Welcome to our midweek round-up of the latest news and updates from Fethiye and across Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
Water Lily Stream Goes Viral as Visitors Flock to Çiftlik Mahallesi
Fethiye, MUĞLA – A stream covered in water lilies in Fethiye’s Çiftlik Mahallesi has recently gone viral on social media, quickly becoming a popular destination for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers. Located at the intersection of Halide Edip Adıvar Street and 111th Street, the previously little-known spot is now attracting a steady flow of visitors eager to capture the scenic view.
Images shared online have transformed the quiet stream into a trending location, with people reportedly queuing to take photographs along the water lily-covered waterway. The flowers, which typically bloom during the spring months, create a natural backdrop that has drawn attention both from residents and visitors discovering the area for the first time.
Visitors said they were surprised to find such a picturesque scene within a residential neighbourhood, noting that social media played a key role in bringing the location into the spotlight. Some commented that the area is expected to become even more striking once the water lilies fully bloom, while others praised the lush greenery already visible along the stream.
Local residents also expressed surprise at the sudden popularity of the spot, saying the stream has long been part of everyday life but only recently gained widespread attention. They added that the view is usually at its best later in the season, suggesting the viral interest may have arrived slightly before peak bloom.
The growing interest highlights how social media continues to uncover lesser-known natural attractions in Fethiye, turning quiet corners into must-visit locations for photographers and visitors alike.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiyenin-sakli-guzelligi-kesfedildi
Bread Price Increase in Fethiye
Fethiye, MUĞLA – A price increase for bread and bagels has come into effect in Fethiye following a request by bakery owners citing rising costs. Under the new tariff, a 230-gram loaf of bread and a 110-gram bagel will be sold for 20 TL starting April 1.
According to the new regulation, bread previously sold at 15 TL for 200 grams has been adjusted to 20 TL for a larger 230-gram loaf. The same price will apply to a 110-gram bagel. The updated prices are expected to be reflected on labels at bakeries and sales points across Fethiye.
Officials stated that the price adjustment was made following an initiative by the Fethiye Chamber of Commerce and Industry and requests from bakery operators due to increasing production costs.
In a statement, Osman Çıralı said the legal authority for determining bread prices lies with chambers of commerce. He noted that members requested a price of 20 TL for a 230-gram loaf, after which the commission convened and submitted the proposal to the relevant ministry. Following approval, the new pricing took effect on April 1.
Meanwhile, it was reported that no new price increase decision has yet been made for members of the Fethiye Chamber of Craftsmen and Artisans.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiyede-ekmege-zam-1
District Governor Dilekli Encourages Seydikemer Wrestlers Ahead of Oil Wrestling Competitions
Seydikemer, MUĞLA – Seydikemer District Governor Mustafa Dilekli visited wrestlers preparing for traditional oil wrestling and observed their training sessions firsthand at their practice grounds.
During the visit, District Governor Dilekli closely followed the athletes’ preparations and received information about their training programme. He spoke with the wrestlers, listened to their requests and opinions, and offered words of encouragement as they continued their preparations for upcoming competitions.
Dilekli expressed satisfaction with the athletes’ determination and commitment, highlighting the importance of supporting young people who are passionate about the ancestral sport of oil wrestling. He emphasised that preserving and passing this tradition on to future generations holds significant cultural value.
Congratulating the wrestlers on their disciplined and dedicated work, District Governor Dilekli wished them success in their forthcoming competitions. He also noted that the state continues to support sports and athletes, underlining the importance of raising young people as strong individuals both physically and morally.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/kaymakam-dilekliden-pehlivanlara-ziyaret
Muğla Completes 537 km of Road Construction in Two Years
Muğla, MUĞLA – Muğla Metropolitan Municipality has completed 537 kilometres of road construction across the province’s 13 districts between 2024 and 2026, providing citizens with safer and more modern transportation infrastructure.
In Muğla, which includes 13 districts and 574 neighbourhoods, the Metropolitan Municipality has continued infrastructure and road works without interruption under its investment programme for 2024–2026. A total of 537 km of asphalt work was completed across the province, with road projects standing out among the municipality’s major investments.
During the 2024–2025 period, the municipality carried out projects worth 2 billion 184 million TL, with transportation infrastructure forming a key focus. Road and infrastructure investments totaling 545,574,920 TL were implemented in Ortaca, Dalaman and Köyceğiz, while infrastructure works worth 502 million TL are continuing in the Kötekli–Yeniköy region.
In Datça, a 300 million TL investment is being made to strengthen transportation infrastructure, covering a total road network of 52,000 metres. Meanwhile, renovation work is also ongoing along a 13-kilometre section of the Fethiye–Ölüdeniz road.
The Metropolitan Municipality stated that road investments will continue to increase, with the planned tender programme for 2026–2027 reaching 4 billion 150 million TL.
Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Aras said they have prioritised road and infrastructure investments since taking office, emphasising that strong transportation networks both ease daily life and contribute to economic and social development.
Aras added that the municipality aims to improve quality of life not only in city centres but also in rural neighbourhoods, noting that efforts will continue to ensure safe, comfortable and uninterrupted transportation across Muğla.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/buyuksehir-2-yilda-mugla-bursa-mesafesi-kadar-yol-yapti
‘Modern Reservoir’ Proposal for Cities Facing Drought and Flood Risks
İzmir, TURKEY – Prof. Dr. Lütfi Akca, President of the Turkish Water Institute (SUEN), has proposed implementing a “sponge city” model to help cities manage the dual risks of drought and flooding by collecting and storing rainwater in large underground reservoirs.
Speaking in İzmir, Akca said rainwater should be viewed as a valuable resource that supports groundwater rather than a waste product that is quickly drained away. He explained that sponge cities allow water to seep into the soil through permeable surfaces and green areas instead of flowing across concrete.
Akca suggested that once a certain amount of rainwater is collected, it should be directed via pipelines into large reservoirs built beneath green spaces. He described the concept as a modern version of traditional cisterns, adding that similar systems are already in use in countries such as China and Japan.
He also highlighted the need for legislation and incentives to support implementation of the model. Akca noted that policies such as financial support or premiums for installing rainwater systems could encourage adoption, adding that current regulations require rainwater harvesting only for buildings larger than 2,000 square metres — a limit he suggested could be removed.
Describing the simultaneous risks of drought and flooding as a paradox, Akca said integrated flood management should focus on retaining water where it falls. This includes capturing rainwater from rooftops and directing street runoff in controlled amounts to recharge groundwater before it becomes unmanageable.
Akca added that such systems could be implemented by municipalities without excessive cost, and that prioritising water retention would help cities strengthen resilience against both water shortages and flood events.
Temporary Traffic Measures in Marmaris Ahead of Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey
Marmaris, MUĞLA – As cyclists prepare for the 61st Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey, temporary traffic regulations will be enforced on major roads in Marmaris during the event, which spans three days.
The annual tour, organized under the patronage of the Presidency and supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, will begin in Çeşme on April 26 and conclude in Ankara on May 3. The route passes through several regions, including Aydın, Marmaris, Fethiye, Kemer, and Antalya, offering athletes and spectators scenic views across the country.
Marmaris will host three stages of the race: the Aydın–Marmaris stage on April 27, the Marmaris–Kıran stage on April 28, and the Marmaris–Fethiye stage on April 29. As part of the event, authorities will implement temporary road closures at certain times along the Marmaris entrance road, Atatürk Street, Ulusal Egemenlik Street, and Cumhuriyet Boulevard.
Officials have advised residents and visitors to plan their travel in advance, use alternative routes, and exercise caution to minimize inconvenience during the race days.
Experts highlight Turkey’s new menu detail rules for safer eating
Ankara, TURKEY – The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has introduced a new regulation requiring restaurants, cafes, and cafeterias to provide clear information on food contents, allergens, and calorie values. The information must be accessible via menus, chalkboards, brochures, digital screens, or QR codes.
When QR codes are used, establishments must display a visible notice stating, “You can access this information via the QR code. If consumers cannot use the QR code, the information will be provided upon request.”
The regulation aims to empower consumers to make informed choices, protect individuals with allergies, and reduce public health risks associated with adulterated or counterfeit food products.
Ergün Kılıç, President of the Consumer Rights Association, emphasized that transparency is essential for consumer safety and that effective enforcement depends on strong inspections by market authorities. He added that informed consumers help create a safer and more reliable food market.
Fatih Efe, chairman of the Board of the Food Engineers Association, described the regulation as a positive step for access to safe and healthy food, highlighting the importance of allergen disclosure. Experts say the measure will also encourage healthier eating habits and strengthen overall consumer protection.
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