Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
Drone-Assisted Traffic Checks Target Red-Light Offenders in Fethiye
FETHIYE, MUĞLA – Traffic police in Fethiye are carrying out drone-assisted inspections to identify drivers who fail to obey red traffic lights.
The latest checks are taking place at the intersection of Atatürk Street and the Köprübaşı area, where traffic officers stationed along the roadside are using drones to monitor vehicles from above.
The aerial surveillance allows officers to identify drivers who ignore traffic signals and helps improve the effectiveness of traffic enforcement.
The inspections aim to reduce red-light violations, encourage drivers to follow traffic regulations and improve road safety.
Authorities have reminded motorists to obey traffic signals and drive responsibly, emphasising that compliance is essential for the safety of all road users.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiyede-kirmizi-isik-ihlallerine-dronlu-denetim/
Flood-Hit Farmland in Yanıklar Assessed by Agricultural Teams
YANIKLAR, FETHIYE, MUĞLA – Agricultural officials have carried out damage assessments on farmland affected by flooding in Yanıklar following recent heavy rainfall in the Fethiye area.
Teams from the Fethiye District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry visited affected farms to inspect the damage and assess the impact of the flooding on agricultural land.
During the visits, farmers were also given information about the importance of registering their agricultural activities through the official agricultural registration system and taking out agricultural insurance through the Agricultural Insurance Pool (TARSİM).
Officials highlighted the role of agricultural insurance in helping farmers protect their livelihoods and reduce potential financial losses caused by natural disasters.
The Fethiye District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry extended its best wishes to all affected farmers, hoping for a productive and disaster-free agricultural season.
Wild Boar Herd Causes Concern After Entering Bitez in Bodrum
BITEZ, BODRUM, MUĞLA – A herd of wild boars caused a stir among residents after wandering into the residential area of Bitez in Bodrum.
The animals were first spotted heading towards the local marketplace, where market vendors reportedly drove them away.
The herd then moved towards the centre of Bitez village, roaming through the neighbourhood before eventually disappearing from sight.
Their unexpected appearance in a residential area caused unease among local residents and attracted considerable attention.
Wild boars are occasionally spotted in settlements across the Bodrum Peninsula, but encounters in busy neighbourhoods can raise concerns about public safety.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/domuz-surusu-mahalleye-indi/
Muğla Promotes Alternative Tourism to Attract Year-Round Visitors
MUĞLA – Muğla is promoting its diverse tourism opportunities beyond traditional seaside holidays, highlighting its natural landscapes, historical heritage, adventure sports and local cuisine in a bid to attract visitors throughout the year.
Speaking at the Antalya Tourism Fair, Seydikemer Mayor Önder Akdenizli highlighted the district’s attractions, including 42 kilometres of coastline, Saklıkent Canyon and nine ancient cities. He also pointed out that Letoon, the only ancient city in Muğla included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is located in Seydikemer.
Saklıkent Canyon welcomes approximately 800,000 visitors annually, while more than one million tourists are estimated to visit Seydikemer each year. The district is also an important agricultural centre and a major producer of trout for export.
Ramazan Sıtkı Gümüşhan, a council member of the Fethiye Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted Fethiye’s international reputation for adventure tourism. The region records approximately 180,000 paragliding jumps annually, while diving, canyon activities and the International Air Games Festival also attract visitors and help extend the tourism season.
Meanwhile, tourism operator Ali Murşit Yağmur called for greater international promotion of Dalyan and the Ortaca region. He highlighted the area’s boutique accommodation and attractions, including its canals, blue crabs, the ancient city of Kaunos, Köyceğiz Lake and sea turtles.
The wider aim is to strengthen Muğla’s position as a year-round destination by promoting its natural, historical and cultural attractions alongside its established coastal tourism industry.
Çalış Boat Cooperative Discusses Tourism and Gulf Cleaning with AK Party
FETHIYE – Gökhan Tuncer, Chairman of the Fethiye Çalış Marine Transport Cooperative, and members of its board of directors visited the AK Party Fethiye District Headquarters to discuss the cooperative’s contribution to local tourism, challenges facing maritime transport operators and plans to clean Fethiye Gulf.
The cooperative, which has been operating for more than 30 years, plays an important role in Fethiye’s tourism sector through its passenger transport services, water taxis and private boat tours.
During the meeting, AK Party Fethiye District Chairman Kadir Sarıhan highlighted the cooperative’s contribution to the development of tourism in the Çalış area. He said the organisation has approximately 30 members, with around 19 active vessels operating private tours to nearby islands and approximately 12 water taxis providing passenger transport services.
Sarıhan also acknowledged the operational challenges faced by cooperative members and said he had been discussing these issues with the relevant institutions.
Fethiye Gulf cleaning plans
The cleaning of Fethiye Gulf was another key topic, particularly the removal of accumulated sediment at the entrance to the channel, which can make it difficult for boats to enter and leave the area.
Sarıhan said the planned cleaning work is expected to begin in November, following the completion of infrastructure projects currently being carried out by the relevant ministry.
He stressed that removing the sediment would improve navigation conditions and provide relief for local maritime transport operators.
Gökhan Tuncer thanked Sarıhan for receiving the delegation and acknowledged the support given to the cooperative over the years. He said the organisation had been contributing to Fethiye’s tourism industry for approximately 30 to 31 years and that the visit provided an opportunity to discuss outstanding issues and exchange views on the sector’s future.
The meeting highlighted the cooperative’s continued role in Fethiye’s tourism industry, supporting both daily boat excursions and passenger transport services between coastal locations.
Turkey Celebrates 103rd Anniversary of the Republic
TURKEY – Communities across Turkey marked the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic on Thursday, October 29, with official ceremonies, military demonstrations, concerts and cultural performances.
The celebrations commemorated the establishment of the Republic on October 29, 1923, bringing together residents, students, veterans, military personnel and local officials to honour the country’s history and the legacy of its founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
In Istanbul, ceremonies included student musicians and traditional folk dances representing different regions of the country. Istanbul Governor Davut Gül called on younger generations to protect the republic’s legacy through education, production and development.
Military displays featured prominently in celebrations across the country. In Samsun, where the Turkish War of Independence began in 1919, a Coast Guard helicopter flew overhead carrying a Turkish flag, followed by demonstrations by commandos and a military band concert.
In Kastamonu, commandos performed close-combat demonstrations, while other cities hosted military performances, traditional music and cultural events.
In Izmir, celebrations included folk dancing and the presentation of a large Turkish flag, created over several days by teachers, students and local residents. The flag was presented to Governor Süleyman Elban before officials laid wreaths at the Atatürk Monument in Cumhuriyet Square.
The nationwide celebrations honoured the founding of the Turkish Republic and the historical events that led to its establishment.
Read more here: https://www.dailysabah.com/turkiye/turkiye-marks-103rd-republic-day-with-ceremonies-across-country/news
Experts Call for Temporary Closures After Fatal Fairy Chimney Collapse in Cappadocia
CAPPADOCIA – Experts have called for temporary visitor closures and safety assessments at tourist sites in Cappadocia following the collapse of a fairy chimney near Göreme Open Air Museum on October 29, which killed three people and injured five.
The incident occurred near the museum entrance car park in Nevşehir after heavy rainfall triggered a landslide, according to Governor Hüseyin Kök. The area was cordoned off, although authorities reported no immediate problems with other rock formations.
The three people killed were Turkish journalist Fatih Eray Tuna, 31, his wife Begüm Çetinkaya Tuna, 31, and French tourist Cynthia Francine Marie Madeleine Houpert, 37. The couple had married in July. Five other people were injured and taken to hospital, with Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu confirming that they were in good condition.
Rescue teams from the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), National Medical Rescue Team (UMKE), and other emergency services searched the debris. Justice Minister Akın Gürlek confirmed that a deputy chief prosecutor and two prosecutors had been assigned to investigate the incident.
Experts warn of further risks
Şenel Özdamar, Head of Istanbul Technical University’s Geological Engineering Department, called for access to the affected area to be temporarily suspended until conditions stabilise. He said natural erosion was an ongoing process and that it was not yet clear whether human intervention had contributed to the collapse.
Mining technology and earth sciences expert Serkan İçelli said he had filmed a warning about similar hazards in the area two months earlier. He called for old cavities carved into fairy chimneys for use as dwellings to be individually assessed and restored in a way that respects the natural formations.
Cappadocia Area Head Cem Aslanbay had previously identified old carved-out spaces at the base of the collapsed formation. Authorities regularly inspect potentially dangerous structures and carry out reinforcement and restoration work where necessary.
How fairy chimneys are formed
Cappadocia’s distinctive landscape was created millions of years ago when volcanic ash from Mount Erciyes, Mount Hasandağı and Mount Göllüdağ hardened into a soft rock known as tuff.
Over time, wind and water erosion gradually wore away the softer rock beneath harder stone caps, creating the region’s characteristic fairy chimneys.
However, the formations remain vulnerable to natural weathering. Heavy rain, snow, temperature fluctuations and water freezing inside cracks can weaken the rock. Once a protective cap is lost or the main structure becomes unstable, erosion can accelerate.
Previous collapses have also been reported in the region, including in Uçhisar’s Tekeli neighbourhood in December 2024 following snowmelt, and in Göreme’s Gaferli neighbourhood in September 2025.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia have been included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 1985.
The latest incident has renewed calls for regular safety assessments, appropriate barriers and stricter adherence to visitor warnings to protect tourists visiting one of Turkey’s most recognisable natural and cultural attractions.
Source: https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/experts-urge-cappadocia-closures-after-heavy-rain-228799
SPORT
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor update.
Ziraat Turkish Cup
Fethiyespor’s Ziraat Turkish Cup third-round match against Eyüpspor at Fethiye City Stadium was abandoned at half-time due to heavy rainfall.
Eyüpspor were leading 2-1 when the match was suspended.
The remaining second half will now be played on Wednesday, November 4, at 13:00, at Fethiye City Stadium.
Match Results
Fethiyespor lost their away match against Trabzonspor on Sunday. The final score was 2-1.
Fethiyespor remain in 14th place in the league table.
League Matches
Fethiyespor will play at home against Adana 01 FK on Sunday 8 November. Kick-off time is 15:00
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Turkish Lira (TL) exchange rates
The British Pound bought 66.85 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 66.47 TL.
The US Dollar bought 49.93 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 49.69 TL.
The Euro bought 55.72 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 55.67 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
