Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
Protest Against Litter in Kayaköy
Fethiye, MUĞLA – A group visiting the forested area of Kayaköy in Fethiye to shoot a short film abandoned their plans after discovering large amounts of litter scattered throughout the area.
The group said they were particularly disturbed by the adult-related waste left in nature and decided instead to film a protest video drawing attention to the pollution problem in the popular countryside location.
Speaking during the filming, members of the group expressed disappointment at the state of the environment, saying natural areas should be protected and respected by visitors. Their message, “Let’s Not Make Love To Nature,” was aimed at raising awareness about irresponsible behaviour and encouraging people to leave natural spaces clean.
Kayaköy, known for its historic atmosphere and surrounding natural beauty, attracts both local residents and tourists throughout the year. However, littering in forested and picnic areas continues to be a growing concern for residents and environmental advocates.
The group called on visitors to take greater responsibility for protecting nature and urged authorities to increase inspections and provide more waste disposal facilities in frequently visited areas.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/kayakoyde-cop-tepkisi-doga-ile-sevismeyelim
Practical Traffic Education for Young Children in Fethiye
Fethiye, MUĞLA – As part of Traffic Week activities in Fethiye, kindergarten students took part in practical traffic education designed to teach road safety rules in a fun and engaging way.
The event was organised in cooperation with the Fethiye District Police Department and the Fethiye District National Education Directorate at the Traffic Education Park in Taşyaka Neighborhood.
During the training sessions, children took the wheel of electric vehicles on a specially designed track while learning essential traffic rules under the supervision of teams from the Fethiye District Police Department Traffic Bureau.
Basic road safety topics including traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, parking areas and the use of overpasses were explained through practical activities. The training track, prepared to reflect a real road layout, also gave children the opportunity to closely examine traffic signs and signals while applying the rules themselves.
The hands-on experience aimed to help young students develop traffic awareness and safe habits from an early age.
Fethiye District Governor Fatih Akkaya also attended the programme and highlighted the importance of Traffic Week in raising awareness about road safety among children and the wider community.
Source: Fethiye TV
Mayor Aras Opposes Planned 450-Yacht Pier Project in Protected Selimiye Bay
Muğla, TURKEY – The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process has been initiated for a planned 450-yacht capacity boat mooring pier in Selimiye, Marmaris, located within a Special Environmental Protection Area.
Muğla Metropolitan Municipality announced that it is closely monitoring the process due to concerns over the project’s potential impact on the region’s natural environment and marine life. Muğla Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Aras stated that the municipality would oppose the project through all available legal channels.
The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change launched the EIA process for the project, which is planned for the Selimiye neighborhood of Marmaris district in Muğla Province.
According to Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, the area falls within the Aydın-Muğla Provinces 1/50,000 Scale Integrated Coastal Area Plan and is recognised as an important marine tourism zone that includes swimming areas, day-trip destinations, and blue cruise routes.
Municipal officials stressed that the region is home to endangered species and holds significant tourism value, making it one of the environmentally sensitive areas that require protection. The municipality warned that the planned project could negatively affect natural life and stated that formal objections would be submitted during the EIA process.
The municipality also recalled that it had previously issued a negative opinion on May 27, 2025, regarding a similar 145-yacht/boat mooring pier project proposed by Portmarin Port Management Tourism Construction Inc. in the same area.
Following a positive EIA decision for that earlier proposal, Muğla Metropolitan Municipality filed a lawsuit at the Muğla 2nd Administrative Court on December 12, 2025, requesting both a stay of execution and cancellation of the EIA approval. In case number 2026/49, the court later requested additional information and documents from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change in a decision dated January 20, 2026.
Mayor Aras strongly criticised the newly proposed 450-yacht project, saying the municipality would continue its legal fight against developments that threaten protected areas.
“We will never allow this,” said Mayor Aras. “We filed a lawsuit against a previously proposed yacht mooring pier project in the same area, and the process is still ongoing. Now we have learned that an Environmental Impact Assessment process has been initiated for a new 450-yacht capacity mooring pier next to the same area. If the EIA report is positive, we will restart the lawsuit process. This is a very sensitive area located within the boundaries of a Special Environmental Protection Area.”
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/baskan-aras-bu-hassas-bolgede-boyle-bir-projeye-izin-vermeyiz
Truck Falls into Sea in Bodrum, Two Injured
Bodrum, MUĞLA – Two people were injured after a dump truck lost control and fell into the sea at a construction site in Bodrum.
The accident happened on Şendoğan Street in the Dirmil neighborhood. According to reports, the dump truck began sliding backward while attempting to climb a ramp inside the construction site.
The driver of a vehicle behind the truck noticed the danger and managed to reverse at the last moment, narrowly avoiding being crushed.
The out-of-control truck then plunged into the sea with the driver and a passenger still inside.
Emergency teams were dispatched to the scene, and the two injured individuals were given first aid before being taken to hospital for treatment.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
Source: https://www.gercekfethiye.com/bodrum-da-kamyon-denize-dustu-2-kisi-yaralandi/121607/
Fethiye Photography Festival Gains Attention in Chinese Media
Fethiye, MUĞLA – The 5th Fethiye Photography Festival, held between April 30 and May 3 in cooperation with FEFSAD, has attracted international attention after being featured in Chinese media outlets.
The festival included photographs submitted by the “United City Photographers Association” from Huzhou, China, one of Fethiye’s sister cities. Coverage of the event appeared on the official social media accounts of Huzhou Municipality as well as in the daily newspaper Huzhou Daily.
Chinese media described the festival as “one of Turkey’s influential cultural events” that creates “a communication platform for international photographic art.”
The reports also highlighted the participation of Huzhou photographers, stating: “The exhibition of Huzhou photographs at this festival is a vibrant practice that deepens cultural exchange between the two regions. It is also a strong step in reflecting the image of Huzhou city and promoting mutual learning between civilizations, adding new vitality to friendly relations between China and foreign countries.”
Festival organisers said the international recognition reflects the growing cultural connections between Fethiye and Huzhou, while also helping to promote Fethiye to new tourism markets.
Officials added that efforts will continue to extend tourism across all 12 months of the year, introduce Fethiye to different parts of the world, and strengthen cultural ties through international events and collaborations.
Source: Fethiye Belediyesi
Sabiha Gökçen Airport Introduces “Silent Airport” System
Istanbul, TURKEY – Sabiha Gökçen International Airport introduced a new “silent airport” system from May 10, significantly reducing public announcements inside its terminal in an effort to improve passenger comfort and create a calmer travel environment.
Under the new system, announcements will only be made in emergencies, for critical security alerts, or when operationally necessary. Routine boarding calls and general notices will no longer be broadcast throughout the terminal.
Passengers will instead be expected to follow flight updates through Flight Information Display Screens (FIDS), airline mobile applications, SMS and email notifications, the airport’s mobile app, and its digital assistant SAVVy.
Airport officials said the initiative is part of a wider effort to modernise passenger services and adapt to increasingly digital travel habits, where real-time notifications are replacing traditional loudspeaker announcements.
The change comes as Sabiha Gökçen continues to experience strong passenger growth. According to airport operator HEAŞ, the airport handled 4.19 million passengers in January 2026, representing a 14 percent increase compared with the same month last year.
The total included 1.75 million domestic passengers and 2.43 million international travellers, alongside 23,688 aircraft movements during the month.
Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Historic “Old Istanbul Road” in Kocaeli Becomes Spring Destination for Hikers
Kocaeli, TURKEY – A historic transportation route stretching across northwestern Turkey has become an increasingly popular destination for hikers, photographers and nature lovers looking to escape crowded urban areas during the spring season.
Known locally as the “Old Istanbul Road,” the approximately 60-kilometre route begins in İzmit and passes through rural landscapes before reaching Çayırova on the border of Istanbul.
Following heavy rainfall in April, the countryside along the historic road has transformed into a vibrant green landscape, with farmland, forests and quiet village roads attracting visitors seeking scenic walks and outdoor recreation.
Running parallel to the coastline, the route once served as one of the main transportation links to Istanbul before the construction of the modern D-100 highway. Today, it is valued for its natural beauty and historical character.
Among the natural attractions along the route are the İzmit Urban Forest and several ponds that provide areas for walking, relaxation and photography.
The road also features historical landmarks, including a stone bridge dating back to the Roman era, reflecting the region’s long-standing importance as a transportation corridor.
Local resident Nusret Çiftçi, who frequently visits the area with friends and family, said the route was once used by caravans and formed part of an ancient Roman road network.
“Now, with nature coming back to life, everything is lush green,” he said. “It has become a beautiful place for walks. Hiking groups often explore these routes.”
He also highlighted nearby natural attractions such as Taşköprü Canyon and Çoban Geçidi Canyon, describing them as destinations with strong ecotourism potential.
“Kocaeli is usually associated with industry,” he added. “But once you travel 10 to 15 kilometres outside the city, you encounter completely different natural beauty.”
Source: Hürriyet Daily News
SPORT
Fethiyespor Begin Preparations for New Season as Captain Şahan Akyüz Signs New Deal
Fethiye, MUĞLA – With the 2025–2026 season now complete, Fethiyespor have already begun preparations for the new campaign, starting with the renewal of team captain Şahan Akyüz on a new two-year contract.
The experienced defender, who has worn the navy blue and white jersey since the 2021–2022 season, officially signed the agreement during a ceremony attended by Vice President Metin Sevinç and Football Branch Manager Uğur Keskin.
Şahan Akyüz’s father, Şahin Akyüz, was also present at the signing ceremony.
The club praised the captain’s commitment and leadership over the past five seasons, highlighting his dedication both on and off the pitch.
In a statement, the club welcomed back their captain for another two years and expressed hopes for continued success under the Fethiyespor banner.
We will bring you further updates throughout the summer as the club focuses on squad planning, transfer activity and preparations ahead of the 2026–2027 campaign.
Stay connected with all things Fethiyespor — join the Fethiyespor Yabancilar Facebook group for breaking news, matchday updates, and community discussions.
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Turkish Lira (TL) exchange rates
The British Pound bought 61.82 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 61.32 TL.
The US Dollar bought 45.34 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 45.16 TL.
The Euro bought 53.48 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 52.96 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
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