Welcome to our midweek round-up of the latest news and updates from Fethiye and across Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
25th International Fethiye Ölüdeniz Air Games Festival to Take Place from October 22–26
Fethiye, MUĞLA – Fethiye is once again preparing to fill its skies with colour and excitement as the 25th International Fethiye Ölüdeniz Air Games Festival takes place from October 22–26, 2025.
As one of the region’s most anticipated annual events, the festival will feature a spectacular programme of aerial shows, beach activities, and live concerts, drawing visitors and participants from around the world.
Professional paragliding pilots from numerous countries will showcase their skills with dazzling acrobatic displays and aerial performances over the iconic blue lagoon and Babadağ Mountain. Visitors can look forward to jumps from Babadağ, vibrant air shows, and energetic concerts, promising an unforgettable five days of celebration.
Fethiye Mayor Alim Karaca shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming event, saying:
“Our 25th International Fethiye Ölüdeniz Air Games Festival will once again transform the skies into a vibrant spectacle from October 22–26, 2025. With a full array of events, shows, and concerts, Fethiye will once again be the center of excitement. I invite all our residents and guests to join in this great excitement.”
The festival, marking its 25th anniversary, continues to celebrate Fethiye’s reputation as one of the world’s premier paragliding destinations.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/25-uluslararasi-fethiye-oludeniz-hava-oyunlari-festivali-22-26-ekimde
Fethiye Municipality to attend World Travel Market in London
Fethiye, MUĞLA – Fethiye Municipality will actively participate in the WTM London (World Travel Market London), one of the world’s most prestigious tourism fairs, to be held from November 4–6, 2025, in London, England. A delegation led by Fethiye Mayor Alim Karaca will attend the event to promote Fethiye’s natural, cultural, and touristic attractions to international tourism professionals.
The WTM London Fair, held annually at ExCel London, brings together thousands of tourism professionals, travel agencies, and investors from across the globe. The event serves as a major platform for destination promotion, international collaboration, and the development of new market connections. Organizers announced that this year’s edition is expected to be the largest in the fair’s 45-year history.
During the fair, Fethiye’s delegation will conduct one-on-one meetings with global tour operators, travel agencies, and investors. These interactions aim to enhance Fethiye’s international recognition, build new tourism partnerships, and attract more foreign visitors to the region.
Fethiye Mayor Alim Karaca emphasized the importance of attending the event as part of the district’s long-term tourism strategy, stating:
“We will continue to support Fethiye tourism. This fair represents a great opportunity to showcase our city’s natural beauty, historical heritage, cultural diversity, and hospitality to the world. Through the connections we establish with international tour operators, we aim to attract many more tourists to Fethiye next season.”
Participation in WTM London 2025 is expected to strengthen Fethiye’s position on the global tourism stage and contribute to the region’s ongoing efforts to expand its international visitor base.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiye-belediyesi-londra-turizm-fuari-yolcusu
Turkey to Remove 10% Speed Tolerance: New Traffic Fines and Penalties Announced
Ankara, TURKEY – The government is set to introduce stricter traffic regulations, including the removal of the long-standing 10% speed tolerance on radar fines. Under the proposed changes, drivers exceeding the speed limit by even 1 km/h will face penalties. The new rules will be discussed in parliament this week and are expected to significantly tighten road safety enforcement across the country.
Key Changes and Penalties
Speeding Fines:
Drivers will face penalties of up to 30,000 TL, depending on how far they exceed the speed limit.
- Exceeding by 46–55 km/h → 30-day license suspension
- Exceeding by 56–65 km/h → 60-day license suspension
- Exceeding by 66 km/h or more → 90-day license suspension
Red Light Violations:
- Causing an accident while running a red light → 60-day license suspension
- A psychotechnical test will be required before license reinstatement.
Failure to Yield to Vehicles with Right of Way:
- Failing to yield to ambulances or other priority vehicles → 46,000 TL fine + 30-day license suspension
- Other right-of-way violations → 15,000 TL fine
Mobile Phone Use While Driving:
- Using a mobile phone behind the wheel → 5,000 TL fine
Aggressive Driving / Pursuit or Assault:
- Stopping or chasing another vehicle with intent to threaten or assault → 180,000 TL fine + 60-day license suspension + 30-day driving ban
Illegal Racing:
- 46,000 TL fine + 2-year driving ban
License Plate Manipulation:
- Altering or making a license plate illegible → 140,000 TL fine + 30-day driving ban
Noisy Driving:
- Excessive or disturbing noise while driving → 16,000 TL administrative fine
Leaving the Scene of an Accident:
- Fleeing after causing an accident resulting in death or injury → 1 to 3 years in prison
When Will It Take Effect?
The new regulations will enter into force after approval by the Turkish Grand National Assembly and publication in the Official Gazette.
If passed, the law will mark one of the toughest traffic enforcement reforms in recent years, aimed at curbing reckless driving and improving road safety nationwide.
Source: Fethiye TV
Injured Red Fox Found in Fethiye Receives Treatment
Fethiye, MUĞLA – An injured red fox found in the wild in Fethiye has received medical attention at Fethiye Animal Hospital, under the coordination of Nature Conservation and National Parks (DKMP) teams. After initial treatment, the animal was transferred to Gökova Animal Hospital for further care.
According to a statement from the Fethiye DKMP Directorate, officials were informed that a red fox had been found injured and brought to the Fethiye Animal Hospital. Upon examination, it was determined that the fox had sustained injuries in the wild.
Veterinarians at the hospital reported that the fox’s general condition has stabilised following treatment. However, to ensure full recovery, it was decided to transfer the animal to Gökova Animal Hospital.
After being kept under observation for a day, the fox received its initial treatment and was later handed over to Gökova Animal Hospital teams for continued medical care.
Authorities stated that once the treatment process is complete, the fox will be released back into its natural habitat.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiyede-bulunan-yarali-kizil-tilki-tedavi-altina-alindi
Disaster Drills Conducted in Fethiye Schools
Fethiye, MUĞLA – The Ministry of National Education conducted a nationwide disaster awareness, earthquake evacuation, and firefighting drill, which was also carried out successfully in Fethiye.
The coordinated drill took place as part of the Ministry’s “Green Homeland – My School, a Solution for the Future” project, aiming to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience among students and staff. In Fethiye, the exercise was held in all schools, including a comprehensive simulation at Atatürk Middle School.
At Atatürk Middle School, the event began with a video message from National Education Minister Yusuf Tekin, addressed to students and parents as part of “Disaster and Resilience Month.” This was followed by an educational video prepared by AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency), reinforcing essential safety steps during emergencies.
In observance of October 13th, International Disaster Reduction Day, students practiced the “Drop, Cover, Hold On” drill under their desks when the siren sounded. Following the signal, they evacuated their classrooms in an orderly manner and assembled safely in the schoolyard.
The exercise at Atatürk Middle School, conducted under the supervision of Principal Engin Yiğit, was reported to have been successfully completed, ensuring both students and staff are better prepared for potential disasters.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiyede-gercegini-aratmayan-tatbikatlar-gerceklestirildi
Seydikemer Municipality Accelerates Road Maintenance Ahead of Winter
Seydikemer, MUĞLA – In preparation for the winter season, Seydikemer Municipality has intensified road maintenance and repair work across all 65 neighborhoods of the district. Crews from the Public Works Department are working to ensure safe and uninterrupted transportation for residents during the colder months.
Teams are carrying out repairs on damaged roads, maintenance of newly opened roads, and reinforcement of existing stabilized roads to prevent disruptions caused by rainy weather. The work is being conducted according to the priorities of each neighborhood, ensuring a planned and efficient approach.
Mayor B. Önder Akdenizli highlighted the municipality’s commitment to equitable service:
“We are continuing our work with an equal service approach in all 65 neighborhoods of Seydikemer. Our crews are working intensively on the ground to ensure that our citizens experience no transportation disruptions before the winter season. Our goal is to create safe, comfortable, and accessible roads in every neighborhood.”
Emphasizing that both central and rural areas are being attended to with equal care, Mayor Akdenizli added:
“We are working to provide service to all of our areas, without discriminating between any of our neighborhoods. We will continue to reach every corner of Seydikemer with an equitable and fair service approach.”
The Public Works Department has announced that road maintenance, repair, and improvement activities will continue across the district, weather permitting, ensuring residents can travel safely and comfortably throughout the winter months.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/seydikemer-belediyesinden-kis-oncesi-yogun-yol-bakimi
Cappadocia: Tourism Hotspot and Turkey’s Natural Potato Warehouse
Nevşehir, TURKEY – Beneath Cappadocia’s iconic volcanic landscape, thousands of man-made caves carved into soft tuff rock are serving a lesser-known but vital purpose: storing much of Turkey’s potato harvest.
As potato harvesting begins nationwide, truckloads of the crop are transported to the central province of Nevşehir, where underground caves naturally maintain cool temperatures, eliminating the need for energy-intensive refrigeration.
Carved millions of years ago from volcanic rock, these natural cellars provide ideal conditions for preserving potatoes, lemons, and other produce throughout the year.
The region has 1,326 licensed underground depots capable of storing up to 2.5 million tons of potatoes, ensuring a steady supply for both domestic and international markets until the next harvest.
Local agriculture officials emphasize the significance of these natural depots. Kahraman Kaya, head of a local agriculture chamber, said:
“Nevşehir may rank seventh in potato production, but it is the country’s main storage hub. The volcanic tuff keeps potatoes fresh for a long time without energy costs. These rocks serve both tourism and agriculture — a real advantage for our region.”
Ali Köybaşı from a potato producers association added that about half of Turkey’s annual five million tons of potatoes are stored in these underground depots. Potatoes from provinces including Sivas, Konya, Kayseri, Niğde, Elazığ, and Erzincan are transported here for storage.
Daily consumption in Turkey ranges from 11,000 to 15,000 tons, with around 600 trucks leaving the region each day to distribute potatoes nationwide. Each truckload employs roughly 15 workers, meaning the depots also provide significant local employment opportunities.
Cappadocia, best known for its fairy chimneys, ancient cave dwellings, and hot air balloon rides, continues to attract millions of tourists each year. While visitors marvel at the otherworldly landscape, the region’s hidden storage network, carved from the same volcanic rock, quietly plays a crucial role in Turkey’s agricultural backbone.
The system not only supports food security but also contributes to energy efficiency, as the natural rock cools and preserves the produce without electricity. As demand grows, new tunnels are being excavated to expand storage capacity, ensuring Cappadocia remains both a tourist magnet and a key agricultural hub.
“Potatoes are a national treasure. These natural cellars hold enormous significance for our nation and its farmers thanks to their lengthy storage life,” Kaya noted.
Cappadocia’s dual identity as a tourism wonderland and natural food warehouse showcases the unique ways in which Turkey’s landscapes support both culture and agriculture.
