Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
Fethiye Mayor Provides First Update Since Gun Attack
FETHIYE, MUĞLA – Fethiye Mayor Alim Karaca has provided his first public update since being injured in a gun attack, stating that his recovery is progressing well and that he hopes to return to his duties in the coming weeks.
Speaking to local media, Karaca said he is continuing his recovery at home after receiving treatment at a private hospital in Fethiye. He explained that an infection related to his injuries has now been overcome and that he has begun walking with crutches.
The mayor said he is eager to return to work, noting that municipal services have continued uninterrupted during his absence with the support of managers and staff. He added that routine meetings are still being held while he recovers.
Addressing the attack, Karaca described it as an unfortunate incident that he said was unrelated to him personally. He noted that the investigation being carried out by the Organized Crime Unit (KOM) remains subject to confidentiality restrictions and therefore he could not provide further details at this stage.
Karaca said a more detailed statement would be made by the relevant authorities and his legal team once the confidentiality order is lifted.
The mayor also responded to public speculation linking the incident to the municipality’s management of the coastal strip. He stated that the area had been allocated to the municipality for 30 years and that businesses operating there would continue to do so.
Karaca said the municipality’s goal is to preserve public access, peace and social harmony, stressing that the ongoing investigation has no connection to the coastal project.
The mayor thanked residents, public officials, chamber representatives, political figures and members of the media for their support during his recovery.
He said the response demonstrated the unity of the Fethiye community and expressed his hope that the district would be remembered for its beauty, tourism and community spirit rather than such incidents.
Karaca concluded by reassuring residents that his condition is improving and extended his holiday wishes to the public.
184 Kilograms of Waste Collected Along the Lycian Way During Environment Week Activities
Fethiye, MUĞLA – As part of Turkey’s Environment Week activities, a waste collection campaign was carried out along the Lycian Way and its surrounding areas to promote environmental awareness and support the principles of the Zero Waste initiative.
Following the clean-up effort, a characterization analysis was conducted on the waste collected. The results revealed that of the 184 kilograms of waste gathered, only 5.1 kilograms were classified as non-recyclable.
Officials reported that a significant proportion of the collected waste consisted of recyclable materials, including plastic, glass, metal, electronic waste, textiles and other reusable items. These materials have since been directed into the recycling process.
The findings highlighted the importance of waste separation and recycling, demonstrating that the vast majority of litter collected from natural areas can be recovered and reused when properly managed.
The clean-up campaign formed part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness of environmental responsibility, encourage sustainable practices and protect the region’s natural beauty.
Authorities stated that work will continue to safeguard the environment and leave a cleaner, healthier legacy for future generations through ongoing conservation and Zero Waste initiatives.
Source: Fethiye Belediyesi
Traditional Göcek–Gürsu–Pırnaz Highland Trek Set for June 15-19
Fethiye, MUĞLA – One of the most significant events celebrating the region’s nomadic heritage is set to begin as participants gather for the 23rd Traditional Göcek–Gürsu–Pırnaz Highland Trek, taking place between June 15 and 19, 2026.
Following the ancient routes used by nomadic communities for thousands of years, the trek marks the beginning of the traditional highland migration from Göcek to Salabaa. Participants will journey through the Western Taurus Mountains, carrying on a centuries-old tradition that remains an important part of the region’s cultural identity.
The annual event brings together nomadic culture enthusiasts, local residents and visitors who wish to experience the unique customs, traditions and spirit of solidarity that have been passed down through generations.
During the five-day trek, participants will ascend to the highlands with their tents, recreating the seasonal migration that was once an essential part of life for the Yörük communities of the Taurus Mountains.
Organisers describe the event as the largest nomadic highland migration in the Western Taurus region and emphasise its importance in preserving and promoting the area’s rich cultural heritage.
Citizens who have an interest in nomadic culture and traditional lifestyles are invited to take part in the trek and experience the historic journey first-hand.
The 23rd Traditional Göcek–Gürsu–Pırnaz Highland Trek will take place from June 15 to 19, 2026.
Source: Fethiye Belediyesi
Indian Yoga Days Bring Culture, Wellness and Colour to Fethiye
Fethiye, MUĞLA – The “Indian Yoga Days” event, organized in collaboration with the Consulate General of India in Istanbul, has successfully brought Indian culture, wellness, and traditions to Fethiye for the first time.
The programme began with an opening reception and an Indian film screening, attended by India’s Deputy Consul, Raj Kumar, alongside local residents and invited guests. The event marked an important cultural exchange between India and the Fethiye community.
The celebrations continued on the second day at Şehit Fethi Bey Park, where a large number of participants gathered to take part in a public yoga session. Following the yoga activities, attendees experienced the vibrant atmosphere of Holi, India’s traditional Festival of Colours.
With music, dancing, and the throwing of colourful powders, the Holi celebration created a lively and joyful atmosphere, bringing together people of all ages. The event offered participants an opportunity to experience an important aspect of Indian culture while promoting friendship, well-being, and community spirit.
The two-day programme was widely welcomed by residents and visitors, highlighting the growing cultural connections between Fethiye and India.
Source: Fethiye Belediyesi
Plans considered to transform Fethiye’s former district hospital into Muğla’s first dental hospital
FETHIYE, MUĞLA – The long-abandoned former district hospital building in Fethiye could be given a new lease of life as part of plans to establish Muğla’s first dental hospital.
The building, which served for many years as the Social Security Institution (SSK) Hospital and later as a district polyclinic following its merger with the state hospital, has stood empty for approximately seven years. After earthquake assessments reportedly identified structural concerns, the facility was taken out of service and has remained unused ever since.
Located on İnönü Boulevard, one of the busiest and most central areas of Fethiye, the building has gradually deteriorated due to years of neglect. Its future has now returned to the agenda amid discussions about expanding oral and dental healthcare services in the region.
According to reports, the nearby Fethiye Oral and Dental Health Center is facing increasing demand and requires additional capacity to meet the growing number of patients seeking treatment.
To address this need, authorities are reportedly considering incorporating the former hospital building into an expansion project. If the necessary approvals are granted, the existing Oral and Dental Health Center and the old hospital building could be combined to create Muğla’s first dedicated dental hospital.
While Oral and Dental Health Centers primarily provide outpatient dental care, dental hospitals offer a broader range of services. These facilities typically include inpatient units, operating theatres, advanced oral and maxillofacial surgery departments, procedures carried out under general anaesthesia, and emergency dental services available around the clock.
The proposed transformation would significantly expand the range and capacity of dental treatments available to residents of both Fethiye and the wider Muğla region.
No official announcement has yet been made regarding the project, and approval from the relevant authorities will be required before any work can proceed.
However, many local residents have welcomed the possibility of the long-vacant building returning to public use. If the project moves forward, the former hospital could once again serve the community—this time as a modern healthcare facility focused on oral and dental treatment.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiye-eski-semt-hastanesi-dis-hastanesi-mi-olacak
Ferry En Route to Rhodes Runs Aground in Fethiye
FETHIYE, MUĞLA – A ferry operating on the Fethiye–Rhodes route ran aground off the coast of Fethiye after its anchor reportedly broke, causing the vessel to drift uncontrollably towards the shoreline.
The approximately 30-metre-long ferry, named RODON, was anchored in the bay when the incident occurred. According to initial reports, the vessel’s anchor failed for reasons that have not yet been determined, leaving the ferry unable to maintain its position.
As it drifted towards the shore, the ferry collided with several boats moored along the coastline before eventually coming to a stop.
Fortunately, no passengers or crew members were on board at the time of the incident, and no injuries or fatalities were reported in the surrounding area.
Following reports of the grounding, teams from the Coast Guard Command, the General Directorate of Coastal Safety, and the Port Authority were dispatched to the scene.
Authorities have begun operations to safely recover the ferry from its current location and assess any damage caused during the incident.
An investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the anchor failure and the circumstances leading to the grounding.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/rodos-seferi-yapan-feribot-fethiyede-karaya-oturdu
Toxic Blowfish Now a Permanent Part of the Mediterranean Ecosystem, Expert Says
ANTALYA – Invasive fish species that migrated from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean due to rising sea temperatures have now become permanently established in the region, according to marine experts.
Speaking about the growing presence of invasive marine life, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Gökoğlu from Akdeniz University’s Faculty of Aquaculture said that blowfish populations have become firmly rooted in Mediterranean waters and are now part of the marine ecosystem.
“Blowfish have now become a fish of the Mediterranean. They have settled into a stable population and have started to take their place within the food chain,” Gökoğlu said.
He explained that once a species successfully reproduces and sustains a population in a new environment, its removal becomes virtually impossible.
“From this point onward, their disappearance is no longer possible. Once a species enters a new habitat and begins to reproduce there, it means it has successfully established itself,” he noted.
According to Gökoğlu, the increasing number of blowfish observed along Mediterranean coastlines, together with the presence of egg-bearing individuals and mature specimens, demonstrates that the species is reproducing successfully and expanding its population.
“The Mediterranean has effectively become a secondary habitat for them,” he added.
As part of efforts to reduce the impact of invasive species, Turkey’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry continues to provide financial incentives to fishermen who catch blowfish. The programme aims to help limit population growth and reduce the ecological damage caused by the species.
Blowfish are considered one of the most problematic invasive species in the Mediterranean. They contain powerful toxins in their skin and internal organs, particularly the liver, which can be deadly to humans and marine predators if consumed.
Experts also warn that invasive species are increasingly putting pressure on native fish populations by competing for food and habitat, altering the balance of the marine ecosystem.
With Mediterranean waters continuing to warm, scientists expect invasive species from the Red Sea to remain a growing challenge for marine biodiversity and fisheries across the region.
SPORT
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor update.
Fethiyespor has announced the signing of experienced defender Fatih Kurucuk, marking a return to the club where he previously played during the 2016–2017 season.
The 30-year-old centre-back joins the navy blue and white side after most recently playing for Fatih Karagümrük. Following his first spell with Fethiyespor, Kurucuk went on to represent several clubs, including Göztepe, Bandırmaspor, Hatayspor, Adanaspor and Sarıyer.
The official signing ceremony was attended by Fethiyespor Football Branch Manager Uğur Keskin, with the agreement formally completed ahead of the new season.
The club welcomed Kurucuk back to Fethiye and expressed its confidence that his experience and leadership will make a valuable contribution to the squad.
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 61.98 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 61.46 TL.
The US Dollar bought 46.23 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 46.06 TL.
The Euro bought 53.50 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 53.08 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
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