Welcome to our midweek round-up of the latest news and updates from Fethiye and across Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
ADM Electric Expands Red Light Project to Protect Sea Turtles in Fethiye
FETHIYE, MUĞLA – ADM Elektrik is expanding its innovative red light project along the Fethiye coastline to help protect endangered sea turtles during their nesting season.
The initiative, led by ADM Elektrik in partnership with Pamukkale University and supported by Aydem Energy, involves replacing traditional street lighting with red lights at key nesting beaches. Following a successful pilot project at Karaot Beach in 2025, the scheme is now being extended to Kocaçalış Beach.
Sea turtles are highly sensitive to artificial lighting, particularly bright white lights, which can disrupt nesting females and disorient hatchlings attempting to reach the sea. Red light offers a wildlife-friendly alternative, as turtles are unable to perceive it, allowing them to navigate naturally towards the water.
Sea Turtle Specialist Dr. Doğan Sözbilen of Pamukkale University described the project as a pioneering initiative for Turkey. He noted that Fethiye’s beaches are among the country’s most important nesting sites but face increasing pressure from urban development and tourism.
“Artificial lighting can negatively affect both nesting females and hatchlings,” said Dr. Sözbilen. “Scientific studies show that red light has a much lower impact on sea turtles. This project is the first of its kind in Turkey and represents an important step in balancing conservation with human activity.”
The project aims to improve nesting success and help hatchlings safely reach the sea while maintaining uninterrupted lighting for local residents and visitors.
ADM Elektrik General Manager Emrah Kalkan said the company is committed to sustainable environmental projects across its service area of Aydın, Denizli and Muğla.
“Protecting biodiversity is an important part of our responsibility,” he said. “By converting street lights to red lights, we can help sea turtles safely reach the sea while continuing to provide reliable lighting services. We hope to expand this project throughout our region.”
Sea turtle nesting season runs from May to September, with hatchlings expected to emerge and head to the sea from mid-July onwards. Researchers will monitor nesting activity, hatchling orientation and breeding success throughout the season, with the first scientific findings expected to be released in September.
Conservationists hope the project will contribute to the long-term protection of sea turtles, which typically return to the beaches where they were born to nest around 20 years later.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/adm-elektrik-fethiye-kiyilarini-kirmizi-isikla-aydinlatacak
Renovation Work Continues on Tartan Tracks Along Fethiye Coastal Strip
FETHIYE, MUĞLA – Renovation work on the walking, running and sports tracks along Fethiye’s popular coastal strip is continuing, with crews working to replace worn-out surfaces and improve facilities for residents and visitors.
The project aims to modernise the tartan tracks that run alongside the seafront, creating a safer and more attractive environment for walkers, runners and those enjoying outdoor exercise.
Work recently began on the 2nd Stage Coastal Strip, where the old tartan surface has been completely removed. Teams are now laying the foundations for a new, modern track surface as part of the planned upgrade.
Officials stated that the renovation programme is progressing in stages according to schedule, allowing work to continue while minimising disruption along the busy coastline.
Meanwhile, crews are continuing to remove the existing tartan track in the final section of the 3rd Stage Coastal Strip, preparing the area for the next phase of improvements.
Once completed, the upgraded tracks are expected to provide a more comfortable, durable and safer surface for walking, running and recreational activities, further enhancing one of Fethiye’s most popular coastal areas.
The renovation forms part of ongoing efforts to improve public spaces and recreational facilities along Fethiye’s seafront, which is widely used by both local residents and tourists throughout the year.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiye-sahil-bandinda-tartan-pist-yenileme-calismalari-suruyor
Koca Çalış Coastal Road Closed to Vehicle Traffic Over Security Concerns
FETHIYE, MUĞLA – The coastal road in the Koca Çalış area of Fethiye has been closed to vehicle traffic following complaints from residents and growing concerns about security in the area.
The decision was taken after increasing reports of disturbances, particularly during the evening hours, as well as concerns regarding environmental pollution, noise and the growing number of caravans using the coastal area.
Authorities stated that teams took action after receiving complaints from local residents about irregular use of the road and beach area, especially during the busy summer season. As part of the measures introduced, vehicle access to the coastal road leading to the beach has been restricted.
Officials indicated that the primary aim of the closure is to improve public safety and maintain order in the area. The move is also expected to help reduce traffic-related issues and address concerns raised by residents living nearby.
Koca Çalış is a popular coastal area frequented by both locals and visitors, particularly during the summer months. However, the increasing number of vehicles and caravans using the area has led to concerns over noise levels, littering and the impact on the surrounding environment.
The closure is expected to remain in place while authorities monitor the situation and assess the effectiveness of the measures in improving security and protecting the coastal environment.
Residents have welcomed efforts to address long-standing concerns, while officials continue to evaluate additional steps that may be required to ensure the area remains safe and enjoyable for all users.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/koca-calis-sahil-yoluna-arac-trafigi-kapatildi
Fines Issued for Illegal Waste Dumping in Marmaris
MARMARIS, MUĞLA – Marmaris Municipality has imposed penalties on individuals found leaving garden and lawn waste on roadsides, following inspections carried out by municipal police teams.
During routine inspections conducted by the Marmaris Municipality Police Department, officials identified several locations where garden trimmings and grass cuttings had been dumped indiscriminately, causing environmental and visual pollution.
Municipal teams took immediate action and applied the necessary penalties to those responsible for the illegal disposal of waste.
In a statement, Marmaris Municipality said inspections will continue without interruption as part of efforts to protect the environment and maintain the town’s appearance.
The municipality stressed that legal and administrative action will be taken against anyone who leaves waste without permission on roadsides, in public areas or on vacant land.
Officials also called on residents to show greater sensitivity towards environmental cleanliness and to use designated collection points for waste disposal. Citizens were reminded to leave garden waste and other permitted materials at approved collection areas on the specified collection days.
The municipality reiterated its commitment to keeping Marmaris clean and preventing environmental pollution through regular inspections and enforcement measures.
Seabed Sediment Cleaning to Begin in Fethiye Bay
FETHIYE, MUĞLA – Seabed sediment cleaning works are set to begin in Fethiye Bay as part of ongoing efforts to protect Turkey’s coastal waters and marine environment.
The announcement was made by Murat Kurum, who said that after the seabed cleaning project in Izmit Bay, a similar initiative will now be launched in Fethiye Bay.
Sharing a message on social media in response to a post by Emine Erdoğan, the wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Minister Kurum highlighted the government’s commitment to environmental protection and marine conservation.
“I express my gratitude to the esteemed Emine Erdoğan, who always guides us with her valuable support for our environmental projects,” Kurum said. “As in Izmit Bay, we are meticulously continuing our work in every point of our Blue Homeland.”
He added that the ministry is preparing to take another important step by initiating seabed sediment cleaning in Fethiye Bay, a move aimed at improving water quality and preserving the marine ecosystem.
“From Izmit to Fethiye, from Göcek to Marmara, we will protect our seas and safely pass on our blue heritage to future generations,” he stated.
Seabed sediment cleaning involves removing accumulated mud, waste and pollutants from the seabed, helping to improve environmental conditions and support marine life. The project is expected to contribute to the long-term protection of Fethiye Bay, one of the region’s most important natural and tourism assets.
Further details regarding the scope and timeline of the project are expected to be announced in the coming months.
Source: https://www.sondakika.com/guncel/haber-fethiye-korfezi-nde-dip-camuru-temizligi-basliyor-19952207/
110 Champion-Bred Arabian Foals Born at Historic Sultansuyu Stud Farm
MALATYA – A total of 110 purebred Arabian foals have been born since the beginning of the year at the historic Sultansuyu Stud Farm in Malatya, continuing a horse-breeding tradition that dates back more than 160 years to the Ottoman era.
Operating under the General Directorate of Agricultural Enterprises, the stud farm was established in 1865 in the Akçadağ district as the Sultansuyu Imperial Farm on a 27,000-decare estate. Since 1984, the facility has specialised in breeding purebred Arabian horses, renowned for their endurance, speed and racing performance.
Once highly valued as war horses during the Ottoman period, Arabian horses are now among the most sought-after breeds in Turkish horse racing. The foals raised at Sultansuyu receive specialised care and training before being offered for sale at auction when they reach approximately two-and-a-half years of age.
Selman Kaya, head of the farm’s horse breeding department, said the foals are carefully monitored from birth to ensure healthy growth and development.
“Foals are fed exclusively on their mothers’ milk for the first 15 days,” Kaya explained. “After that, concentrated feed is gradually introduced under controlled conditions. As their immune and metabolic systems develop, they receive the necessary vitamin support.”
Kaya noted that Malatya has remained one of Turkey’s leading centres for Arabian horse breeding since Ottoman times and said interest in Sultansuyu-bred horses remains strong.
The enterprise aims to sell around 110 foals this year and generate approximately 120 million Turkish Lira (around $2.5 million) in revenue. Of the foals, 15 will be offered through elite sales, while the remainder will be marketed as racehorses.
Demand for horses bred at Sultansuyu has increased significantly in recent years, largely due to the success of Özgünhan, one of the farm’s most prominent stallions.
“All three TİGEM breeding enterprises produce exceptionally high-quality horses, but our current advantage is having a stallion like Özgünhan,” Kaya said.
The continued success of the stud farm highlights the enduring legacy of Turkey’s Arabian horse-breeding tradition, with Sultansuyu remaining a key contributor to the country’s racing industry and equestrian heritage.
Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Turkey Aims to Remove Stray Dogs from Streets by End of Year
ANKARA – Turkey plans to collect all stray dogs from the streets and place them in shelters by the end of the year, according to Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi.
Speaking at a meeting with representatives of animal rights organisations, Çiftçi discussed ongoing efforts regarding stray animals and said authorities are working towards achieving a 100 percent collection rate nationwide.
The government has defended the policy on the grounds of public safety and animal welfare, arguing that bringing stray dogs under shelter management will create safer environments for both residents and animals.
The initiative follows the introduction of Turkey’s revised Animal Protection Law, which was ratified in July last year and came into force in December. The legislation replaced the long-standing “catch-neuter-release” system with a framework requiring municipalities to collect stray animals, place them in shelters and keep them there until adoption.
However, concerns have been raised by animal welfare groups and experts regarding the country’s existing shelter capacity.
According to a report prepared by the Animal Rights Monitoring Committee and the Yaşamdan Yana Association, only 273 of Turkey’s 1,111 municipalities currently operate animal shelters.
The report, published in February 2025, found that shelters across the country have a combined capacity of approximately 89,451 animals. This is significantly below the estimated stray dog population of around four million, according to figures from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
The government’s plans have sparked mixed reactions across the country. Supporters argue that the measures are necessary to address public safety concerns and improve the management of stray animal populations. Meanwhile, animal rights advocates have warned that overcrowding, limited resources and inadequate shelter conditions could create new welfare challenges.
Experts have also stressed that sheltering alone is unlikely to provide a long-term solution. They argue that sustainable management of stray animal populations will require a combination of widespread neutering programmes, adoption campaigns, improved shelter standards and greater support for local authorities responsible for implementing the law.
As municipalities continue preparations to comply with the legislation, the issue remains one of the most closely watched and debated animal welfare topics in Turkey.
Source: Hürriyet Daily News
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