Welcome to our midweek round-up of the latest news and updates from Fethiye and across Turkey.
Curated from various news sources
German Tourist Trapped on Cliffs Rescued by JAK Team
A 30-year-old German tourist was rescued after becoming trapped on cliffs near Butterfly Valley in Fethiye’s Faralya neighbourhood.
The tourist, identified as D.M.A., was walking near the Butterfly Valley observation deck when he became stranded on rocks about 200 metres high. His cries for help were heard by bystanders, who immediately alerted the 112 Emergency Call Centre.
In response, the Ölüdeniz Gendarmerie Search and Rescue (JAK) team was dispatched to the scene. Facing difficult terrain, the team used ropes to reach the tourist, who was successfully pulled to safety in a coordinated operation.
Authorities confirmed that the tourist was unharmed and in good condition following the rescue.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/kayaliklarda-mahsur-kalan-alman-turist-jak-timi-tarafindan-kurtarildi
Karaçulha Wholesale Market to Generate Its Own Electricity with Solar Power Plant
Fethiye, Muğla – Muğla Metropolitan Municipality has added another environmentally friendly project to its renewable energy portfolio with the installation of a solar power plant at the Fethiye Karaçulha Wholesale Market.
The 792 kWp solar power system, mounted on the market’s roof, is expected to generate approximately 1.25 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. Covering a roof area of 4,500 square metres, the project includes 1,440 photovoltaic panels—each producing 550 W—and eight 100 kW inverters. The total investment cost amounted to 13,899,000 TL.
The solar power plant will meet the energy needs of the wholesale market facilities, while surplus electricity will be sold to the grid through offsetting with the distribution company.
Muğla, one of the sunniest provinces in Turkey, has already implemented solar projects at bus terminals, slaughterhouses, temporary animal shelters, and service buildings. The Karaçulha project further strengthens the city’s position as a leader in renewable energy initiatives.
Ahmet Aras, Mayor of Muğla Metropolitan Municipality and President of the Coastal Aegean Municipalities Union, highlighted the significance of the project:
“Muğla is a city whose sun not only fuels tourism but also energy. By transforming this potential into environmentally friendly investments, we are protecting our nature while providing more affordable and sustainable services. By meeting the Karaçulha Wholesale Market’s electricity needs from the sun, we are reducing our carbon footprint and making our city more resilient to the climate crisis. With this vision, we will continue to carry Muğla into the future in a cleaner, greener, and more liveable way.”
Source: https://www.gercekfethiye.com/karaculha-hali-ges-ile-kendi-elektrigini-uretecek/106625/?p=4
New Students Welcomed with Saplings in Fethiye
Fethiye, Muğla – As the new academic year begins, newly enrolled students at Fethiye Merkez Atatürk Middle School were welcomed with saplings, symbolising growth and environmental responsibility.
School Principal Engin Yiğit and teachers distributed saplings, provided by the Fethiye Forest Management Directorate, to new students and encouraged them to plant them around their homes.
The initiative is part of the Ministry of National Education’s “Green Homeland – My School, a Solution for the Future” programme. Within this framework, 360 saplings were given to 5th grade students and their parents.
In addition, the short film “Every Child a Sapling” was shown to all classes via EBA during the first lesson of the year. The activity aims to raise awareness of summer forest fires, instil intergenerational responsibility in protecting forests and ecosystems, and nurture environmentally conscious generations.
School officials noted that these lessons and activities will continue throughout the year, reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship among students.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiyede-yeni-ogrencileri-fidanla-karsiladilar
Old Hospital Building in Fethiye Left Vacant for Six Years
Fethiye, Muğla – The old hospital building in Fethiye, which served as an SSK hospital for many years before merging with the state hospital and later functioning as a neighbourhood clinic, has been standing vacant for the past six years.
Situated in a central location on İnönü Boulevard, the building is falling into disrepair due to long-term neglect. Broken windows and damaged doors contribute to its abandoned appearance, creating a negative impact on the surrounding area.
The garden of the unused facility has also turned into a dumping ground, with piles of old items and garbage causing both environmental pollution and visual blight.
Residents have voiced frustration that such a centrally located property has been left idle for so long. Many are calling for the building to be restored and repurposed, particularly for healthcare services or other forms of public use.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/gozumuzde-canlanir-koskoca-mazi
Fethiye Taxi Drivers Evaluate the Season
Fethiye, Muğla – Taxi drivers in Fethiye say the 2024 summer season fell short of expectations, with business slowing down and rising costs placing increasing pressure on tradespeople.
Local taxi driver Şaban Enez explained that the season was both delayed and shorter than usual, leading to a noticeable decline in business.
“The season started late and ended quickly. Our business has decreased significantly now. Generally speaking, the season ended very quickly, and we didn’t get the business we expected. Last year was better, but this year has been a very bad season. The market is struggling, both for taxi drivers and tradespeople,” Enez said.
Highlighting the financial strain of operating costs, he pointed to fuel prices, vehicle maintenance, and industrial expenses as the main challenges faced by drivers.
“If we consider fuel prices and industrial expenses, fuel, car expenses, and maintenance are truly significant. Honestly, we don’t have any expectations for next season right now; the season is over,” he added.
Source: https://www.gercekfethiye.com/fethiye-de-taksici-esnafi-sezonu-degerlendirdi/106632/
5 Percent Decrease in Foreign Tourist Arrivals in Muğla
Muğla, Turkey – Muğla, Turkey’s third most-visited city after Istanbul and Antalya, has experienced a 5 percent decrease in foreign tourist arrivals in the first seven months of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
According to official figures, a total of 1,827,840 foreign tourists visited Muğla between January and July 2025. This represents a drop of 88,182 visitors from the 1,916,022 arrivals recorded during the same period in 2024.
The United Kingdom continued to be the leading source of visitors to Muğla, with 799,260 British tourists arriving in the first seven months of the year. The UK was followed by:
- Russia – 198,892 arrivals
- Poland – 160,338 arrivals
- Germany – 115,337 arrivals
On average, Muğla attracts around 1.5 million British tourists annually, making the UK the city’s most consistent foreign market.
Most foreign tourists reached Muğla through its two international airports:
- Dalaman Airport – 1,056,841 arrivals
- Milas-Bodrum Airport – 510,203 arrivals
In addition, 362,452 tourists entered Muğla via the ports of Fethiye, Marmaris, Datça, Bodrum, and Milas.
Home to world-famous destinations such as Fethiye, Bodrum, and Marmaris, Muğla remains one of Turkey’s top holiday destinations for both domestic and international travellers. Despite the slight decline in arrivals, the province continues to attract strong demand, particularly from the UK market.
Free Drinking Water to Be Provided on All Flights in Turkey
Ankara, Turkey – Turkey’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, has announced that all passengers on domestic and international flights will now be provided with free drinking water.
The new directive, issued through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, requires airlines to supply at least 200 millilitres of water to each passenger on every flight, regardless of duration.
“This regulation ensures that every passenger will receive free drinking water throughout the journey,” Uraloğlu said, noting that dehydration caused by long waits or insufficient cabin ventilation can result in headaches, loss of concentration, and even medical emergencies.
The minister emphasised that the measure is designed to both reduce health risks and improve passenger satisfaction. Referring to global best practices, he underlined that meeting passengers’ basic needs is considered a fundamental responsibility of airlines worldwide.
Uraloğlu also stated that the initiative will contribute to enhancing the international reputation of Turkish carriers, particularly Turkish Airlines.
Source: https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/airlines-to-provide-complimentary-water-minister-announces-213356
