Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse Mesmerises Sky-Watchers in Turkey
Ankara, Turkey – In Turkey, millions of people turned their eyes to the sky on Sunday evening to witness the Blood Moon lunar eclipse, one of nature’s most dramatic celestial displays. The rare event, which bathed the Moon in deep shades of red and copper, was also visible across much of Asia, Eastern Europe, and western Australia.
The partial phase of the eclipse began at 7:28 p.m. local time (GMT+3), with the spectacle reaching its peak around 8:30 p.m., when the Moon was fully immersed in Earth’s shadow. The total phase lasted 82 minutes, offering clear and uninterrupted views for observers in Turkey.
Elsewhere, sky-watchers in Western Europe saw only a partial eclipse, while billions worldwide followed the event through live streams shared across multiple platforms.
The next total lunar eclipse is expected to take place on March 2–3, 2026.
Australian Tourist’s Body Found on the Lycian Way
Muğla, Turkey — The body of an Australian tourist has been discovered on the historical Lycian Way in Muğla’s Seydikemer district.
According to reports, a group of hikers spotted a body in a rocky area near the Yediburunlar section of the Boğaziçi neighbourhood. They immediately alerted the 112 Emergency Call Center.
Upon notification, the Gendarmerie Search and Rescue (JAK) team and the National Medical Rescue Team (UMKE) were dispatched to the scene. The teams established a station in the area to recover the body.
The deceased was identified as 70-year-old Australian national Irene Claire Dunn. Her body was transported to the Muğla Forensic Medicine Institute for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/avustralyali-turistin-cesedi-tarihi-likya-yolunda-bulundu
Şövalye Island a Major Barrier Against Potential Tsunami in Fethiye
Muğla, Turkey — Geophysical Engineer Dr. Engin Erçetin has warned that a powerful earthquake off the coast of Crete or Fethiye could increase the risk of a tsunami along the region’s shores, particularly around Çalış Beach. However, he noted that Şövalye Island serves as a major natural barrier, significantly reducing the potential threat to central Fethiye.
Recalling the 1957 earthquake that led to warnings and limited casualties under then-District Governor Nezih Okuş, Dr. Erçetin reminded residents that Fethiye remains in a first-degree earthquake zone.
“The Crete, Fethiye, and Burdur fault lines are interconnected. Earthquakes in these regions can trigger one another. Fethiye is in a region under constant seismic tension. Just like the North Anatolian Fault, the Hellenic Arc and Aegean faults are also active,” he explained.
Dr. Erçetin noted that the Seydikemer–Esen Arc has the capacity to produce earthquakes of up to magnitude 6.8, while the Hellenic Arc could generate tremors of magnitude 7.2–7.3. He urged both citizens and local authorities to take emergency measures against earthquake risks.
On the tsunami risk, Dr. Erçetin clarified common misconceptions:
“In films, tsunamis are portrayed as waves 8–10 meters high. That won’t happen here. But a serious risk does exist. In the event of a major earthquake off Crete or Fethiye, wave heights could reach 2–2.5 meters along our coasts. These could penetrate nearly 1 kilometre inland, potentially flooding areas up to Mustafa Kemal Boulevard.”
However, he stressed that Şövalye Island provides crucial natural protection:
“The island acts as a natural breakwater, reducing the tsunami impact in central Fethiye to about 1 meter. This is a significant advantage for residents and businesses. Still, constructing additional breakwaters would further enhance safety,” he added.
Authorities continue to highlight the importance of preparedness as Fethiye remains one of Turkey’s most seismically active regions.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/sovalye-adasi-olasi-tsunamiye-buyuk-engel
Blue Cave, a Natural Beauty in Fethiye, Draws Local and International Tourists
Fethiye, Muğla — The Blue Cave, one of Fethiye’s striking natural wonders, has become an increasingly popular attraction for both local and international visitors. Located just two kilometres from Ölüdeniz, the world-famous beach destination, the cave fascinates tourists with its unique natural formation and shimmering blue waters.
The Blue Cave is accessible only by sea, with boat and yacht tours departing daily from Ölüdeniz. These tours are tailored to allow visitors to explore the cave comfortably and often include swimming breaks nearby. Thanks to its close proximity to the coast, the cave is also an inviting spot for those seeking both adventure and relaxation in nature.
Also known as the Cold Water Cave, the Blue Cave owes its striking colour to the abundance of single-celled seaweed. The cave’s natural pool provides refreshing swimming opportunities, while its spacious interior allows entry for small boats. With its single entrance and dramatic lighting, the cave offers an unforgettable experience. Visitors are encouraged to bring waterproof cameras to capture the striking scenery.
The Blue Cave is especially popular in the summer months for its cool, crystal-clear waters. It is also considered a favourable spot for scuba diving, offering a safe and visually captivating environment. The cave’s enclosed structure gives swimmers the sensation of being in a natural pool, enhanced by the interplay of light and water.
Many visitors extend their trips by camping nearby for one or two nights, making the Blue Cave not just a day excursion, but part of a longer escape into Fethiye’s natural beauty.
Turkey’s Fishing Season Opens with Hopes for Abundant Anchovy Catch
Ankara, Turkey — Turkey’s 2025 fishing season has opened with optimism, as experts predict a strong anchovy harvest due to low bonito numbers. The season, traditionally launched with the phrase “Vira Bismillah”, began on September 1 in the Black Sea, Marmara and Aegean regions, while the Mediterranean season will start on September 15.
Ramazan Özkaya, chairman of the Central Union of Fisheries Cooperatives (SÜRKOOP), said bonito stocks typically fluctuate in three-to-five-year cycles. After last year’s abundance, bonito are expected to be scarce, while anchovy catches should be plentiful. Reports also suggest strong horse mackerel stocks in the Black Sea, though Özkaya urged fishermen to avoid overfishing smaller schools.
In the Marmara Sea, anchovy fishing has started but remains limited due to high water temperatures, while in the Aegean, sardine and Atlantic mackerel catches are increasing.
Özkaya also warned about the growing impact of climate change on Turkey’s marine ecosystem, citing rising sea temperatures, shifting migration routes and risks to fish reproduction. He called for sustainable fishing practices and reminded consumers that they, too, play a role in protecting future fish stocks.
Motorcycle Accidents in Turkey Rise 17% in First Eight Months of 2025
Ankara, Turkey — Across Turkey, 76,162 motorcycle accidents resulting in death or injury were recorded in the first eight months of 2025, marking a 17% increase compared with the same period last year, according to a new report by Anadolu Agency (AA).
The report, titled “The Reality of Motorcycles in Traffic,” draws on data from the Traffic Department of the General Directorate of Security and the Traffic Department of the General Command of the Gendarmerie.
In January–August 2024, a total of 65,291 accidents involving motorcycles resulted in fatalities or injuries. By comparison, this year’s figure rose to 71,604 in police jurisdictions and 4,558 in gendarmerie jurisdictions.
Accidents peaked during the summer months. In 2025, August saw 12,655 cases, followed by 12,067 in July and 11,082 in June. The lowest number of incidents was in February, with 5,556 cases. In 2024, the lowest month was also February, with 2,053 accidents.
The rise comes as motorcycle ownership continues to grow rapidly. As of March 2025, Turkey had 6.39 million registered motorcycles, accounting for 20.1% of all road motor vehicles. Registrations in March alone surged by 58.2% compared with the previous month.
Experts warn that the combination of rising ownership and accident rates highlights the urgent need for stronger traffic safety measures, rider education, and infrastructure improvements to reduce risks for motorcyclists across Turkey.
Source: https://www.dailysabah.com/turkiye/turkiye-sees-76000-motorcycle-accidents-in-8-months-of-2025/news
SPORT
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor weekly update.
Fethiyespor Weekly Update
Fethiye, Turkey — Fethiyespor will play in the second round of the Ziraat Turkish Cup with an away fixture scheduled for 16 September.
Match Result
Fethiyespor won their home match against Yeni Malatyaspor on 13 September, with a final score of 6-1. Following recent matches, Fethiyespor moves up to 14th place in the league tables.
Transfer News
The club has reached an agreement with veteran midfielder Muhammed Gönülaçar, most recently of Elazığspor. Gönülaçar, who has previously lifted the championship trophy with Ankaragücü, brings an impressive record to Fethiyespor, including 162 First League appearances, 159 Second League appearances, 22 Turkish Cup matches, and nine playoff campaigns.The experienced player officially signed his contract at a ceremony attended by Football Branch Manager Uğur Keskin, Osman Kazımlar, and Fahri Kıvanç Yılmaz.
“We welcome Muhammed Gönülaçar to our club and wish him continued success under our navy blue and white jersey,” Fethiyespor said in a statement.
Upcoming Fixtures
Fethiyespor’s next league fixture is an away match against 1461 Trabzon FK on Sunday, 21 September, with kick-off at 15:00.
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Turkish Lira (TL) exchange rates
The British Pound bought 55.94 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 55.41 TL.
The US Dollar bought 41.32 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 41.21 TL.
The Euro bought 48.49 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 48.30 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
