Welcome to our midweek round-up of the latest news and updates from Fethiye and across Turkey.
Curated from various news sources
Fethiye Belediyesi Carries Out Asphalt Work in Karaçulha and Çamköy
Fethiye, Muğla – Fethiye Belediyesi is continuing its road improvement programme across 41 neighbourhoods, with ongoing asphalt paving in the Karaçulha and Çamköy areas.
The municipality aims to enhance road safety and driving comfort as part of its commitment to modernising local infrastructure. Works are being carried out in phases and will continue throughout the summer months.
Source: Fethiye Belediyesi
25-Year-Old Man Drowns in Fethiye
Fethiye, Muğla –A 25-year-old man has died after drowning in the sea in the Fethiye district of Muğla.
The incident took place at Koca Çalış Beach in the Foça neighbourhood. According to reports, Rıza Biçer entered the water to cool off but was unable to return to shore. His friends, noticing he was in distress, contacted the 112 Emergency Call Centre for assistance.
Emergency teams, including the Coast Guard, police, and paramedics, were dispatched to the scene. Biçer was pulled from the water and received first aid before being transported to Fethiye State Hospital by ambulance. Despite all efforts, he could not be saved.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
Source: https://www.gercekfethiye.com/fethiye-de-25-yasindaki-genc-denizde-boguldu/103612/?p=2
Kumburnu Nature Park Sees Peak Season Crowds as Ölüdeniz Tourism Surges
Fethiye, Muğla –Kumburnu Nature Park in Ölüdeniz, one of Turkey’s most iconic holiday destinations, has reached its seasonal peak, drawing thousands of visitors daily. The high volume of tourists has caused congestion on the Fethiye-Ölüdeniz road, particularly during peak hours.
The increase in temperatures has led both domestic and international tourists to flock to the region’s renowned beaches, including Ölüdeniz Beach of the Lagoon, Belcekız, Butterfly Valley, Kabak, and Gemiler Bays. Beachgoers are seen crowding the turquoise shores, seeking relief from the heat, with many using creative methods to shield themselves from the sun.
The area offers a range of water sports, from parasailing and banana boat rides to more tranquil activities like pedal boats and canoeing. Paragliding from Babadağ also continues to be a major draw for adventure seekers.
According to Burak Ardahan, Operations Manager of Ölüdeniz Beach of Lagoon, the site has been experiencing high visitor traffic for the past 20–25 days, with a noticeable presence of British tourists and Turkish expatriates returning for summer holidays. Chinese tourist numbers were also significant in May and early June.
Ardahan noted that although all-inclusive hotel packages have kept main hotels busy, local food and beverage businesses have seen a drop in visitors. He also reassured the public about water quality, citing natural spring waters within the lagoon that maintain cleanliness despite the large crowds.
The season is expected to remain busy throughout the summer, with Ölüdeniz maintaining its reputation as a globally recognised tourism brand.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/kumburnu-tabiat-parki-sezon-yogunlugunu-yakaladi
Chapel Unearthed During Fethiye Castle Excavations Sheds Light on Byzantine History
Fethiye, Muğla – A newly unearthed chapel, discovered during ongoing archaeological excavations at Fethiye Castle, is drawing significant interest for its historical and cultural implications. The discovery was made as part of a four-year excavation project carried out under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums, in collaboration with the Muğla Governorate, the District Governor’s Office, Fethiye Municipality, and Fethiye Museum. The project is led by Prof. Dr. Kadir Pektaş.
Located in the Kesikkapı neighbourhood, the excavation team is working intensively on both the upper and lower sections of the castle, despite summer temperatures reaching 40°C. The newly discovered chapel lies in the lower section, adjacent to the castle’s walls, commanding sweeping views over Fethiye Bay.
While the dating of the chapel is still under investigation, initial assessments suggest it belongs to the Middle Byzantine period. “We haven’t yet determined the exact date,” said Prof. Dr. Pektaş. “However, as we expand the excavation area and examine the structure more closely—particularly at the base of the walls—we expect to reach a more conclusive understanding.”
Byzantine-era graves have also been found within and around the chapel, reinforcing its historical significance. Two human skeletons were uncovered nearby, although initial findings indicate the area did not serve as a formal burial ground. Detailed anthropological studies are now underway.
“The chapel currently appears small, but we believe a much larger structure lies beneath,” Pektaş noted. “Once the excavation is complete, we will conserve the structure and integrate it into a wider tour route as part of a comprehensive landscaping and protection project.”
Beyond the chapel, the castle site has revealed a wealth of historical layers, from Hellenistic to Ottoman. In the upper castle walls, remains from the Menteşeoğulları and Ottoman periods have been identified. Among the most notable finds is a statue head initially believed to depict Apollo. Subsequent analysis, including drilling tests, has dated it to the 2nd century AD, opening new possibilities regarding its origins.
Other artefacts unearthed include Turkish-Islamic, Ottoman, and Menteşeoğlu-era coins, ceramic fragments, cannonballs, and everyday objects—offering valuable insights into the castle’s layered history as a site of both defence and habitation.
Significantly, an early theatre was also discovered—expected to be the first of its kind in both Türkiye and the Telmessos region to be excavated, restored, and made operational. Once completed, it is expected to become a major cultural landmark.
Prof. Dr. Pektaş emphasised that the castle, with its panoramic views and rich archaeological tapestry, will serve as a major attraction for cultural tourism in the inner district of Fethiye. “This is not just about uncovering ruins,” he said. “It’s about restoring life to a space that once bridged civilisations and epochs. The castle will stand as a living monument—offering visitors a rare blend of natural beauty and deep historical resonance.”
Once excavation and restoration works are finalised, the entire site—including the chapel and theatre—will be opened to the public, marking a significant boost for Fethiye’s heritage and tourism potential.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiye-kalesi-kazilarinda-sapel-ortaya-cikarildi
Parasailers Rescued After Becoming Stranded in Palm Tree in Marmaris
Marmaris, Muğla – An evening parasailing session took an unexpected turn in the Marmaris district of Muğla when two people became entangled in a palm tree along the coastline. The incident, which drew the attention of bystanders and emergency responders, ended without injury but has raised questions about safety regulations for water sports in the area.
The pair, flying with a local water sports company, were attempting to find a safe landing spot when strong winds or miscalculated descent caused their parachute to snag on one of the palm trees lining the promenade.
Local residents and tourists quickly rushed to assist, helping the stranded individuals down from the tree before emergency teams arrived. Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department units later removed the parachute and secured the area.
Both individuals escaped the ordeal uninjured and are reported to be in good health.
Following the incident, it emerged that a request had previously been submitted to the Marmaris Municipality to designate a secure landing zone for parasailing activities. However, the application was reportedly rejected. The incident has reignited concerns among locals and professionals in the water sports sector, who are urging authorities to prioritise safety measures.
“It’s fortunate that no one was hurt,” one bystander commented. “But this could have been much worse. There needs to be a designated area for these kinds of landings.”
Residents and sports operators alike are calling for increased attention from municipal officials to prevent future accidents and to ensure the safety of both participants and the public in one of Türkiye’s most popular coastal destinations.
Source: https://www.gercekfethiye.com/marmaris-te-deniz-parasutu-palmiyeye-takildi/103668/?p=3
Cruise Ship “Resilient Lady” Brought 2,600 Tourists to Bodrum on Wednesday
Bodrum, Muğla – The Bahamas-flagged cruise ship Resilient Lady docked in Bodrum on Wednesday, bringing 2,600 passengers to the Aegean resort town. The 277-metre vessel, which had departed from the Port of Rhodes, also carried 1,143 crew members.
After arriving at the port, the mostly American tourists disembarked and spent the day exploring the area. Some visited the popular Paşatarlası and Kumbahçe beaches, while others shopped in local markets or toured historical and cultural landmarks around the town.
The ship’s visit provided a boost to local tourism businesses during the busy summer season.
Resilient Lady departed Bodrum for Mykonos Port later that evening, continuing its Eastern Mediterranean itinerary.
Extreme Heat Wave in Turkey Raises Sea Temperatures and Threatens Marine Ecosystems
Turkey – Turkey has been enduring an intense heat wave throughout June and the final days of July, with record-breaking temperatures affecting both land and sea. Experts warn that rising sea temperatures are not only disrupting marine ecosystems but could also contribute to extreme weather patterns across the country.
According to Associate Professor Ceyhun Özçelik from Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University (MSKÜ), the sharp increase in sea surface temperatures is accelerating evaporation rates, which may trigger sudden downpours along coastal areas and intensify drought conditions inland.
“In Antalya, sea water temperatures have already exceeded 30°C (86°F),” Özçelik reported. “This is a clear sign of how the heat is impacting the marine environment as well.”
Over the coming days, temperatures across Turkey are expected to soar, with forecasts predicting 40°C in nearly every region and up to 45°C in parts of the western Mediterranean, southern Aegean, southeastern Anatolia, and eastern Anatolia.
“This dramatic rise in air temperatures will further elevate sea water temperatures, particularly along the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts,” Özçelik said. “Higher evaporation will increase the likelihood of sudden, intense coastal rainfall, while worsening the already dry conditions in inland areas.”
He also warned that if high evaporation levels interact with unstable upper-atmosphere air currents, tornadoes could form in the Mediterranean region.
Beyond weather concerns, the warming seas are expected to disrupt marine biodiversity. “Elevated sea temperatures can impact the reproduction, movement, and overall health of marine life,” Özçelik explained. “This may affect both local ecosystems and tourism-dependent economies along the coast.”
Özçelik urged the public, particularly those living in coastal regions, to take precautions: avoid going outdoors during the hottest hours of the day and stay well hydrated. “It is important to remain vigilant during this period of extreme heat,” he said.
The current heat wave underscores the broader impact of climate change in Turkey, with both environmental and economic sectors facing growing pressure from shifting weather patterns.
Source: Daily Sabah
