News

Fethiye Times Midweek Edition – Thursday 16th April 2026

Welcome to our midweek round-up of the latest news and updates from Fethiye and across Turkey.

Curated from various news sources.

Injured Hiker Rescued After 4-Hour Operation on Lycian Way

Fethiye, MUĞLA – A woman injured while hiking along the Lycian Way was successfully rescued after a challenging four-hour operation in the Kayaköy area of Fethiye.

According to reports, the Emergency Call Center received an alert that a ქალი hiker had suffered a broken leg while trekking through a mountainous and forested section of the trail within the boundaries of Kayaköy Neighborhood.

Following the call, teams from the Ölüdeniz Gendarmerie Search and Rescue (JAK) and UMKE under the Fethiye District Gendarmerie Command were quickly dispatched to the scene.

Rescuers faced difficult conditions as they navigated the rugged landscape to reach the घायल hiker. The operation, which required careful coordination and physical effort, lasted approximately four hours.

Thanks to the swift and organised response, the woman was safely evacuated from the remote location and handed over to medical teams for treatment.

The incident highlights both the natural beauty and the potential risks of hiking routes such as the Lycian Way, where terrain can be challenging and access for emergency services may be limited.

Source: Fethiye TV

Young Authors Shine at Fethiye’s “Little Pens Signing Day”

Fethiye, MUĞLA – A celebration of creativity and young talent took centre stage at Fethiye Yunus Nadi Primary School as the school hosted its 11th annual “Little Pens Signing Day,” part of the much-loved “Let’s Write!” project.

A total of 124 student-written works were carefully reviewed by an evaluation committee, with selected pieces published as books — marking a significant achievement for the young writers. The project continues to inspire pupils to transform their imagination and ideas into written stories.

The newly printed books have been added to the school library, creating a lasting legacy for future students, while also being presented to readers during the event. The highlight of the day saw the children proudly signing copies of their own books, experiencing the joy of becoming published authors at such a young age.

School Principal İsmail Cazağ подчеркed the importance of the initiative, stating that encouraging children to express their imaginative worlds through writing plays a vital role in their development. He noted that the project not only strengthens writing skills but also builds confidence among students.

The event once again demonstrated the power of creativity in education, turning young pupils into storytellers and giving them a platform to share their voices with the wider community.

Source: Fethiye TV

Checks Intensified as Authorities Crack Down on Unlicensed Holiday Rentals

Fethiye, MUĞLA – Authorities in Fethiye have stepped up inspections on tourism-related advertisements, warning that businesses operating without proper documentation — or failing to display licence numbers — will face strict penalties.

According to a statement from the Fethiye District Governorship, inspections of properties rented for tourism purposes have been significantly increased. Sanctions will be applied to businesses operating without the required permits, as well as to those offering short-term rentals without official authorisation.

The announcement, issued by the Governorship’s Tourism Information Office, highlighted that under Tourism Promotion Law No. 2634 and Regulation on the Rental of Residences for Tourism Purposes No. 7464, online advertisements are being monitored daily by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Officials stressed that all advertisements for licensed facilities and rental properties must clearly and accurately display their Tourism Business Certificate or Residence Permit number. Businesses were urged to ensure all promotional content is complete and correct to avoid violations.

Authorities warned that advertising unlicensed properties — particularly on digital platforms — will result in serious consequences. Administrative fines will be imposed by the highest local authority where violations are identified, especially under Law No. 7464.

It was also underlined that including valid document numbers in all marketing and promotional activities is a legal requirement under Law No. 2634, with further penalties for non-compliance.

In the statement signed by Fatih Akkaya, professional chambers and associations were urged to inform their members of the new enforcement measures.

Businesses have been reminded to include licence numbers across all platforms — including websites and social media — and to take immediate action to remove any advertisements for unlicensed properties.

The move aims to bring greater transparency and regulation to Fethiye’s tourism sector, ensuring fair competition and protecting consumers booking holiday accommodation.

Source: Gerçek Fethiye

Fethiye Tuesday Market Inspections Intensified as Municipal Police Remove Unregistered and Unauthorized Stalls

Fethiye, MUĞLA – Municipal police teams in Fethiye have stepped up inspections at the city’s popular Tuesday Market, targeting unregistered vendors and unauthorized stalls in a bid to maintain order and fairness.

The weekly market, which attracts thousands of residents and visitors, was the focus of comprehensive checks carried out by teams from the Fethiye Municipality Police Department.

During the operation, officials inspected stalls one by one, focusing on individuals operating without proper registration or official documentation. Action was taken against those found selling goods without being registered market vendors.

Vendors who were unable to present valid vendor cards were issued warnings, while unauthorized stalls disrupting the order of the market were removed by the teams.

Authorities stated that such inspections will continue regularly to ensure compliance with regulations, protect registered traders, and maintain a safe and organised market environment for both shoppers and sellers.

Source: Gerçek Fethiye

Fethiye Prepares for Marmaris–Fethiye Stage of 61st Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey

Fethiye, MUĞLA – Preparations are underway in Fethiye for the 61st Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey, with a key coordination meeting held to finalise security, traffic, and organisational measures ahead of the Marmaris–Fethiye stage scheduled for April 29, 2026.

The meeting was chaired by Fatih Akkaya, bringing together representatives of relevant institutions to coordinate arrangements ensuring the safe and smooth running of the race.

Discussions focused on traffic management along the race route, security deployments, and logistical planning for the 128-kilometre stage, which will challenge riders while showcasing the region’s coastal scenery.

The Marmaris–Fethiye stage forms part of the 4th stage of the prestigious international competition, which will take place between April 26 and May 3, 2026. The eight-stage race will cover a total distance of 1,201 kilometres under the theme “A New Beginning in its 60+1st Year.”

The tour will begin in Çeşme, İzmir, and conclude in Ankara, passing through key locations including Aydın, Marmaris, Fethiye, Kemer, and Antalya. The inclusion of Ankara marks a notable return of the capital to the route, adding significance to this year’s edition.

First held in 1963 as the “Marmara Tour,” the event has grown into one of Turkey’s most important international sporting competitions and is now part of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) calendar. As the country’s only race in the ProSeries category, it attracts leading WorldTeams, ProTeams, and Continental Teams from around the globe.

Officials emphasised that the event will not only deliver elite sporting competition but also promote Turkey’s natural landscapes and cultural heritage to an international audience.

Source: Gerçek Fethiye

New 1km Water Line Brings Relief to Seydikemer Residents

Seydikemer, MUĞLA – The long-standing struggle of transporting water has finally come to an end for residents in the Sivriler area of Çaykenarı Neighborhood, following the completion of a new drinking water line by the Muğla Water and Sewerage Administration (MUSKİ) General Directorate.

The project saw the construction of a 1,000-metre drinking water line, providing reliable and direct access to clean water for households that had previously faced years of difficulty meeting their daily needs.

For many residents, accessing water meant physically carrying it over distances — a daily challenge that significantly impacted quality of life. With the new infrastructure now in place, that burden has been lifted.

Çaykenarı Neighborhood Headman, Çetin Yıldız, highlighted the importance of the project, stating that one of the region’s most pressing issues has finally been resolved. He noted that residents are delighted their long-standing requests were heard and acted upon swiftly.

Yıldız also expressed gratitude to Ahmet Aras and Yılmaz Şengül for their support and commitment in delivering the project.

Local resident Bekir Ziya Tay, 65, shared that for years they had no choice but to carry water to meet their daily needs. He said the completion of the new line marks the end of a long and exhausting ordeal for the community.

The project represents a significant step forward in improving infrastructure and living conditions in rural areas of Seydikemer, ensuring residents now have consistent access to safe drinking water.

Source: Fethiye TV

Menteşe’s Loyal Storks Return as 30-Year Tradition Continues

Menteşe, MUĞLA – A cherished spring tradition has continued in the Muslihittin neighborhood of Menteşe, as storks have once again returned to their long-standing nesting site atop the Şeyh Muslihittin Mosque.

The mosque, completed in 1996, has hosted these winged visitors for approximately 30 years, making them a beloved and symbolic part of the local community. As in previous years, the storks returned to the same spot on the mosque’s dome, carefully repairing their nests and settling in for the season.

Residents warmly welcomed the birds’ arrival, a moment eagerly anticipated each year. Over time, the storks have become more than just a natural sight — they are now seen as an integral part of Muslihittin’s identity and heritage.

The birds are expected to remain in their nests throughout the spring and summer months, raising their young before migrating again in autumn.

Speaking about the tradition, mosque imam Hüsnü Mercan said he has witnessed the annual return throughout his seven years of service. He noted that the storks reliably return each year to rebuild their nests, raise their chicks, and prepare them for migration.

Mercan added that the neighbourhood holds a deep affection for the storks, with many residents eagerly asking each year whether the birds have arrived — a sign that spring has truly begun in Menteşe.

Source: Gerçek Fethiye