Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
“Fethiye Face of the Sea” Exhibition Held at Cultural Centre
Fethiye, MUĞLA – The “Fethiye Face of the Sea” photography exhibition took place at the Fethiye Cultural Center, bringing together photography, poetry and music for art lovers.
The exhibition, featuring photographs by captain and photographer Uğur Tolga Aksu, was organised as the second project of Ayaltı Aykırı Sanat Magazine’s “3×7 Insight” series. The event attracted strong interest and was attended by Fethiye Mayor Alim Karaca, Deputy Mayor Sabri Oğuz Bolelli and many citizens.
During the programme, poet and writer Şener Aksu and photographer Uğur Tolga Aksu shared insights into the creation of the exhibition and spoke about their artistic connection with the sea. The exhibition drew significant attention from visitors.
Fethiye Mayor Alim Karaca said Fethiye was an inspiring city with its nature, sea and cultural richness, adding that the municipality would continue to support all branches of art. He congratulated everyone who contributed to the event.
The “Fethiye Face of the Sea” photography exhibition took place at the Fethiye Cultural Center and was open to visitors on January 15, 16 and 17.
Source: https://www.muglayenigun.com/denizin-fethiye-yuzu-sergisi-acildi/
Karapınar Playground Nears Completion in Fethiye
Fethiye, MUĞLA – Construction of the children’s playground in the Karapınar area of Fethiye’s Pazaryeri neighbourhood was nearing completion, with the park expected to open to the public soon.
Designed to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for children, most of the playground equipment had been installed. The project aimed to create a secure space where children in the neighbourhood could play and socialise.
Following the completion of landscaping works and final finishing touches, the playground was set to be opened for public use. Local residents welcomed the project, expressing satisfaction with the increase in social spaces, particularly those dedicated to children.
Once completed, the playground will offer a new social living area for families and children in the Karapınar area.
Source: https://www.dostgazetesi.com/fethiye-karapinar-da-oyun-parki-tamamlaniyor/34928/
Municipality Teams Save Mastic Tree on Akbük Beach
Menteşe, MUĞLA – A mastic tree that had fallen on Akbük Beach was replanted by Menteşe Municipality teams, preserving a natural shade area frequently used by citizens.
Teams from the Menteşe Municipality Parks and Gardens Directorate carried out careful work to save the tree, which provides much-needed shade on the Akbük coastline, particularly during the summer months. The operation aimed to protect the tree’s natural structure while restoring it to its original position.
To avoid damage to the roots and trunk, the teams used human power and rope systems instead of heavy machinery. The fallen tree was carefully re-erected in its original location, with its roots reconnected to the soil.
After the replanting process, the tree was watered to support its recovery, ensuring that the natural shade it offers to beachgoers was preserved.
Source: https://www.gercekfethiye.com/akbuk-un-dogal-golgesi-korundu-devrilen-agac-yerine-dikildi/114785/
Şadan Gökovalı Open-Air Theatre Undergoes Modern Renovation
Muğla, MUĞLA – Maintenance, repair and renovation works were carried out at the Prof. Dr. Şadan Gökovalı Open-Air Theatre by the Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, with the aim of reopening the venue to art lovers with a modern and renewed appearance.
As part of the project implemented by the municipality, renovation works were undertaken both inside and outside the theatre building. Floor and ceiling coverings were renewed, while the stage area was redesigned to accommodate contemporary technical equipment. Accessible areas were also created to ensure that disabled citizens could attend events more comfortably.
The renovation project included the renewal of supporting units such as artist and protocol rooms, the foyer area and administrative offices. In the surrounding outdoor areas, stone wall applications and landscaping works were carried out, and the exterior stairways were redesigned.
Speaking about the project, Ahmet Aras, President of the Aegean Coastal Municipalities Union and Mayor of Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, said Prof. Dr. Şadan Gökovalı was a highly valued intellectual who made significant contributions to Muğla’s history, culture and identity. Aras stated that the open-air theatre bearing his name had long served as an important cultural meeting point for residents.
“With these renovation works, we created a venue worthy of Şadan Gökovalı’s memory and transformed our theatre into a technically advanced, modern and accessible facility for everyone,” Aras said, adding that investments supporting culture and art in Muğla would continue.
Injured Hawk Returned to Nature After Treatment
Kumluca, ANTALYA – A hawk that was found injured in the Kumluca district of Antalya was treated by municipal teams and released back into its natural habitat after regaining its health.
Municipal police teams found the injured hawk in the town centre and took it under protection. The bird was then handed over to teams from the Veterinary Affairs Directorate for treatment and care.
Following veterinary treatment and observation, the hawk’s health condition was deemed suitable for release. It was subsequently returned to nature, allowing it to continue life in its natural environment.
Source: https://www.gercekfethiye.com/yarali-atmaca-tedavisi-sonrasi-dogaya-birakildi/114776/?p=2
Nearly 900-Year-Old Madrasa Discovered During Urban Renewal in Kayseri
Kayseri, TURKEY – The remains of a madrasa believed to be nearly 900 years old were discovered in the central Anatolian city of Kayseri during an urban renewal project, local officials said.
The discovery was made near the Melik Mehmed Gazi Tomb, just south of the historic Kebir Mosque, during works carried out as part of the Surici Camikebir Urban Renewal Project. Traces and wall remains of the Islamic school were identified during excavation and ground works in the area.
Kayseri Mayor Memduh Büyükkılıç said the city had hosted many civilisations throughout history and held a significant place in Islamic heritage. He noted that careful and meaningful work was being carried out around the Kebir Mosque area.
“While opening up the surroundings of Cami Kebir, we encountered a surprise,” Büyükkılıç said. “Right next to the tomb of Melik Mehmed Gazi, we uncovered traces and walls of a madrasa built in the tradition of a religious complex.”
Melik Mehmed Gazi, a ruler of the Danishmend dynasty, is regarded as one of the founders of Kayseri and a key figure in early Turkish-Islamic history in Anatolia. The mosque he commissioned remains one of the city’s most important historical landmarks.
Mayor Büyükkılıç stated that excavation and restoration works would be carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in line with existing academic research and historical records.
“Our aim was to revive this madrasa and bring a historical monument worthy of Kayseri to both our city and our country,” he said
Source: Anadolu Agency
Experts Warn Turkey Is Approaching Water-Poverty Threshold
Istanbul, TURKEY – Istanbul recorded the highest annual water consumption in its history in 2025, as climate pressures, rapid urban growth and structural supply vulnerabilities combined to push Turkey closer to internationally defined water-poverty conditions.
According to data from the Istanbul Water and Sewage Administration (ISKI), the city consumed 1.17 billion cubic meters of water in 2025, the highest figure ever recorded. The volume was nearly five times the capacity of the Ömerli Dam, Istanbul’s largest reservoir. During the year, water services were provided to more than 7 million subscribers.
Of total consumption, 767.7 million cubic meters were used on the European side and 405.7 million cubic meters on the Asian side. Water supply was sourced primarily from the Melen system, dams, Yeşilçay, streams in the Istranca region and underground wells. The highest daily usage was recorded on July 24 at 3.8 million cubic meters, while the lowest occurred on March 31.
Reservoir levels fluctuated significantly, falling to 17.12% in December and rising to 82.36% in April. Annual rainfall over reservoir basins measured 619.95 millimeters.
Academics from Istanbul Technical University warned that Turkey was entering a structurally fragile water era. Professor Mikdat Kadıoğlu said uncontrolled urban growth posed a greater long-term risk than drought alone, noting that scientific indicators showed Turkey was nearing “water-poor country” status, defined as less than 1,000 cubic meters of usable water per person annually.
Kadıoğlu described Istanbul as exceeding its sustainable population capacity and stressed that dam levels offered only temporary relief. He warned that without integrated planning covering population growth, zoning and water governance, urban vulnerability would intensify.
ITU researchers proposed a seven-point water management model, including early-warning meteorological systems, water-year budgeting, mandatory drought plans, population planning based on water capacity, rainwater harvesting, separation of drinking and utility water, and rejection of unscientific solutions.
Kadıoğlu warned that failing to act before scarcity deepened could lead to severe economic, social and public health consequences, stressing that effective water management was essential to sustaining urban life.
SPORT
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor update.
Ziraat Turkish Cup
Fethiyespor lost 2-1 to Galatasaray at home in a Ziraat Turkish Cup match but earned praise for their determined performance against strong opposition.
In the first half, Galatasaray were awarded a penalty after a foul on Mauro Icardi. Fethiyespor goalkeeper Arda Akbulut saved Icardi’s spot kick, preventing the visitors from taking the lead. When the penalty was retaken, Akbulut once again denied Icardi, emerging as the standout player of the match.
Galatasaray found their goals in the second half. Abdülkerim Bardakcı opened the scoring in the 73rd minute, and Barış Alper Yılmaz doubled the lead in the 80th minute to make it 2-0.
Fethiyespor responded late in the game, with Uğur Ayhan scoring in the 90th minute to reduce the deficit to one goal. Despite the defeat, Arda Akbulut’s impressive goalkeeping performance drew loud applause from the stands, while Fethiyespor’s fighting spirit was widely appreciated by football fans.
Fethiyespor expressed gratitude to officials, security forces, local administrators, medical teams, referees, press members, and club staff for ensuring the Ziraat Turkey Cup match against Galatasaray at their stadium was conducted smoothly, safely, and in the spirit of sportsmanship. The club also thanked Galatasaray’s management, technical staff, players, and the fans of both teams for their fair play and professional approach. Fethiyespor emphasized its commitment to the unifying power of football and pledged to continue hosting important events responsibly and proudly.
League Matches
The team’s next league match is on Saturday 24 January, at home against Aliağa FK. Kick-off will be at 17:00.
Match Result
Fethiyespor won their away match against Somaspor on Saturday with a final score of 1-2.
Following recent matches, Fethiyespor remains in 14th place in the league table.
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 57.91 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 57.71 TL.
The US Dollar bought 43.27 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 43.05 TL.
The Euro bought 50.21 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 50.09 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
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