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Fethiye Times Midweek Edition – Thursday 5th February 2026

Welcome to our midweek round-up of the latest news and updates from Fethiye and across Turkey.

Curated from various news sources.

House Fire Claims Life of Elderly Resident in İncirköy

Fethiye, MUĞLA – An 85-year-old woman has lost her life after a house fire broke out in the İncirköy neighborhood of Fethiye during the night.

The victim was identified as Ayşe Orhan, who was reported to be living alone at the property. According to initial information, fire and medical teams were dispatched to the scene after residents reported flames coming from the house. When crews arrived, the building was already engulfed in fire.

Firefighters battled the blaze for around one hour before bringing it under control. After the fire was extinguished, teams carried out a search of the house, where Ayşe Orhan was found inside. Medical checks confirmed that she had died in the fire.

Police and fire officials have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the blaze.

Source: Fethiye Haber Bülteni

Fethiye Taxi Drivers Call for Fare Rise as Fuel Costs Double

Fethiye, MUĞLA – Taxi drivers in Fethiye are increasingly voicing concerns over soaring fuel prices and the rising cost of living, saying a fare increase is now unavoidable to keep their businesses viable.

Local drivers said diesel prices in particular have placed heavy pressure on their earnings, while everyday expenses continue to climb. Taxi driver Aytekin Yavuz said the situation has become unsustainable compared to the last fare adjustment.

Fethiye Taxi Drivers Call for Fare Rise as Fuel Costs Double

“Of course, we expect a fare increase. Diesel prices are skyrocketing, the economy is difficult, living conditions are tough,” Yavuz said. “We understand people, but they also need to understand us. The last time there was a price increase, diesel was 30 lira — today it’s 60 lira.”

Alongside the call for higher fares, drivers also welcomed the upcoming mandatory credit card payment system, which is scheduled to be introduced in all taxis across Turkey in 2027. Yavuz said the move would bring practical benefits for both passengers and drivers.

“Some people have difficulty with payments. At the moment we sometimes have to wait in front of ATMs or give out IBAN numbers,” he said. “Credit card payment will be a relief for us as well and will make things easier for everyone.”

As discussions over fare adjustments continue, Fethiye’s taxi community says it hopes for a balanced solution that reflects rising operational costs while remaining fair to passengers.

Source: https://www.gercekfethiye.com/fethiye-de-taksicilerin-gundemi-artan-mazot-beklenen-zam/115795/?p=3

Gunfight in Marmaris Leaves Two Injured

Marmaris, MUĞLA – A gunfight broke out in the Çıldır neighborhood of Marmaris on İsmet Kamil Street, leaving two people injured.

According to information obtained, an argument between individuals — for reasons not yet determined — escalated into an exchange of gunfire. As a result of the incident, two people were wounded.

Following multiple calls from residents in the area, a large number of police and medical teams were dispatched to the scene. The injured were given first aid on site before being taken by ambulance to hospital for further treatment.

Police have cordoned off the area and launched an investigation to determine how the incident occurred and to identify those involved.

Source: Fethiye TV

Nearly 15 Tons of Waste Cleared from Gökova and Göcek to Protect Marine Life

Muğla, MUĞLA – Muğla Metropolitan Municipality has carried out extensive coastal clean-up operations in areas without road access in the Gulf of Gökova and the coves of Göcek, aiming to protect the region’s fragile marine ecosystem.

As part of the work carried out by municipal teams since January 1, 2025, a total of 14,880 kilograms of waste has been collected from nature — 8,550 kilograms from the Gulf of Gökova and 6,330 kilograms from the coves of Göcek.

The clean-ups, conducted in coves where land-based intervention is not possible, have played a vital role in preventing plastic, glass, and household waste from reaching the sea, helping to safeguard the habitats of marine life. These efforts focus on preserving the world-renowned natural beauty of both Gökova and Göcek while ensuring a cleaner environment for future generations.

Ahmet Aras, President of the Aegean Coastal Municipalities Union and Mayor of Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, emphasized the importance of the work, saying:

“Gökova Bay and the Göcek coves are unique natural areas — not only Muğla’s, but the world’s. We are protecting our nature through cleaning efforts in these regions, especially in coves that cannot be reached by land. Our teams continue their work with great dedication.”

Mayor Aras added:

“Protecting our seas, coasts, and natural habitats is one of our most important responsibilities to the future. As Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, we will continue to implement environmentally friendly and nature-compatible projects. We also kindly ask our citizens, especially sea users, to be more sensitive to the environment.”

Source: Fethiye Haber Bülteni

Mediterranean Monk Seal Draws Attention on Bodrum Beach

Bodrum, MUĞLA – A Mediterranean monk seal became the center of attention on Koyunbaba Beach in Bodrum after coming ashore and resting briefly on the sand.

The seal, estimated to be around 2 meters long, was observed lying motionless while citizens gathered to watch. Nature photographers took the opportunity to capture images of the rare animal.

At one point, a beachgoer touched the seal, startling it and causing it to quickly return to the sea. The seal was later seen swimming near the surface before disappearing from view.

Officials noted that the seal appeared to have a wound on its tail and reminded the public that Mediterranean monk seals are protected species. Experts emphasized that these animals should not be approached or touched, both for their safety and the protection of this rare species.

Source: https://www.gercekfethiye.com/bodrum-da-akdeniz-foku-ilgi-odagi-oldu/115811/?p=3

Marmaris Tourism Season to Begin on March 14

Marmaris, MUĞLA – The 2026 tourism season in Marmaris will open on March 14 with the arrival of the first package tour guests at Dalaman Airport and continue until November 16.

S. Mutlu Ayhan, Chairman of the Marmaris Chamber of Commerce, expressed cautious optimism ahead of the season, noting that while economic and geopolitical risks require vigilance, current data does not suggest major concerns.

Ayhan highlighted that cruise tourism will be a key focus, with the first cruise scheduled for April 28 and 59 voyages planned through October, expecting nearly 200,000 passengers and crew, a significant increase from 2025. He also noted growth in senior tourism, with around 4,000 Austrian seniors expected to visit between April and May.

While the Russian market faces strong competition from Antalya and Fethiye, Marmaris has seen growth in Polish tourism, rising from 24,000 visitors in 2022 to 80,000 in 2025. Hungarian tourists will visit for the first time this year, with a weekly flight from Budapest to Dalaman starting mid-June.

Ayhan also emphasized Marmaris’ participation in international promotional fairs, including EMITT Istanbul, ITB Berlin, and the upcoming Cycling and Walking Fair in Utrecht, Netherlands, highlighting the district’s alternative tourism opportunities.

He concluded by urging businesses to maintain high standards for domestic and international guests, stating, “We hope our efforts will yield positive results, and we expect all members to contribute to ensuring visitor satisfaction in Marmaris.”

Source: https://www.gercekfethiye.com/marmaris-te-turizm-sezonu-14-mart-ta-basliyor/115801/

Turkey’s Vanishing Wetlands Raise Alarm Over Drought and Biodiversity Loss

Ankara, Turkey – Turkey has lost wetlands covering an area equivalent to around 1.5 times the size of the Sea of Marmara over the past 60 years, dramatically increasing drought risk, accelerating biodiversity loss and weakening the country’s ability to fight climate change, conservation experts warned as the world marked World Wetlands Day on Feb. 2.

According to Şafak Arslan, conservation program coordinator at Doğa Derneği, Turkey has already lost about 2 million hectares of wetlands, largely due to unsustainable agricultural irrigation, climate change and uncontrolled groundwater extraction. She said the destruction of wetlands is directly linked to rising drought risk, as these ecosystems play a vital role in maintaining the natural water cycle.

World Wetlands Day marks the anniversary of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, signed in 1971, which commits 172 countries to protect and sustainably manage wetlands of international importance. Turkey became a party to the convention in 1994 and currently has 14 Ramsar-designated sites.

Globally, wetlands are disappearing at an alarming rate. Conservation experts estimate that around 50% of the world’s wetlands have been lost since the early 1900s, rising to 56% in the Mediterranean Basin. Despite their decline, wetlands remain among the planet’s most productive ecosystems, storing carbon, regulating water cycles and supporting high levels of biodiversity.

In Turkey, some of the worst losses have occurred in the Konya Closed Basin, Lake Tuz in central Anatolia and the Lakes Region in southwestern Turkey, where many wetlands have dried up or shrunk significantly. Arslan said agricultural irrigation alone accounts for about 80% of the country’s freshwater use, with inefficient methods and unsuitable crop choices placing severe strain on water resources.

Wetland loss is also undermining wildlife, particularly migratory birds that rely on Turkey’s wetlands as stopover and wintering sites along key migration routes. As habitats disappear or become too widely spaced, birds struggle to find enough food and energy, leading to population declines.

This year’s World Wetlands Day theme, “cultural heritage and traditional knowledge,” highlights the long-standing relationship between wetlands and human communities. Arslan noted that wetlands have historically supported settlements and sustainable land and water management practices, many of which are now being lost alongside the ecosystems themselves.

Experts say the crisis can no longer be addressed by protection alone. Large-scale restoration, revived traditional water practices and stronger cooperation between public institutions, local authorities, civil society and researchers are now essential.

“Protecting what remains is no longer enough,” Arslan said. “Wetlands must be restored if we are to secure water, biodiversity and climate resilience for the future.”

Source: Daily Sabah