Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
15th Yeşilüzümlü Dastar and Morel Mushroom Festival Welcomes Visitors with Colourful Displays and Rich Traditions
Fethiye, MUĞLA – The 15th Yeşilüzümlü Dastar and Morel Mushroom Festival was held over the weekend in the Yeşilüzümlü neighbourhood of Fethiye, drawing significant interest from visitors from its very first day.
Organised in cooperation with Fethiye Municipality and the Yeşilüzümlü Agricultural Development Cooperative, the festival highlights traditional weaving, regional flavours and morel mushrooms gathered from the surrounding forests.
Festival grounds are filled with vibrant stalls showcasing women’s handcrafted “dastar” fabric, a variety of handmade goods and local cuisine. Visitors also had the opportunity to taste morel mushroom soup, one of the region’s signature dishes. Fresh morel mushrooms collected by locals were sold for between 1,500 and 2,000 TL per kilogram, while dried morels reached prices of up to 6,000 TL.
The opening ceremony featured lively performances by local folk dance groups, adding energy and colour to the celebrations.
Speaking at the event, Fethiye Mayor Alim Karaca expressed his satisfaction with the strong turnout. He highlighted the importance of unity and community, while also outlining ongoing and upcoming projects in Fethiye, including a Ministry-registered book museum, an advanced animal care centre, an autism park and a soon-to-open Alzheimer’s centre. Karaca emphasised that the municipality will continue to deliver pioneering social responsibility projects in the future.
The festival, which ran until April 12, not only supports the local economy but also plays a key role in promoting the cultural heritage and traditions of Yeşilüzümlü.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiyede-15-dastar-ve-kuzugobegi-festivali-coskusu-basladi
Mushroom Hunt and Kadyanda Hike Draw Strong Interest at Yeşilüzümlü Festival
Fethiye, MUĞLA – As part of the 15th Yeşilüzümlü Dastar and Morel Mushroom Festival, a series of nature-focused activities brought festivalgoers together for a unique outdoor experience.
A mushroom hunt led by local guide Necati Oyuklu offered participants the chance to explore the region’s rich natural landscape while learning about wild mushrooms native to the area.
In addition, a scenic hiking trip to the ancient city of Kadyanda was organised under the guidance of nature expert Altuğ Şenel, combining history, nature and outdoor activity.
Adding to the atmosphere, municipality artists Osman Batur Keser and İbrahim Kurnaz provided live musical entertainment throughout the hike, creating a lively and memorable experience for all participants.
The activities highlighted the festival’s focus on celebrating both the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Yeşilüzümlü region.
Source: Fethiye Belediyesi
Concrete Mixer Rolls Into Ravine on Ölüdeniz Road
Fethiye, MUĞLA – A concrete mixer lost control and rolled into a ravine in the Ovacık area on the Ölüdeniz road in Fethiye, prompting an emergency response.
Following reports from witnesses, fire, police and medical teams were quickly dispatched to the scene. Emergency crews worked to secure the area and reach the driver, who had become trapped inside the overturned vehicle.
Firefighters successfully rescued the driver from the wreckage before handing him over to medical teams. After receiving initial treatment at the scene, he was transported by ambulance to hospital for further care.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident.
Source: Fethiye TV/FRT TV
Babadağ Cable Car Fare Increase: New Tariff Announced for 2026
Fethiye, MUĞLA – The 2026 fare schedule for the Babadağ Cable Car has been updated, with new prices coming into effect as of April 2026. The cable car, located in the Ölüdeniz region—one of Fethiye’s most popular tourist destinations—continues to attract strong visitor interest throughout the year.
According to the updated tariff, the full round-trip ticket price has increased to 890 TL, while reduced and complimentary access for eligible groups remains in place.
New Tariff List
Round Trip: 890 TL
Student Round Trip: 660 TL (student card/document required)
Guests with Special Needs: 660 TL (valid card required)
Relatives of Martyrs and Veterans: Free (ID card required)
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/babadag-teleferik-ucretlerine-zam-yeni-tarife-aciklandi
Sea Season Opens Early in Muğla as Swimmers Brave Cool Waters in Akyaka
Muğla, TURKEY – The sea season has started earlier than usual in Akyaka, a popular coastal neighbourhood in Muğla, as some residents and visitors took to the water despite air temperatures of just 15–16°C.
Located on the shores of the Gulf of Gökova and known as a “tranquil town,” Akyaka has already begun to see signs of seasonal activity. While the cool weather has not deterred a number of swimmers, others have been enjoying walks along the beach and soaking up the early spring sunshine.
Akyaka Beach, typically a favourite spot for day-trippers, is gradually becoming busier ahead of the summer season. The early movement is being seen as a positive indicator for tourism in the region.
Boat tours have also started to gain momentum, particularly around Akyaka Kadın Azmağı, where visitors are once again exploring the natural beauty of the estuary.
The early spring activity is raising expectations for a strong tourism season in Akyaka as warmer weather approaches.
Source: https://www.gercekfethiye.com/mugla-da-deniz-sezonu-erken-acildi/119949/?p=4
While Winter Grips Turkey, Cleopatra Beach in Antalya Enjoys Summer-Like Crowds
Antalya, TURKEY – While much of Turkey continues to experience cold weather and even snowfall, the famous Cleopatra Beach in Alanya offered a striking contrast, welcoming large numbers of local and international visitors enjoying summer-like conditions.
With air temperatures reaching 21°C and sea temperatures around 19°C, many people headed to the coastline from the early hours of the day. The warm sunshine drew crowds eager to make the most of the pleasant weather.
Families spent time together along the shore, while others chose to swim in the Mediterranean despite the relatively cool waters. Sunbathers relaxed on loungers, and many visitors took leisurely walks or exercised along the beach.
The area remained lively throughout the day, with numbers increasing further over the weekend as more people arrived to enjoy the favourable conditions.
The unusual contrast between winter conditions across much of the country and the almost summery atmosphere in Alanya has highlighted the region’s appeal as a year-round destination, boosting expectations for the upcoming tourism season.
Source: https://www.gercekfethiye.com/turkiye-de-kis-antalya-da-yaz/119957/
Turkey Plans Full Tobacco Sales Ban by 2040 Under Major Public Health Reform Proposal
ANKARA, TURKEY – Turkey is preparing a major overhaul of its tobacco control framework, with draft legislation reportedly outlining a complete ban on the sale of tobacco products by 1 January 2040, alongside significantly expanded smoking restrictions aligned with European Union public health targets.
According to local media reports on 10 April, the proposal is expected to be submitted to parliament by the ruling party in coordination with the Ministry of Health.
The draft law sets out a phased approach leading up to the full ban. Smoking would be prohibited in outdoor areas of restaurants and cafés, while designated smoking zones would be strictly separated and barred from serving food or drinks.
From an enforcement perspective, tobacco purchases would no longer be permitted in cash, with all transactions required to be recorded electronically under a national monitoring system.
The legislation broadens the definition of tobacco products to include cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, hookahs, and devices containing synthetic or organic nicotine. Sales to minors would carry prison sentences of six months to one year.
Smoking would be prohibited across a wide range of public spaces, including schools, healthcare facilities, places of worship, beaches, sports areas, and children’s parks, whether indoor or outdoor.
Additional measures include the installation of smoking cabins on beaches at intervals of at least 200 metres.
Enforcement responsibilities would shift from municipalities to centrally appointed officials such as governors and district governors, who would establish dedicated inspection teams.
Penalties under the draft law would increase significantly. After 2040, individuals or organisations involved in the import, production, transport or sale of tobacco products could face judicial fines ranging from 1 million to 5 million Turkish Liras. Individuals purchasing, possessing or bringing tobacco products into the country could face administrative fines between 50,000 and 250,000 liras, with all penalties subject to inflation adjustments.
Fines for violations would range between 5,000 and 10 million liras, with repeated offences potentially resulting in business closures or licence revocations. Individuals smoking in prohibited areas would face fines of 5,000 liras.
Turkey’s “Smoke-Free Airspace” initiative, launched in 2009, introduced indoor smoking bans and advertising restrictions, significantly reducing exposure to second-hand smoke. Subsequent reforms expanded warning labels and tightened enforcement, forming the foundation for the long-term prohibition now under consideration.
Source: Hürriyet Daily News
SPORT
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor update.
Match Result
Fethiyespor lost their away match against Kahramanmaraş İstiklalspor on Saturday 4 April. The final score was 4-0.
Fethiyespor won their away match against Güzide Gebzespor, on Sunday The final score was 1-2
Following recent matches, Fethiyespor move up to 12th place in the league table.
League Matches
Fethiyespor will play an away match against Muş Spor on Sunday 19 April, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.
Stay connected with all things Fethiyespor — join the Fethiyespor Yabancilar Facebook group for breaking news, matchday updates, and community discussions.
You can also follow Fethiyespor on Twitter and Instagram
Turkish Lira (TL) exchange rates
The British Pound bought 60.09 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 58.86 TL.
The US Dollar bought 44.66 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 44.58 TL.
The Euro bought 52.39 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 51.36 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
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