Welcome to our midweek round-up of the latest news and updates from Fethiye and across Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
Fethiye Chamber of Agriculture President Highlights Vital Importance of Bees on World Bee Day
Fethiye, MUĞLA – Fethiye Chamber of Agriculture President Kenan Karayiğit highlighted the critical importance of bees for ecological balance and food security in a message released for World Bee Day on May 20.
In a written statement marking the occasion, Karayiğit underlined the essential role bees play not only in honey production but also in sustaining agricultural production and protecting the natural ecosystem. He also extended his congratulations to all beekeepers and producers on this meaningful day.
“On May 20, World Bee Day, we once again remember the importance of all our bees, which protect the balance of nature, contribute to the continuity of agricultural production, and work hard for the sustainability of life,” Karayiğit said.
He stressed that bees are indispensable for the continuation of the ecosystem and food security, adding: “Protecting nature starts with protecting bees.”
Karayiğit also drew attention to the importance of beekeeping activities and agricultural diversity across the region, thanking local beekeepers for their dedication and hard work.
“On this meaningful day, we celebrate World Bee Day for all our beekeepers and producers who contribute to production with their labour,” he added.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/baskan-karayigitten-dunya-ari-gunu-mesaji
Students Learn the Importance of Bees at World Bee Day Event in Fethiye
Fethiye, MUĞLA – Students in Fethiye took part in an educational and hands-on beekeeping event organised for World Bee Day, where children learned about the vital role bees play in nature, agriculture, and food production.
The awareness programme was held for students from Fethiye Ata Middle School and Bahçeşehir Primary School as part of activities marking World Bee Day on May 20.
During the event, students were introduced to basic beekeeping equipment, including bee masks, smokers, gloves, and other essential materials used by beekeepers. Children were also given practical demonstrations to help them better understand the daily work involved in beekeeping.
Educational sessions explained the importance of bees for ecological balance and sustainable agriculture, while students also learned about valuable bee products such as honey, pollen, and propolis. Organisers highlighted both the production process and the health benefits associated with bee products.
The event attracted strong interest from students, who enthusiastically participated in the demonstrations and interactive activities. Educational and entertaining moments throughout the programme helped raise awareness among young people about the critical importance of protecting bees and preserving the ecosystem.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/dunya-ari-gununde-miniklere-aricilik-egitimi
Public Transport Fares Increased Again in Fethiye
Fethiye, MUĞLA – Public transportation fares in Fethiye have increased once again following a decision approved during the May meeting of the Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Council.
The new regulation, prepared in line with a request from the Muğla Chamber of Craftsmen and Artisans to update fare schedules, was accepted by council members and has now come into effect.
Under the updated pricing structure, full civilian passenger fares increased by approximately 17 percent, while student fares rose by 5 percent.
The latest adjustment marks the second increase to public transportation prices this year, following fare changes introduced in February.
Municipal officials stated that the revision was made as part of ongoing evaluations of transportation operating costs and requests submitted by sector representatives.
The increase affects public transportation services across Fethiye and other districts connected to the Muğla Metropolitan Municipality network.
Number of Caretta Caretta Nests on Iztuzu Beach Reaches 21
Ortaca, MUĞLA – The number of nests created by endangered Caretta caretta sea turtles on Iztuzu Beach has reached 21, according to officials monitoring the protected nesting area.
In a statement released by the Sea Turtle Research, Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, authorities said that protection and monitoring work on the beach is continuing with the support of the General Directorate of Nature Conservation under the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.
Officials stated that female loggerhead turtles can lay between three and five nests approximately every 14 days, adding that the number of nests on Iztuzu Beach is expected to rise further in the coming weeks.
The centre also shared information regarding drone footage recorded over the beach, explaining that two separate nesting tracks could clearly be seen in the images.
“These tracks show the movements and body motions of the female turtle as she camouflaged the nest after laying her eggs,” the statement noted. “These characteristic tracks help our team determine the exact location of the nest.”
Authorities added that the nests are being carefully protected with cages to prevent damage from animals such as foxes and badgers, while teams continue keeping records to monitor the hatchlings that will emerge later in the season.
Officials emphasised that efforts are ongoing to protect the natural nesting cycle of the endangered sea turtles and preserve the important ecosystem of Iztuzu Beach.
Source: https://www.gercekfethiye.com/iztuzu-sahili-ndeki-caretta-caretta-yuva-sayisi-21-e-ulasti/122309/
Fethiye Municipality Promotes “Clean Fethiye” Vision at International Seminar in China
Lijiang, CHINA – Fethiye Municipality showcased its environmentally friendly and sustainable city vision during an international seminar hosted by the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism, where participants praised the district as a “Clean Fethiye.”
The Fethiye delegation took part in the “Integrated Development of Culture and Tourism for Belt and Road Countries” seminar, a 15-day programme held in the historic and tourist city of Lijiang. The event brought together 38 representatives from nine countries to exchange ideas on culture and tourism integration, sustainable development, and environmentally conscious urban planning.
Representing Fethiye at the seminar were department heads Mahmut Bayraktar, Human Resources and Training Manager M. Mesut Doğan, and Presidential Advisor and retired diplomat Yavuz Topateş.
During meetings and discussions, the delegation highlighted Fethiye Municipality’s work in environmental cleanliness, sustainable city management, and nature-friendly practices. Delegation members expressed satisfaction after international participants referred to the district as a “Clean Fethiye.”
Municipal officials noted that such international platforms provide valuable opportunities to promote Fethiye globally while sharing its environmentally focused urban model and sustainable tourism vision.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiye-belediyesinden-cinde-temiz-fethiye-vurgusu
Grocery Prices in Istanbul Surpass London Amid Turkey’s Ongoing Inflation Crisis
Istanbul, TURKEY – Grocery costs for basic nutrition needs in Istanbul have risen beyond those in London, according to a price comparison carried out by British journalist Lizzie Porter.
Porter compared baskets containing 19 essential supermarket items purchased online in both cities. Her findings showed that a basket from an upper-segment supermarket in Istanbul cost ₺4,425 (around $97), while a comparable basket in London totalled £44.53 (approximately $59). Even a second basket created using a more expensive British supermarket chain came to just £55.81.
According to the comparison, products such as red meat and instant coffee contributed most significantly to higher prices in Turkey, while some goods, including olive oil, were found to be sold at levels close to those in the UK. However, items such as eggs, milk, and onions remained cheaper in Turkey.
The findings, shared on social media platform X, sparked widespread discussion online, with many users highlighting the growing gap between wages and the rising cost of living across Turkey.
Economists point to years of persistently high food inflation, rising production and transport costs, and the declining domestic purchasing power of the Turkish lira as key factors behind soaring prices.
Despite the lira continuing to weaken, currency depreciation has slowed in recent months due to market interventions by the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey. According to central bank data, the Turkish lira’s real effective exchange rate rose to 106.3 in April, marking a 5.8 percent annual real appreciation.
Turkey’s annual inflation rate reached 32.4 percent in April, while food inflation climbed to 34.6 percent year-on-year. The central bank recently revised its year-end inflation forecast upward from 18 percent to 26 percent, citing rising global energy prices and continued inflationary pressures.
Fatih Karahan also stated that the central bank would maintain its tight monetary policy stance in the months ahead.
Restaurant Shooting in Turkey Leaves Four Dead, Six Injured
Mersin, TURKEY – At least four people were killed and six others injured after a gunman opened fire at a restaurant in the Kadelli neighbourhood of the Tarsus district in Mersin, local authorities and media reported.
The attack occurred around midday when a man armed with a pump-action shotgun, identified as Metin Ö., allegedly targeted a restaurant operated by brothers Sabri and Samet Pan amid an ongoing dispute. Witnesses said the gunman fired indiscriminately both inside and outside the premises, striking staff and customers.
Sabri Pan, one of the restaurant owners, died at the scene, while several injured victims were rushed to nearby hospitals. Three additional victims—restaurant employee Ahmet Ercan Can, shepherd Yusuf Oktay, and Abdullah Koca—later died from their injuries, bringing the total death toll to four.
Local reports said Oktay had been grazing animals near the area when the shooting occurred.
Security forces launched a large-scale operation to apprehend the suspect, deploying police and gendarmerie units across the region, with both ground and aerial support. Hospitals and the crime scene were placed under heightened security as forensic teams began investigations.
An inquiry into the incident is ongoing.
Source: Daily Sabah
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