Welcome to our midweek round-up of the latest news and updates from Fethiye and across Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
Decorative LED Lighting Installation Begins Along Fethiye Coastal Strip
Fethiye, MUĞLA – Installation work has officially begun for a new decorative LED lighting project, starting along the coastal strip as part of a wider plan to illuminate the city’s main arteries.
The project will see energy-efficient LED lighting installed across key routes, improving both visibility and the overall appearance of public spaces. Municipal officials stated that the coastal strip was chosen as the first phase due to its prominence and high visitor footfall, with further installations to follow throughout the city.
The new system is designed not only to enhance the city’s night-time aesthetics but also to deliver significant energy savings. Authorities estimate that the LED technology could reduce energy consumption by up to 30%, contributing to both environmental sustainability and municipal cost efficiency.
Once completed, the decorative lighting is expected to create a brighter, more welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike, particularly in the evenings along the seafront.
Officials described the project as an important step in modernising the city’s infrastructure, adding that the illuminated streets will help showcase Fethiye’s coastal charm while supporting long-term energy efficiency.
“May it be auspicious for our Fethiye, which will shine brightly,” the statement concluded
Source: Fethiye Belediyesi
Canal Cleaning Begins in Fethiye Where Small Boats Are Moored
FETHIYE, MUĞLA – Cleaning work has begun in the canal on Yunus Nadi Street, where small boats are moored, with teams from Fethiye Municipality removing accumulated mud and waste.
As part of the operation, construction machinery is being used to clear sediment and various debris that has built up in the canal over time. Officials said the cleaning works will continue according to a planned schedule, aiming to improve water flow and overall environmental conditions in the area.
Due to the ongoing works, the coastal road section leading from Yunus Nadi Street to the 3rd Stage Coastal Strip has been temporarily closed to traffic. Authorities have warned drivers to use alternative routes until the cleaning operations are completed.
The canal is commonly used by small boats, and the maintenance work is expected to improve both safety and usability once the project is finished.
Source: Fethiye TV
Marketplace in Seydikemer undergoing major expansion
SEYDİKEMER, MUĞLA – The covered marketplace in Seydikemer is undergoing a major expansion project aimed at creating a more comfortable and organized environment for vendors while improving the shopping experience for residents. The municipality is increasing the existing 3,000 square metre area to 8,800 square metres.
Work on the project is largely complete, with the new development set to provide a modern structure designed to meet the needs of both traders and visitors. The expanded space will make the marketplace more spacious, better organized and more functional once fully operational.
Seydikemer Mayor B. Önder Akdenizli said the municipality continues to implement projects that add value to the district. “We are expanding our indoor market so that our vendors can provide services in a healthier and more comfortable environment, and our citizens can shop without being affected by hot or cold weather conditions,” he said.
“By increasing the area from 3,000 square metres to 8,800 square metres, we are offering a more comfortable space for both our vendors and our fellow citizens. Our work is now in its final stages. We will complete it as soon as possible and put it into service for our people.”
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/seydikemerde-pazar-yeri-buyuyor-konfor-artiyor
Muğla’s Most Prestigious Environmental Project
MUĞLA – A major environmental transformation is set to take place in the Dalyan Canal, where 495 sightseeing boats currently operating on liquid fuel will be converted to environmentally friendly solar and electric-powered vessels within two years. The initiative aims to reduce noise and environmental pollution while supporting sustainable tourism in one of the region’s most sensitive natural areas.
The project, led by the Muğla Governorship, includes ongoing negotiations with the South Aegean Development Agency (GEKA), the Zero Waste Foundation and banks to secure low-interest loans that will help boat owners cover conversion costs. Officials say the transformation will significantly improve environmental protection while maintaining the canal’s popular tour operations.
Muğla previously implemented a similar transformation in the Akyaka neighbourhood of Ula, located on the Gulf of Gökova. Boats operating on the Azmak River were converted to electric and solar-powered systems within two years. The switch helped protect underwater ecosystems and reed beds, while dramatically reducing noise pollution. The same model will now be applied to tour boats operating in the Dalyan Canal.
Each year, thousands of local and international visitors join tours along the route between Lake Köyceğiz and İztuzu Beach, a key nesting area for loggerhead sea turtles. Authorities say converting the boats to electric systems will help protect wildlife and preserve the canal’s delicate ecosystem.
Three different types of boats currently operate in the canal. The most common “infantry-type” boats carry 25–27 passengers, while smaller tour boats accommodate 12–15 people. Short-distance crossing boats have capacities of between three and six passengers.
Muğla Governor Dr. İdris Akbıyık described the initiative as the region’s most important environmental project. He said the conversion to renewable energy-powered boats is essential for both tourism and ecological protection.
“This will be our most prestigious project: the conversion of Dalyan to electric boats. There are 495 boats there. If each one leaves even a small amount of waste, it will become a serious problem for both tourism and the environment,” he said.
Governor Akbıyık noted that a new regulation from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change is expected soon, after which boat operators will be given two years to complete the transition. He added that funding will combine support from government institutions, development agencies and financial institutions, with low-interest financing options planned to assist operators.
Officials emphasized that the move reflects global sustainable tourism practices, highlighting that electric and solar-powered boats produce no noise, no fuel pollution and do not harm the ecological structure of the canal. The project is expected to protect wildlife, improve visitor experience and strengthen Muğla’s reputation as a leader in environmentally responsible tourism.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/muglanin-en-prestijli-cevre-projesi
Work Continues on Massive 545 Million TL Road Investment Across Muğla Districts
MUĞLA, TURKEY – The Muğla Metropolitan Municipality is continuing work on a major road investment project worth 545,574,920 TL, being implemented in stages across Ortaca, Dalaman and Köyceğiz.
Carried out by Metropolitan Municipality Department of Public Works teams, the project began on the Ortaca–Sarıgerme route and aims to make transportation across the region safer, more modern and more comfortable. Once completed, the works are expected to significantly improve driving conditions, particularly on roads heavily used during the tourism season.
The investment is being delivered in four separate stages:
- Phase 1: Between Sarıgerme Sarçed, Sarıgerme Hotel Zone and Sarıgerme Bridge
- Phase 2: Between Sarıgerme Bridge and Kemal Şahin Junction
- Phase 3: Between Kemal Şahin Junction and Fevziye Bridge
- Phase 4: Between Fevziye Bridge and the Dalaman Airport Bypass
While permit processes continue for the first phase, which falls within a natural protected area, construction has already begun on the second phase. Work is currently underway on the 4.1-kilometre section between Sarıgerme Bridge and Kemal Şahin Junction.
The third phase will include a 3-kilometre hot asphalt paving project following installation of a drinking water pipeline, while the fourth phase will deliver a further 3.4 kilometres of hot asphalt between Fevziye Bridge and the Dalaman Airport Bypass. 🛣️
Ahmet Aras, President of the Coastal Aegean Municipalities Union and Mayor of Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, said the investment would improve both daily transport and tourism infrastructure.
“With this important road project covering Ortaca, Dalaman, and Köyceğiz, we will both facilitate the daily transportation of our citizens and make a strong contribution to our region’s tourism potential. Making this route, which is heavily used especially during the summer months, safer, more comfortable, and more modern is of great importance to us. We are continuing our work with a planned and sustainable approach.”
The large-scale investment is expected to strengthen regional connectivity, support tourism traffic and improve overall travel safety across southern Muğla.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/545-milyonluk-dev-yatirimda-calismalar-suruyor
Antalya to Host 8th Ethnosport Forum Focused on Future of Traditional Sports
ANTALYA, TURKEY – The World Ethnosport Union will hold its 8th Ethnosport Forum in Antalya from April 3 to 5, bringing together international representatives to shape the future of traditional sports and preserve cultural heritage.
The forum will focus on key strategic issues surrounding the sustainability of ethnosports, while strengthening global cooperation based on the principles of tradition, respect, solidarity and peace. The organization, which works to protect traditional sports and games and increase intercultural interaction, will also discuss short, medium and long-term development strategies.
Academics, federation representatives and researchers will evaluate international cooperation opportunities, financial sustainability and media strategies during a series of panel discussions. Proposals aimed at making traditional sports and games awards accessible to wider audiences will also be addressed.
One of the forum’s central topics will be the planned “Ethnosports 2027” multi-sport event. Experts are expected to review its vision, goals, organizational structure, international participation strategies, sponsorship opportunities and media planning.
The 8th Ethnosport Forum is expected to host representatives from 50 institutional members across 29 countries affiliated with the World Ethnosport Union. Government officials, federation representatives, academics and researchers will also attend the event.
Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan, President of the World Ethnosport Union, will deliver the opening speech, followed by a ministerial panel featuring senior government officials.
Spanning two days of sessions, panels and strategic discussions, the forum is expected to help shape the future of traditional sports while serving as a key launch point for the Ethnosports 2027 process.
Source: Anadolu Agency
Turkey Targets 600 Million Saplings by November 2026
ANKARA, TURKEY – Turkey is advancing its nationwide afforestation campaign with a target of planting 600 million saplings and seeds by November 2026, according to Bekir Karacabey. The initiative aims to expand forested areas, strengthen biodiversity and create new carbon sink zones across the country. 🌱
Karacabey said 517 million saplings and seeds were planted last year, contributing to significant growth in forest coverage. In addition to new planting, the General Directorate of Forestry has also rehabilitated unproductive and sparse forest areas to improve sustainability and productivity.
He noted that Turkey has risen from sixth to fourth place among countries increasing forest cover the most, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 2025 Global Forest Resources Assessment. The country has recorded an average annual forest increase of 118,000 hectares. The 600 million sapling target has been set for National Forestation Day 2026 under the direction of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Karacabey highlighted that Turkey is one of only two countries using unmanned aerial vehicles for forest monitoring and fire prevention. This year, 14 UAVs will be deployed to monitor forest health and detect potential threats.
Additionally, 2,800 camera traps have been installed across forested areas to provide round-the-clock monitoring, with all activity recorded for evaluation. The technological infrastructure places Turkey among the most advanced countries in forest protection and surveillance. 🚁
The afforestation program also includes financial support for forest villagers to improve living standards and support sustainable rural communities. Loans are offered for projects such as solar panels, home insulation and heating systems, tailored to individual needs.
Twenty percent of the loans are provided as grants, while the remaining 80 percent are interest-free with repayment periods between three and seven years. Officials said TL 2.5 billion in loans were distributed in 2025, with the 2026 budget increased to TL 3.2 billion.
Karacabey also invited citizens to participate in tree-planting events during Forest Week. A major event is scheduled in Ankara on March 26 with the participation of İbrahim Yumaklı, alongside activities planned across all 81 provinces.
Source: Daily Sabah
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