical stages with exceptional coordination.
“This victory means a lot to us—not just as a team, but as a personal milestone after months of preparation and hard work,” Yürük said after crossing the finish line.
The win marks a strong statement from Yürük as he continues his campaign in the national championship, with eyes set on the upcoming rounds.
With his roots in Fethiye and a growing name in Turkish motorsport, Yürük’s success is also a proud moment for local fans and sponsors who have followed his journey both on and off the track.
Source: https://www.gercekfethiye.com/video/kapadokya-ralli-sinde-ozgur-yuruk-cifte-zaferle-dondu/4659/
Fethiyespor Update: Pre-Season Routine Continues, Boot Camp Ahead
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the update.
It’s time for a Fethiyespor update – and while there’s no major news to report just yet, preparations are very much underway for the upcoming season.
Over the past week, the team has continued its twice-daily training sessions, maintaining focus and fitness ahead of the 2024–25 campaign. The players were given a well-earned day off, which they spent relaxing on a boat trip.
Starting Monday, things step up a notch as boot camp training begins. This more intense training regime will push the squad physically and mentally as they gear up for competitive action.
📅 Mark your calendars – the first game of the season is scheduled for 24th August, and it’s an away match. The kick-off time is yet to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, the club has launched a new yoga training programme for young people in Fethiye. Sessions have already started, and registrations are open – parents interested in enrolling their children in yoga lessons, or in football, swimming, or gymnastics training at Fethiyespor, can call 0531 614 1933 for registration and detailed information, or visit the Fethiyespor Youth Academy Building directly.
Stay tuned for more updates as the countdown to the season continues!
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 54.15 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 54.22 TL.
The US Dollar bought 40.37 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 40.16 TL.
The Euro bought 46.92 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 46.95 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
