Welcome to our midweek round-up of the latest news and updates from Fethiye and across Turkey.
Curated from various news sources
Forest Fires Rage Across Tekirdağ and Çanakkale as Evacuations Continue and Firefighting Efforts Intensify
Tekirdağ and Çanakkale, Turkey — Efforts to combat forest fires that broke out in the western province of Tekirdağ’s Şarköy district and spread into Çanakkale’s Gelibolu area continue relentlessly, with both air and ground teams actively engaged. Meanwhile, a separate blaze in Çanakkale’s Ayvacık district is also drawing an ongoing response. Several villages and neighborhoods have been evacuated as a precautionary measure.
In Şarköy, aerial firefighting resumed at dawn with 21 aircraft deployed, nearly 18 hours after the fire ignited yesterday afternoon in farmland near the İstiklal neighborhood before advancing into surrounding woodland. Driven by strong winds, the flames crossed into Çanakkale province, triggering support from almost 100 water tenders and approximately 400 personnel working alongside the air fleet.
Tekirdağ Governor Recep Soytürk and Forestry General Director Bekir Karacabey are overseeing operations from AFAD’s mobile coordination center at the scene. Precautionary evacuations were carried out in the villages of Şenköy, Kızılcaterzi, and Kocali, with four people hospitalised due to smoke inhalation.
Governor Soytürk, accompanied by Tekirdağ Metropolitan Mayor Candan Yüceer and Karacabey during site inspections, addressed the suspected cause of the fire: “While not yet confirmed, there is a report of a bird striking a power line north of Şenköy two days ago, which sparked a similar incident. We will investigate to verify this.” He also reassured the public that no military zones in Tekirdağ have been affected, and based on current reports, any military areas in Çanakkale appear safe.
Meanwhile, in Ayvacık’s Naldöken village, where flames erupted on July 15 and were pushed by winds towards Tuzla, Taşağıl, and Çamköy, forestry ground teams battled the blaze through the night. Two helicopters joined the firefighting efforts at first light to aid containment measures.
Lifeguards Issue Safety Warning at Fethiye’s Büyük Samanlık Beach
Fethiye, Muğla — Lifeguards stationed at the popular Büyük Samanlık Beach have issued vital safety warnings to beachgoers, urging visitors to stay within designated swimming areas and be mindful of potential hazards in and around the water.
Located in the Fethiye district of Muğla, Büyük Samanlık Beach is operated as a practice facility by the Fethiye Martyr Captain Özgür Özekin Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School. The beach attracts considerable attention not only for its Blue Flag status, but also for its affordable prices, high service standards delivered with student participation, and areas open for public use.
Lifeguards Kazım Berker Güç and Özgür Öncü, who have been on duty at the beach for the past four years, spoke about the ongoing safety measures in place. “We’ve established a pontoon line to mark the boundaries of the bay,” explained Güç. “We strongly advise against crossing this line, as it marks the end of our lifeguard coverage and intersects with boat traffic zones. We regularly remind our guests for their own safety.”
The lifeguards also warned against swimming near rocky parts of the beach due to marine life and physical hazards. “There are sea urchins on the rocks,” said Güç. “These areas can lead to cuts or even accidents from slipping or getting stuck. We advise avoiding them entirely.”
Öncü added that the pontoon lines not only mark safe zones but also help to keep boats away from swimmers. He also clarified the flag system used to communicate conditions to the public:
- Yellow-red flag: Lifeguard is on duty; safe to swim.
- Red flag: No lifeguard present; swimming not advised.
- Yellow and yellow-red together: Choppy waters; caution advised.
As a beach that functions under an educational institution, Büyük Samanlık benefits from student involvement and high standards of service. “We take great pride in maintaining cleanliness and safety here,” said the lifeguards. “It’s a team effort involving both professionals and students.”
Billionaire Yachts “KD” and “Cloudbreak” Draw Attention in Fethiye and Ölüdeniz
Fethiye, Muğla – The 52-meter luxury yacht KD, valued at $35 million and owned by Bulgarian billionaire Kiril Domuschiev, anchored at the pier in Fethiye. Flying the Maltese flag, the yacht attracted attention as it took on approximately 75,000 liters of fuel during its stop.
The arrival of the high-profile vessel added a touch of glamour to the Fethiye coastline and drew interest from locals and yachting enthusiasts.
Ölüdeniz, Muğla – Meanwhile, the 72-meter luxury megayacht Cloudbreak, valued at approximately $250 million and sailing under the Cayman Islands flag, was spotted this week near Gemiler Island in Ölüdeniz, Fethiye. Widely believed to be owned by Russian billionaire Alexander Svetakov, Cloudbreak drew attention as it anchored in the turquoise waters of Gemiler Bay.
Built in Germany in 2016, the state-of-the-art yacht can accommodate 12 guests and boasts a crew of 26. Onboard amenities include a helipad, spa, gym, swimming pool, sauna, massage room, and cinema, offering a floating palace for those lucky enough to be onboard.
Although the yacht has been frequently linked to Svetakov, ownership remains unconfirmed. Cloudbreak is also available for weekly charter and has welcomed several high-profile celebrities over the years, including Jennifer Lopez, Julia Roberts, and Heidi Klum.
The yacht was seen in the region last year as well, when it docked twice at the Fethiye pier. During one of its previous visits, Cloudbreak was refueled with tons of fuel transported overland from Aliağa, İzmir. Its return has once again captured the attention of locals and tourists in the region.
Source: Fethiye TV
34th Dirmil Golden Sipsi Oil Wrestling Held in Altınyayla
Burdur, Altınyayla — The 34th annual Dirmil Golden Sipsi Oil Wrestling Competition took place with great fanfare in Burdur’s Altınyayla (Dirmil) district, once again celebrating a cherished local tradition with pride, passion, and community spirit.
At the heart of the event stood Yasin Örskan, who was re-elected as Wrestling Agha, maintaining his title for another year. Örskan, a respected businessman from the region, once again paid the required 6,048,015 TL fee in advance—demonstrating his continued commitment to the festival and the traditions it upholds.
In an emotional statement, Örskan shared what the role means to him:
“Dirmil is everything to me. I have put in all my efforts for our Dirmil without expecting any benefit or profit. And I will continue to do so.”
He concluded by extending heartfelt thanks to all involved in keeping the spirit of the Golden Sipsi Oil Wrestling tradition alive, adding:
“We wholeheartedly thank everyone who has contributed to keeping this meaningful and deeply rooted tradition alive.”
The 34th Dirmil Golden Sipsi event was a vivid reminder that traditions endure through the passion and sacrifice of people like Yasin Örskan—those who see culture not as a duty, but as a lifelong calling.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/dirmil-gures-agasi-orskan-dirmil-benim-her-seyim
Truck Loaded with Wood Skids on Slippery Slope Near Altınyayla Junction, Narrowly Avoids Disaster
Altınyayla – Hair-raising moments on the steep slope near the Altınyayla (Dirmil) junction along the Fethiye-Antalya highway when a truck loaded with wood lost control during a heavy downpour. As the rain-slicked road caused the vehicle to gain speed and begin sliding, the situation quickly became tense. Despite the hazardous conditions and the truck’s heavy load, the experienced driver remained calm and managed to regain control at the last moment, narrowly avoiding what could have been a serious accident.
Source: Fethiye TV
Authorities Continue Issuing Penalties for Misuse of Bike and Walking Paths
Fethiye, Muğla — Penalties and official warnings continue to be issued to electric scooter and moped users who illegally enter the designated bike and walking paths.
Authorities have reminded the public that these paths are reserved exclusively for bicycles and pedestrians, and the entry of motorised vehicles poses a safety risk to other users.
Despite ongoing enforcement efforts, violations persist, prompting officials to increase monitoring and stress the importance of adhering to traffic regulations for the safety of all.
Source: Fethiye TV
10th Yayla Karaçulha Yörük Festival to Celebrate Tradition and Community on July 19–20
Fethiye, Turkey — The vibrant spirit of Yörük culture will come alive once again as the 10th Yayla Karaçulha Yörük Festival kicks off on July 19–20, promising two days of tradition, music, and shared community pride.
Organised with the support of MYRA İnşaat and Ahmet Yasin Çolak, the festival will be broadcast live on Fethiye TV and Beşkazanın Sesi, allowing viewers near and far to take part in the festivities.
Celebrated as the heart of culture and the address of enthusiasm, the event will showcase a rich array of Yörük traditions, including folk dances, music performances, and traditional attire, in a joyful gathering set against the scenic backdrop of Yayla Karaçulha.
Festival organisers invite everyone to come and be part of this special occasion: “Let’s meet in Yayla Karaçulha to experience our culture and share in this great enthusiasm!”
Source: Fethiye TV
