Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
Meaningful Season Opening at Akmaz Public Beach
Fethiye, MUĞLA – Akmaz Public Beach and recreation area, operated by Fethiye Municipality Services Tourism and Trade Inc. under the umbrella of Fethiye Municipality, welcomed the 2026 summer season with a meaningful event as part of Disability Awareness Week.
Held in Çiftlik Mahallesi during the 10–16 May Disability Awareness Week, the event brought together disabled individuals and their families from across Fethiye for a day focused on inclusion, entertainment, and social awareness.
Participants enjoyed music, dancing, and a variety of games at Akmaz Public Beach, a popular coastal destination known for its natural surroundings of sea, forest, and stream. The event aimed to encourage the participation of individuals with disabilities in social life while also raising awareness within the wider community.
The gathering attracted significant interest from attendees, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere throughout the day.
Speaking at the event, Sabri Oğuz Bolelli highlighted the importance of organizing activities during Disability Awareness Week. He stated that such events play an important role in increasing awareness in society and ensuring that individuals with disabilities are more visible and active in social life.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/akmaz-halk-plajinda-anlamli-sezon-acilisi
Dalaman Municipality Lays Foundation for Natural Habitat for Stray Animals
Dalaman, MUĞLA – Dalaman Municipality has laid the foundation for a new Natural Habitat project within the Temporary Animal Shelter in Dereköy Neighborhood, aiming to provide stray animals with safer and healthier living conditions.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by numerous local officials and community representatives, including Mesut Yakuta, Sezer Durmuş, District Police Chief Uğur Şıvgın, District Gendarmerie Commander Lieutenant Oğuzhan Okutan, deputy mayors, representatives from political parties and civil society organizations, village heads, and local residents.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mayor Sezer Durmuş said the Natural Habitat project was being realised with the support of Muğla Metropolitan Municipality. He explained that the new facility would be built on an 8-acre site adjacent to the municipality’s existing 10-acre Temporary Animal Care Center.
Durmuş stated that the current shelter is the only licensed animal shelter operated by a district municipality in Muğla and thanked previous administrations for their contributions to the project.
“While we continue laying the foundations for many projects in Dalaman, we are also taking responsibility for our animal friends,” said Durmuş. “With the support of Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, we are now creating a new 8-acre Natural Life Area next to the existing shelter.”
Mayor Durmuş noted that the centre will have a capacity for 650 animals and will provide care, treatment, and rehabilitation services in modern, safe, and healthy conditions.
“Because we believe that the conscience of a city is measured by the compassion it shows to the animals living on the streets,” he said. “This investment is not just a shelter; it will be a safe living space for our animal friends.”
He also thanked Ahmet Aras, municipal departments, technical teams, and everyone involved in the project.
District Governor Mesut Yakuta also addressed attendees during the ceremony, thanking Dalaman Municipality for bringing the meaningful project to life.
The Natural Habitat will be constructed in line with the standards of the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The project will include 43 separate habitat areas, each containing 12 huts, with a total of 516 huts planned across the site.
In addition, walking paths, lighting systems, and landscaping works will be carried out as part of the project to create a functional and comfortable environment for the animals.
Salep Harvest Celebrated on World Farmers’ Day in Yatağan
Yatağan, MUĞLA – A salep harvest event was held in Yatağan, one of Muğla’s key centers for salep production, as part of celebrations marking World Farmers’ Day.
Organized by the Muğla Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, the event took place in the field of producer and Muğla Salep Producers’ Union President Volkan Uygun in Bozarmut Neighborhood, bringing together local farmers for the seasonal salep harvest.
Speaking during the event, Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry Seyfettin Baydar congratulated all farmers who “transform the land into abundance through their labour” on the occasion of World Farmers’ Day on May 14.
Baydar also highlighted the agricultural strength of Yatağan, stating that the district’s 209,000 decares of agricultural land account for approximately 11 percent of Muğla’s total agricultural area. He noted that 3,259 farmers are registered in the Farmer Registration System in the district.
Providing details on the district’s agricultural production, Baydar said Yatağan has 91,000 decares of olive groves, 72,000 decares dedicated to fodder crops, 29,000 decares of wheat production, and 450 decares used for strawberry cultivation.
Muğla Second in Turkey for Salep Production
Emphasizing the growing importance of salep cultivation, Baydar stated that salep production in Muğla is carried out on a total of 119 decares of land. With an annual production capacity of 34 tons, Muğla accounts for around 17 percent of Turkey’s total salep production, ranking second nationwide.
Baydar added that approximately 42 percent of the province’s salep production comes from the Yatağan district, underlining the crop’s economic and cultural significance to the region.
He further explained that 1,092 kilograms of salep tubers were planted this year, with producers actively continuing cultivation on a total area of 2 decares. Baydar also noted that teams from the Nature Conservation and National Parks Directorate are carrying out measures to help protect biological diversity during the production process.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/dunya-ciftciler-gununde-salep-hasadi
Floods Strike Northern Turkey After Torrential Rainfall
Samsun, TURKEY – Torrential rainfall triggered severe flooding in parts of northern Turkey, inundating homes and businesses, sweeping away vehicles, and leaving at least 12 people injured, according to authorities.
The worst-hit area was the Havza district of Samsun province on the Black Sea coast, where heavy rain late Tuesday caused rivers and streams to overflow. Floodwaters rushed through streets carrying debris and vehicles, while basement and ground floors of numerous buildings were submerged.
Video footage shared by Turkish media showed a driver stranded on top of a truck waiting to be rescued as floodwaters surged around the vehicle.
According to the state-run Anadolu Agency, all 12 injured individuals suffered minor injuries. Some reached hospitals independently, while others were assisted by emergency medical teams.
Firefighters, police, and disaster response crews were deployed across the affected areas to rescue stranded residents and clear mud and debris left behind by the floods.
AFAD Coordinates Nationwide Response
In a statement released Thursday, Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said severe weather and flooding had affected several provinces following days of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
The General Directorate of Meteorology issued yellow weather warnings for 16 provinces on May 12, warning of adverse conditions linked to storms and intense rainfall.
AFAD said preparedness and emergency response operations were carried out under the Türkiye Disaster Response Plan (TAMP), with provincial governor’s offices receiving alerts and updates through multiple communication channels.
To strengthen coordination efforts, AFAD deployed senior disaster response and search-and-rescue officials to Samsun and the central province of Çankırı.
Emergency call centres reportedly received 333 flood-related reports, including 137 reports linked to the overflow of the Hacı Osman Stream in Havza and 180 reports from Çankırı. Additional reports also came from the southeastern province of Şırnak.
Large-Scale Emergency Operation
Authorities stated that response efforts in Samsun and Çankırı involved 1,513 personnel, 196 AFAD volunteers, 142 construction machines, 122 motor pumps, 41 trucks, and 26 submersible pumps.
Support teams and volunteers from the northern provinces of Ordu, Tokat, Amasya, Çorum, and Sinop were also sent to assist with cleaning and recovery operations in flooded homes and workplaces.
Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay) teams distributed food and beverages to affected residents as cleanup efforts continued.
AFAD added that teams from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change had begun damage assessment work in affected provinces, while treasury officials launched studies to assess financial losses caused by the flooding.
Sources: Daily Sabah/Associated Press
Northern Turkey on High Alert as Heavy May Rainfall Raises Flood Risk
Trabzon, TURKEY – Authorities across northern Turkey remain on high alert as excessive rainfall continues to increase the risk of floods and landslides throughout the Black Sea region.
Experts say rainfall levels in the region have risen dramatically this spring, with precipitation recorded at around 60 percent above seasonal norms compared to last year.
Speaking about the ongoing weather conditions, Turgay Dindaroğlu, Head of the Forest Engineering Department at Karadeniz Technical University (KTÜ), warned that the elevated rainfall is expected to continue until the end of May.
“We have received rainfall in our country, particularly in the Black Sea Region, at levels around 60 percent above normal compared to last year,” Dindaroğlu said. “We expect this pattern to continue until the end of May.”
While describing the increased rainfall as beneficial for agricultural ecosystems, Dindaroğlu stressed that it also poses serious risks for the Eastern Black Sea region, where steep terrain makes settlements particularly vulnerable to sudden and intense downpours.
“Floods and flash floods are among the main problems,” he warned.
Calls for Urgent Precautions
Dindaroğlu emphasized the need for preventative measures, stating that drainage systems should be cleaned across river basins and that materials blocking water flow must be removed.
He also called for the removal of major obstacles, including structures built near streams, to ensure water can drain safely during periods of heavy rainfall.
The professor further highlighted erosion as a “hidden danger” that should not be overlooked alongside the more visible flood threats.
Severe Weather Hits Several Provinces
The warnings come as several provinces across Turkey have already been battered this week by torrential rain, hailstorms, and strong winds.
In the Black Sea province of Samsun, severe flooding struck the Havza district after a stream overflowed following intense rainfall. Flash floods swept away vehicles and left streets covered in thick mud and debris.
Meanwhile, in the Sungurlu district of Çorum province, a tornado caused widespread destruction, ripping roofs from buildings, toppling trees, and damaging homes and infrastructure.
Authorities reported that five people were injured during the storm.
Local officials said the damage in Oyaca village was especially severe, with approximately 80 percent of buildings reportedly left uninhabitable following the tornado.
Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Cappadocia Set for Thematic Tourism Boost with New Cultural Investments
Nevşehir, TURKEY – Turkey is preparing to support a new wave of thematic tourism investments in the world-famous Cappadocia region, with plans including museums dedicated to viticulture and traditional carpet weaving aimed at attracting higher-spending visitors.
The initiative was announced by Ahiler Development Agency (AHİKA) as part of a broader local development program operating under the Ministry of Industry and Technology.
The support package will provide grants and investment incentives for projects such as thematic museums, art galleries, congress centres, and exhibition venues designed to strengthen sustainable and high-quality tourism across the region.
Speaking about the initiative, Bekir Varol said Cappadocia already attracts some of the most educated and culturally engaged international visitors to Turkey thanks to its rich historical heritage.
“Many civilizations have lived in this region, making Cappadocia a unique cultural destination,” Varol said.
According to Varol, the new support program includes VAT exemptions on machinery and equipment purchases, customs duty exemptions, corporate tax reductions, and social security premium support for employers. Interest support will also be available for investment loans.
He explained that investors could receive tax reductions covering up to 50 percent of the total value of a project. For example, a project valued at 1 billion Turkish Liras ($22 million) could qualify for incentives worth up to 500 million liras ($11 million).
Loan interest support may also reach as much as 301 million liras ($6.6 million), while land allocation for approved projects could be provided when necessary.
The program particularly encourages investments that highlight the region’s cultural identity, including museums celebrating Cappadocia’s centuries-old wine-making traditions and internationally recognised carpet craftsmanship.
“With the realization of such cultural investments, we expect to see growing demand for our region and country, particularly from what we define as ‘quality tourists,’” Varol said.
Officials believe the new attractions could significantly extend the average visitor stay in Cappadocia from two days to as many as four days, boosting tourism revenue and creating new employment opportunities.
“As the number of museums and art galleries increases, visitors will naturally spend more time in the region,” Varol noted. “This will increase tourism revenue and indirectly create more jobs.”
Last year, Cappadocia’s museums and archaeological sites welcomed approximately 4.5 million visitors from around the world, drawn by the region’s unique landscapes, underground cities, rock-cut churches, and cultural heritage.
Source: Hürriyet Daily News
SPORT
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor update.
Fethiyespor continues to invest in the next generation of football talent through its Sports School and Youth Academy programs.
Young goalkeepers and aspiring footballers are currently receiving training under the guidance of expert coaches within the Fethiyespor structure, with sessions designed to help children develop both their technical skills and teamwork abilities in a professional sporting environment.
Football school activities are continuing every Saturday and Sunday at the Fethiyespor Youth Academy.
Families interested in enrolling their children in football training under the Fethiyespor umbrella can obtain registration and detailed information by calling 0531 614 1933 or by visiting the Fethiyespor Youth Academy Building directly.
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 60.62 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 61.82 TL.
The US Dollar bought 45.49 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 45.34 TL.
The Euro bought 52.87 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 53.48 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
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