Welcome to our midweek round-up of the latest news and updates from Fethiye and across Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
Fethiye Divers Mark Eid with Turkish Flag Underwater
Fethiye, MUĞLA – Eid al-Adha celebrations in Fethiye took a unique turn this year as a group of divers marked the holiday beneath the sea in Dalyan Bay.
Diving to a depth of five metres, the team unfurled a Turkish flag underwater and exchanged Eid greetings in a colourful celebration that delighted onlookers.
The divers — Önder Diktaş, Kaan Günay, Efkan Kardeş, Bahri Kara and Enes Turhan — used the cool waters of Dalyan Bay as the setting for what they described as an “underwater Eid celebration.” Alongside traditional holiday greetings, the group recreated the customary hand-kissing gesture underwater and even shared sweets beneath the surface.
One of the most memorable moments came when the divers managed to eat the sweets underwater, adding a light-hearted touch to the festive event.
Diving instructor Önder Diktaş said the underwater celebration has now become a tradition for the group.
“We celebrate holidays not only on land but also underwater. We both raise awareness and increase interest in diving,” he said.
The unusual celebration highlighted both the festive spirit of Eid al-Adha and the growing popularity of diving tourism in Fethiye.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiyede-dalgiclardan-islak-kutlama
Holiday Crowds Fill Antalya and Muğla Beaches During Eid al-Adha
Antalya / Muğla, TURKEY – Beaches across Antalya and Muğla experienced heavy crowds as domestic and international tourists flocked to coastal resorts ahead of the Eid al-Adha holiday.
In Antalya, where air temperatures reached 27 degrees Celsius, humidity levels were recorded at 58 percent and sea water temperatures measured 24 degrees Celsius, holidaymakers filled the famous Konyaaltı Beach.
Many visitors cooled off by swimming in the sea, while others relaxed on loungers and sunbathed on the sand. Water sports activities also attracted tourists looking to enjoy the warm weather. Some families and groups preferred to spend time in shaded park areas and along the seafront using camping chairs.
Along the Muğla coastline, where temperatures reached 32 degrees Celsius and sea water temperatures were measured at 23 degrees Celsius, beaches and tourist resorts also saw intense activity.
In Marmaris, visitors crowded the beaches of Uzunyalı Beach, İçmeler Beach and Turunç Beach, as well as Kız Kumu Beach in Orhaniye. Tourists also took part in adrenaline-filled activities such as jet skiing and parasailing at local water sports centres.
Popular beaches in Fethiye, including Belcekız Beach, Kumburnu Beach and Çalış Beach, also welcomed large numbers of holidaymakers throughout the day.
In Bodrum, beaches in coastal resort areas became increasingly busy. Popular spots including Yahşi Beach, Kumbahçe Beach, Gümbet Beach, Bitez Beach and Torba Beach were crowded with visitors. While many cooled off in the sea, others spent time at cafés and restaurants along the coastline.
The Akyaka district of Ula, known for its “Quiet Town” title, also became a popular destination, particularly for visitors arriving from nearby provinces.
Some tourists swam at the public beach, while others joined daily boat tours exploring the bays of Gökova Gulf. Activities such as kayaking and windsurfing also attracted visitors looking to enjoy the holiday atmosphere.
Source: https://www.gercekfethiye.com/antalya-ve-mugla-sahillerinde-tatilci-hareketliligi/122713/
Drone Surveillance in Fethiye: 18 Drivers Fined 102,500 TL
Fethiye, MUĞLA – Drone-assisted traffic inspections carried out in Fethiye resulted in 18 drivers being fined a total of 102,500 TL for violating traffic regulations.
The inspections were conducted by teams from the Fethiye Traffic Inspection Bureau as traffic density increased across the district during the Eid al-Adha holiday period.
Using drone surveillance to monitor traffic flow and identify violations, officers detected numerous drivers failing to comply with traffic rules, particularly at traffic lights.
During the checks, 18 drivers were penalised under Article 47/1-B of the traffic law, while one driver also received fines under Articles 78/1-B and 73/C.
As a result of the inspections, administrative fines totalling 102,500 TL were issued.
Authorities stated that drone-assisted inspections and traffic enforcement operations will continue throughout the district in an effort to improve road safety and reduce traffic violations.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiyede-drone-ile-denetim-18-surucuye-102-bin-500-tl-ceza
Container Home of Elderly Couple Destroyed in Bodrum Fire
Bodrum, MUĞLA – A fire that broke out in a container home belonging to an elderly couple caused moments of panic in Bodrum. The blaze completely destroyed the container, but a possible tragedy was avoided as the couple were not inside at the time.
According to reports, the fire started around noon in a container located on a plot of land on Aydın Street in the Çırkan neighbourhood. The fire is believed to have originated from the electrical system before rapidly spreading throughout the container.
Following emergency calls, teams from the Bodrum Fire Department, 112 Emergency Medical Services and police units were dispatched to the scene.
Firefighters, assisted by local residents, managed to bring the blaze under control before carrying out cooling operations in the area.
It was learned that an elderly couple had been living in the container home, but fortunately they were not inside when the fire broke out.
As a result of the incident, the container and all of its contents were completely destroyed. One olive tree on the property was also burned, while two other olive trees sustained partial damage.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/yasli-ciftin-yasadigi-konteyner-yandi
Forest Access Ban for 2026 Fire Season
Fethiye, MUĞLA – The Muğla Governorship has announced a ban on access to forested areas across parts of Fethiye and Seydikemer between June 1 and October 31 as part of strengthened wildfire prevention measures for the 2026 fire season.
The decision was taken under the Muğla Provincial Forest Fire Fighting Commission’s ruling dated May 8, 2026, numbered 2026/01, amid growing concerns over rising temperatures and drought conditions across Turkey.
The restricted forest areas include Yanıklar-İnlice, Yanıklar-Fethiye-Seydikemer, Kayaköy-Ölüdeniz, Babadağ-Mendos Mountain, Çaltıözü, Faralya-Kelebekler Valley, Dodurga and Seydikemer Forests.
Authorities said the measures are aimed at reducing the risk of human-caused forest fires during the high-risk summer period. Officials warned that anyone violating the restrictions could face legal action under Forest Law No. 6831, Provincial Administration Law No. 5442 and the Misdemeanors Law No. 5326.
The move comes after one of the most destructive wildfire seasons in recent Turkish history. Around 80,000 hectares of land burned across Turkey in 2025, making it the country’s second-worst year for wildfires in recent decades.
More than 6,800 forest and rural fires were recorded nationwide last year, with western provinces including Izmir, Manisa, Çanakkale, Bursa and Bilecik among the hardest hit.
Thousands of people were evacuated during the fires, while forests, farmland and residential areas suffered severe damage. In one of the deadliest incidents, 10 firefighters and rescue personnel lost their lives battling a wildfire in Eskişehir.
Authorities have blamed extreme heat, drought, strong winds and human negligence for the rapid spread of many of the fires.
Similar restrictions are now being introduced across the country. Forest access bans have also been announced in Ankara, Isparta, Burdur and Karabük, while inspections using patrol teams, drones and helicopters are expected to increase throughout the summer months.
Officials continue to urge residents and visitors to avoid lighting fires outside designated picnic and recreation areas, particularly during the upcoming Eid al-Adha holiday period.
Forestry officials stressed that prevention remains the most effective way to combat wildfires, noting that the majority of forest fires are linked directly or indirectly to human activity.
Sources: Daily Sabah/ https://fethiyeninellitonu.com/fethiyede-ormanlara-girisler-yasaklandi/
Muğla’s Blue Carbon Map Project Begins to Protect Seagrass Meadows
Muğla, TURKEY – A major environmental initiative aimed at protecting marine ecosystems and supporting the fight against climate change has been launched in Muğla under the leadership of Muğla Metropolitan Municipality.
The “Blue Carbon Map” study will scientifically identify and map seagrass meadows in the coastal waters of Bodrum and Gökova Bay, creating valuable data to support climate policies and sustainable coastal planning.
Research activities have officially begun within the scope of the “Determination of Seagrass Meadows in Muğla Marine and Coastal Areas Study,” carried out in cooperation with the Mediterranean Ecological Heritage Association (Ekomiras).
The project is supported by Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Gatemarine Turkey and the French-based Andromède Océanologie. As part of the initiative, the Turkish-flagged research vessel GATEMARINE III departed on May 25, 2026, to begin field studies.
The first phase of the study will focus on the Bodrum Peninsula and Gökova Bay, where researchers will identify, map and calculate the carbon storage capacity of seagrass meadows, which are considered vital natural carbon sinks in the fight against climate change.
Using remote sensing technology in marine areas up to 40 metres deep, scientists aim to determine the precise locations and extent of seagrass meadows through scientific data collection.
The research is being carried out with permissions from the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, the General Directorate of Nature Conservation under the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, and the Muğla Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.
The project aims not only to protect seagrass ecosystems, but also to measure their contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improve coastal area management. Officials also announced plans to develop a digital application that will make the location data of seagrass meadows accessible to users.
Ahmet Aras, President of the Coastal Municipalities Union and Mayor of Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, emphasised the importance of protecting seagrass meadows in the fight against the climate crisis.
“Muğla, with its natural values, hosts one of the world’s most important coastal ecosystems,” Aras said. “Protecting seagrass meadows, which are described as the lungs of our seas, is one of the most valuable legacies we can leave to future generations.”
He added that the project would scientifically identify and protect seagrass meadows, particularly in Bodrum and Gökova, while also revealing their role in combating climate change.
“As Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, we will continue supporting projects that protect nature, are science-based and promote sustainable coastal management,” Aras said. “I believe this important study, carried out together with Ekomiras, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University and our international partners, will provide highly valuable results for both our city and our country.”
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/muglanin-mavi-karbon-haritasi-cikiyor
Turkish Tourists Flock to Greece as Rising Prices Put Greeks Off Turkey
ISTANBUL – Tourism and trade patterns between Turkey and Greece are shifting dramatically, with soaring prices in Turkey driving increasing numbers of Turkish tourists across the border while Greek visitor numbers remain largely unchanged.
According to recent estimates, more than 1.5 million Turks visited Greece last year — triple the figure recorded four years ago. In contrast, annual Greek visits to Turkey have stayed steady at just over 500,000.
Many Turkish travellers say Greece now offers better value for money, particularly for food, accommodation and shopping. Popular destinations include Kavala, Thessaloniki and islands across the Aegean Sea.
Residents in Istanbul told Euronews that while essential goods remain affordable in Turkey, restaurant meals, drinks and higher-end products have become increasingly expensive, encouraging Turks to travel to Greece instead.
The trend has been boosted by Greece’s “Visa Express” programme, introduced following talks between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The scheme allows Turkish visitors simplified short-term access to 12 Greek islands, including Kos, Rhodes, Chios and Lesbos.
Greek officials say the Greek consulate in Istanbul now issues around 1,300 visas daily, mostly multi-entry permits for repeat visitors.
Meanwhile, businesses in Istanbul report a noticeable decline in Greek shoppers. Traders say many Greeks now visit mainly for sightseeing rather than shopping, as Turkey’s rising cost of living has reduced the country’s appeal as a bargain destination.
The economic shift is also reflected in trade figures. Imports from Turkey into Greece have risen sharply in recent years, while Greek exports to Turkey have declined after peaking in 2022.
Despite ongoing political tensions between the two neighbours, tourism and economic ties continue to grow — although increasingly in Greece’s favour.
Source: Euronews
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