News

Fethiye Times Midweek Edition – Thursday 5th March 2026

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

Curated from various news sources.

International Women’s Day Marked with Powerful Theatre Performance

Fethiye, MUĞLA – As part of the March 8 International Women’s Day events, the play The Deceiver was staged at the Özer Olgun Cultural Center under the Muğla Women’s Games Festival programme.

The performance brought women’s stories to the stage, offering audiences a powerful and thought-provoking theatrical experience. Through its compelling narrative and strong performances, The Deceiver contributed to the spirit of International Women’s Day, highlighting solidarity, awareness and the importance of sharing women’s voices.

The event formed part of a wider programme of activities held in Fethiye to mark March 8, creating space for culture, art and meaningful dialogue.

Source: Fethiye Belediye

Fethiye Promoted at ITB Berlin Tourism Fair

Fethiye, MUĞLA – Fethiye Belediye has taken part in the ITB Berlin, widely regarded as one of the world’s most important and prestigious tourism exhibitions, to promote Fethiye to the international travel market.

Municipal representatives highlighted Fethiye’s unique natural beauty, cultural heritage and diverse tourism offerings during the fair, engaging with industry professionals and stakeholders from around the globe.

The municipality stated that efforts are continuing with determination in line with its goals of ensuring the most productive summer season in 2026 and extending tourism activity across all 12 months of the year. By strengthening international partnerships and increasing global visibility, Fethiye aims to further enhance its position as a leading destination in Turkey.

Source: Fethiye Belediye

Bus Fire in Seydikemer Quickly Brought Under Control as Passengers Safely Evacuated

Seydikemer, MUĞLA – A fire that broke out in a moving bus in the Seydikemer district of Muğla was extinguished following the swift intervention of fire crews.

The incident occurred on the main road near the State Hospital in Seydikemer. According to reports, passengers were evacuated after smoke was seen rising from the vehicle while it was in motion.

Fire crews were dispatched to the scene upon notification and intervened promptly. Thanks to their timely response, the fire was brought under control and extinguished before it could spread further.

No casualties or injuries were reported. However, the bus sustained material damage. An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire.

Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/seydikemerde-otobus-yangini

Injured Hawk Rescued in Seydikemer

Seydikemer, MUĞLA – An injured hawk found among greenhouses in the Kumluova neighbourhood of Seydikemer has been taken into treatment.

The bird was handed over to teams from the Seydikemer Municipality Animal Care Center Directorate after it was discovered injured. Upon receiving the report, teams safely transported the wild animal to the Animal Care Center for examination.

During the initial assessment, Veterinarian Berke Demiröz determined that the hawk had suffered a broken wing.

Following the necessary medical intervention, the hawk was taken into treatment and its condition is being closely monitored. Authorities stated that once the rehabilitation process is successfully completed, the aim is to release the bird back into its natural habitat.

Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/seydikemerde-yarali-sahin-tedavi-altina-alindi

Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Offers Muğla Card Service Locally

Muğla, TURKEY – Muğla Metropolitan Municipality has expanded its Muğla Card services by opening new printing offices in Seydikemer, Datça, Köyceğiz and Dalaman, allowing residents to complete applications and obtain cards within their own districts.

With the new arrangement, citizens no longer need to travel to neighbouring districts for card procedures. The offices operate on weekdays between 08:30 and 17:30, accepting applications for discounted cards for citizens aged 60–65, free cards for those over 65 and disabled individuals, as well as discounted student cards. Detailed information on required documents is available via MUTTAŞ.

The municipality has also extended UKOME services for commercial vehicle owners. Application and inspection procedures related to vehicle compliance are now available in Seydikemer, Dalaman, Köyceğiz, Datça and Milas, while vehicle compliance certificate services have also begun in Kavaklıdere.

Mayor Ahmet Aras said the move reflects a citizen-oriented approach and aims to strengthen on-site service delivery across Muğla’s wide geographical area. He emphasised that the goal is to provide equal, fast and accessible services to residents in every district.

Local residents and transport representatives welcomed the development, noting that the new offices make transactions quicker and more convenient, particularly for elderly citizens, students and commercial drivers.

Source: https://www.gercekfethiye.com/mugla-buyuksehir-mugla-kart-hizmetini-yerinde-sunuyor/117584/

Istanbul to Add 23 New Metro Stations by Year’s End

Istanbul, Turkey – Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu has announced that 23 new metro stations will be added in Turkey’s largest city by the end of the year, further expanding urban rail access across key districts of Istanbul.

The new stations will serve four separate lines. Five stations will be added to the Arnavutköy–Halkalı section of the Halkalı–Istanbul Airport Metro. Three stations will serve the Bursa Emek–City Hospital line, four will be introduced on the Altunizade–Çamlıca Bosna Boulevard line, and 11 stations will be added to the Gebze Organized Industrial Zone–Darıca line.

Urban rail systems operated by Turkish State Railways currently carry an average of 932,000 passengers daily in Istanbul and other major cities.

With 238 stations already in operation and a network spanning 445.6 kilometres, authorities aim to extend the total route length to 487.1 kilometres by the end of the year.

Uraloğlu also highlighted the strategic importance of Marmaray, the undersea rail link connecting Europe and Asia, which transports approximately 610,000 passengers daily and serves as the backbone of Istanbul’s public transport system.

The expansion is expected to ease congestion, improve connectivity and further strengthen Istanbul’s rapidly growing urban transport infrastructure.

Source: Hürriyet Daily News

Turkey Warns Conflict with Iran Could Engulf Entire Region

Ankara, Turkey – Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has warned that the ongoing armed conflict involving Iran carries the risk of expanding into a war that could engulf the entire region and trigger a global energy and economic crisis.

Speaking at a meeting with Ankara bureau chiefs on March 2, Fidan said the worst-case scenario would see the conflict escalate into widespread instability affecting both Iran and neighbouring countries.

“Under current circumstances, the worst-case scenario is this: the conflict escalates, creating an environment of instability that engulfs Iran and the entire region,” Fidan stated. He stressed that the crisis has the potential to drag both the region and the wider world into greater danger.

The minister pointed to the possibility of Iran retaliating against U.S. bases in the Gulf and other Arab countries, warning that such actions could deepen regional security risks. He also highlighted concerns over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, noting that its closure could severely disrupt global financial and energy markets and prompt swift international intervention.

Fidan underlined that Turkey’s relevant institutions are closely monitoring the military, political, economic and energy dimensions of the conflict. He said preparations are ongoing for various possible scenarios.

“Our fundamental request and demand is clear: that the mutual attacks cease immediately and that diplomacy be resumed,” he said, adding that Turkey continues to emphasise this position in all diplomatic engagements.

Addressing questions about how long the war could last, Fidan suggested that the objectives of the attacking forces appear to include eliminating perceived threats from Iran and potentially seeking regime change.

He noted that Iran’s reported targeting of energy facilities in Gulf countries aims to pressure regional actors but has not achieved the intended outcome.

When asked about the possibility of attacks on U.S. military bases hosting troops on Turkish soil, Fidan stressed that Turkey remains prepared.

“Speaking independently from the Iranian case: Turkey protects itself at all times. For this, it has the necessary will and capability,” he said.

Fidan also highlighted ongoing diplomatic contacts with regional and European partners, stressing the importance of maintaining stability for global security.

“There is no single-layered but a multi-layered negotiation process. Firstly, can we bring the warring sides back to the table again? When would the attacking side be ready to pause its strikes?” he said.

The minister concluded by noting that the short-term objective of the conflict appears to be the weakening of Iran’s military capabilities, while the long-term goal may involve regime change — both of which, he suggested, would require sustained operations.

Turkey continues to call for an immediate halt to hostilities and a return to diplomacy to prevent further regional escalation.

Source: Hürriyet Daily News