Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
Decorative LED Lighting Project Illuminates Fethiye’s Coastal Strip
Fethiye, MUĞLA – Fethiye has begun to shine with the first stage of a new decorative LED lighting project, as the initial lights were officially switched on along the city’s coastal strip. The project, which forms part of a wider plan to enhance the visual appeal of Fethiye’s main arteries, is being implemented in phases.
Officials said the initiative delivers on promises made to residents, with the aim of creating a more vibrant and welcoming atmosphere across key areas of the town. The newly installed decorative lighting is designed to highlight the beauty of the coastline while also improving the evening experience for both locals and visitors.
The first illuminated section along the coastal strip has already drawn attention, transforming the area into a striking “city of lights” after dark. Authorities noted that additional streets and main routes will be included as the project continues.
The municipality described the lighting as a symbolic step in ongoing urban improvements and expressed hopes that the project will be beneficial for Fethiye.
Source: Fethiye Belediyesi
Work Nears Completion on the Fethiye–Ölüdeniz Road
Fethiye, MUĞLA – Muğla Metropolitan Municipality is nearing completion of its comprehensive road and infrastructure project on the Fethiye–Ölüdeniz route, one of the region’s most important tourism corridors. The works aim to modernise the road and have it fully ready ahead of the 2026 summer season.
The multi-stage project covers a total transportation route of approximately 13.5 kilometres. The first stage, between Patlangıç and Ovacık, has been completed, including asphalt works, guardrails, and curb construction, with the road widened to an average of 15 metres. The Hisarönü–Ölüdeniz section has also been finalised, along with drinking water lines, paving, safety barriers, and drainage improvements.
Work is continuing in the second stage on the Ovacık–city centre route, where rainwater drainage lines, sidewalk improvements, hot asphalt paving, retaining walls, and roundabout upgrades are being carried out. The 7-kilometre drainage system is expected to significantly reduce flooding risks in the area.
The fourth stage, covering the Ölüdeniz–Kayaköy road, includes asphalt paving, drinking water infrastructure, guardrails, and pedestrian improvements. In Kayaköy, additional works are being implemented in line with the area’s historic character, including cobblestone roads and aesthetic paving designed to preserve the village’s unique texture.
Officials confirmed that most stages have been completed and remaining works are progressing as planned. The project includes 11 kilometres of hot asphalt, 4.2 kilometres of drinking water pipelines, 7 kilometres of rainwater drainage, and extensive safety and landscaping improvements.
Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Aras said the investment will create a transportation infrastructure befitting the tourism potential of Fethiye and Ölüdeniz, noting that the route is among Turkey’s most important visitor destinations. The municipality aims to complete the remaining works before the tourism season begins.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiye-oludeniz-yolunda-sona-gelindi
Fourth Traditional Mustafa Kiremitli Oil Wrestling Festival Set to Draw Top Competitors to Fethiye
Fethiye, MUĞLA – The countdown has begun for the fourth annual Traditional Fethiye Mustafa Kiremitli Oil Wrestling Festival, with preparations underway to welcome champion wrestlers and thousands of spectators to the arena on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
One of the largest sporting events in Muğla and the surrounding region, the festival will once again take place at the Mustafa Kiremitli Wrestling Arena. The event, which left a strong impression in 2025 with high participation and intense competition, is expected to attract leading names from Turkey’s traditional oil wrestling circuit.
Preparations are being coordinated by Fethiye Mayor and Head of the Organizing Committee Alim Karaca, together with Muğla’s only Grand Champion wrestler, Ali Yanatma. Work is ongoing to ensure the venue is ready to host both athletes and visitors for a full day celebrating one of Turkey’s most historic sports.
Mayor Karaca, who is personally overseeing field preparations, emphasized the importance of the event for both cultural heritage and the promotion of Fethiye. He noted that the municipality is proud to host wrestlers and guests from across Turkey and aims to showcase Fethiye’s hospitality while keeping the traditional sport alive.
Meanwhile, technical planning and athlete coordination are being led by Ali Yanatma. Efforts are focused on securing participation from prominent wrestlers, including well-known competitors from the Kırkpınar oil wrestling circuit. The organisation aims to deliver a professionally run event with strong competition and a festive atmosphere.
The fourth Traditional Fethiye Mustafa Kiremitli Oil Wrestling Festival is expected to transform the wrestling arena into a major attraction, bringing together athletes, fans, and families for a day of tradition, sport, and community celebration.
Controversy Grows Over Planned Day-Trip Tourism Facility in Göcek
Fethiye, MUĞLA – A planned day-trip tourism facility in Osmanağa Bay, located in the Göcek neighbourhood of Fethiye, has sparked public debate after allegations that construction work is damaging the area’s natural environment and access has been restricted both by land and sea.
According to claims, construction machinery was brought into the bay, which is known for its unspoilt natural beauty, and excavator work carried out on the beach caused damage to the coastline. It was further alleged that following the initial excavation, additional construction materials were transported to the site by trucks as work continued.
Some citizens opposed to the project attempted to visit the bay to observe the situation firsthand. However, access to the area was reportedly blocked after gendarmerie and coast guard teams implemented security measures. Entry to the bay was not permitted, with restrictions applied both on land and from the sea.
The developments have increased concerns among locals and environmental observers, while discussions continue regarding the impact of the proposed facility on the protected natural surroundings.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiyede-osmanaga-koyuna-karadan-ve-denizden-girisler-kapatildi
Strict Control of Outdoor Advertising Across Muğla
Muğla, TURKEY – Muğla Metropolitan Municipality has launched inspections of outdoor advertising spaces across areas under its responsibility, with unauthorized installations and those with expired permits set to be removed.
As part of province-wide checks carried out in cooperation with the municipality’s Law Enforcement, Support Services, and Transportation departments, removal work has already begun in Bodrum district. Authorities confirmed that advertising structures found to be in violation of regulations or operating without valid permits are being dismantled.
Officials also announced that permits previously granted for outdoor advertising spaces will not be extended. Instead, all installations with expired permits will be gradually removed as part of a phased enforcement programme.
Under the new system, outdoor advertising spaces created in areas controlled by Muğla Metropolitan Municipality will be leased directly to advertisers by MUBRAŞ. The move is intended to strengthen oversight while also increasing municipal revenues in a more structured manner.
In addition, revisions to the municipality’s Advertising and Signage Regulations introduce new restrictions for commercial properties. Shopping malls, marinas, and similar establishments will no longer be permitted to install LED screens on façades facing main roads or rent these screens to third parties for advertising.
The municipality said the new measures aim to protect urban aesthetics, regulate advertising space, and establish a more planned and controlled outdoor advertising structure across Muğla.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/acik-hava-reklamlarina-siki-denetim
Painted Buildings Turn Mersin Neighbourhoods into Open-Air Art Gallery
Mersin, TURKEY – Buildings decorated with reproductions of world-famous artworks are bringing visual vibrancy to neighbourhoods in Mersin, transforming once-deteriorating façades into striking landmarks.
The initiative began in 2017 under Toroslar Municipality’s “Facade Arrangement Project on Boulevards, Streets, and Avenues,” targeting buildings in the Akbelen and Güneykent neighbourhoods where paint had peeled and exteriors had deteriorated. As part of the project, artist Nazife Bilgin Hazar recreated works by renowned painters including Halil Paşa, Ibrahim Çallı, Vincent van Gogh, Osman Hamdi Bey, Pablo Picasso, Neşet Günal, Salvador Dalí, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Leonardo da Vinci, Johannes Vermeer and Paula Rego.
Among the iconic pieces reproduced on building walls are Osman Hamdi Bey’s “The Tortoise Trainer,” Frida Kahlo’s “Me and My Monkey,” Vincent van Gogh’s portrait and “Starry Night,” and Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa.” The paintings transformed previously plain structures into colourful and visually appealing landmarks.
Over time, the painted buildings have become symbolic features of the city, attracting attention from both residents and visitors. Artist Nazife Bilgin Hazar said the project was designed to bring art closer to the public, describing the area as an open-air museum. She noted that walking through the streets now feels like touring an art gallery and said the initiative continues to gain attention on social media years after its completion.
Hazar added that the project not only improved the appearance of the neighbourhoods but also contributed to promoting Mersin. She said visitors from across the country continue to come to photograph the murals, adding that the works remain a source of pride nearly a decade later.
Local residents have also welcomed the transformation. Güneykent resident Süleyman Sabah described the colourful buildings as a positive development and said expanding the project to other neighbourhoods would further enhance the city. Another resident, Osman Sarmalı, said the murals have become defining symbols of both the neighbourhoods and Mersin itself.
Source: Daily Sabah
Spring Heatwave Signals Warmer-Than-Normal Season Across Turkey
Ankara, TURKEY – Spring in Turkey is arriving with unexpected intensity, as meteorological experts warn of a prolonged warming trend likely to push temperatures above typical seasonal levels in the coming months.
Şahin Şahbaz, head of analysis and forecasting at the Turkish State Meteorological Service, said March temperatures and precipitation were largely in line with seasonal norms. However, rainfall exceeded averages in parts of the Aegean and Mediterranean regions due to recent weather systems, while other areas experienced typical precipitation levels.
Looking ahead, April temperatures are expected to remain close to seasonal norms across most of the country, with slightly higher readings forecast in western and southern regions. Northeastern parts of eastern Turkey are likely to see temperatures around average levels.
In central and western inland areas, including parts of the central region and the inner Aegean, temperatures are projected to be 1 to 2 degrees Celsius above normal. For May and June, forecasts indicate temperatures generally ranging between 0.5 and 2 degrees above seasonal averages nationwide.
Rainfall is expected to remain near normal levels during May and June, although parts of the Aegean and western Mediterranean coasts may experience above-average precipitation in April.
Şahbaz noted that while occasional short-term temperature drops below seasonal norms remain possible, overall averages for April and May are expected to stay above normal, pointing to a warmer-than-usual spring and early summer across Turkey.
Source: Hürriyet Daily News
SPORT
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor update.
Match Result
Fethiyespor lost their away match against 68 Aksaray Bld on Tuesday The final score was 0-2.
Fethiyespor drew their away home against Bursaspor on Saturday The final score was 1-1.
Following recent matches, Fethiyespor move up to 11th place in the league table.
League Matches
Fethiyespor will play an away match against Kahramanmaraş İstiklalspor on Saturday 4 April, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.
Stay connected with all things Fethiyespor — join the Fethiyespor Yabancilar Facebook group for breaking news, matchday updates, and community discussions.
You can also follow Fethiyespor on Twitter and Instagram
Turkish Lira (TL) exchange rates
The British Pound bought 58.90 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 59.06 TL.
The US Dollar bought 44.43 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 44.28 TL.
The Euro bought 50.67 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 51.29 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
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