Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
🧿 LOCAL NEWS
14th Yeşilüzümlü Dastar and Morel Mushroom Festival Welcomes Thousands
The 14th Yeşilüzümlü Dastar and Morel Mushroom Festival brought colour, culture, and community spirit to the Yeşilüzümlü neighbourhood of Fethiye over the weekend. Organised by Fethiye Municipality in partnership with the Yeşilüzümlü Agricultural Development Cooperative, the festival once again highlighted the region’s rich traditions and vibrant local life.
Running through to Sunday, 13 April, the festival featured open market stalls, cultural performances, and evening concerts, drawing thousands of visitors. From traditional drum and zurna shows to delbek performances and folk dancing, the festival buzzed with energy from start to finish.
At the opening ceremony, Fethiye Mayor Alim Karaca shared his satisfaction with the public’s enthusiasm:
“The traditional Dastar and Morel Festival is an event that we believe contributes significantly to the regional economy and promotes our local and cultural identity. It’s also an important step in supporting rural development.”
On the opening day, Mayor Karaca was joined by Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Aras. Together, they toured the artisan stalls and Art Street, engaging with craftspeople and showing support for local businesses.
The festival celebrated the famous morel mushrooms of the region, which were collected from the surrounding forests by locals and sold for between 2,500 and 4,000 TL per kilo. Festival-goers also had the chance to sample morel mushroom soup, along with a variety of local dishes.
Traditional dastar cloths, handwoven by women from the area, shared the spotlight with local foods and handmade crafts, all on display at the bustling market area.
The opening day dazzled attendees with lively performances by folk dance teams and an impressive show by the Ethiopian Acrobatics Group. The powerful rhythms of drums, zurna and delbek added to the festive atmosphere.
Yeşilüzümlü Neighbourhood Headman Cengiz Çatal expressed his thanks to those who supported the festival:
“I would like to thank everyone who participated. This festival is vital for the promotion and growth of our region. We will continue doing our best.”
Watch out later today for a selection of photos from across the festival.
Sources: Fethiye Belediyesi/Fethiye TV
Entry to Forests in High Fire Risk Areas Prohibited Between May 1 and November 30
As part of intensified efforts to prevent wildfires during the 2025 fire season, entry to forests in high fire risk areas in Muğla will be prohibited between 1 May and 30 November 2025. The announcement follows the annual Forest Fire Combat Preparation Meeting held in Muğla, one of Turkey’s most sensitive regions in terms of forest fire risk.
At the meeting, which gathered key officials and stakeholders, last year’s fires were evaluated and detailed strategies for the 2025 fire season were developed. The discussions focused on the coordination of firefighting personnel, equipment readiness, early response capabilities, weather factors, and the vital contributions of local volunteers.
Muğla Forest Regional Director Mustafa Ülküdür delivered a comprehensive presentation covering topics such as early warning systems, personnel and equipment status, post-fire response, public awareness campaigns, and protective measures. He emphasised the importance of rapid intervention and ongoing education.
Muğla Governor Dr. İdris Akbıyık underlined the critical value of forests as ecosystems supporting biodiversity and natural balance.
“Our forests are a national treasure, and with this wealth comes great responsibility. Protecting our forests and being prepared for potential fires requires unity, cooperation, and public awareness,” he said.
Governor Akbıyık highlighted that all government institutions, law enforcement agencies, local administrations, volunteers, the private sector, and the public had come together in previous years to support wildfire prevention and response efforts. This united front will continue in 2025 with even stronger measures.
Key Measures for 2025 Fire Season:
- Forest Entry Ban: Entry to forest areas at high fire risk will be strictly prohibited from 1 May to 30 November.
- Patrol Routes: Patrols will be increased across multiple key routes, including:
- Fethiye: Göcek–İnlice–Yanıklar, Ovacık–Hisarönü–Kayaköy, Aksazlar–Samanlık Bay
- Bodrum, Milas, Yatağan, Ula, Marmaris, Köyceğiz and surrounding forest roads.
- Stubble Burning Ban: Burning of stubble, grass, and bushes in and around fields, gardens, and olive groves is banned. Farmers will receive training, and 10-metre mineral soil buffer strips will be required in cereal fields bordering forests.
- Agricultural Vehicle Rules: All agricultural machinery operators must have at least 2 tons of water and two 6 kg fire extinguishers on hand during harvest.
- Fire Safety for Seasonal Workers: Beekeepers and shepherds entering Muğla from other provinces will be registered and trained in fire prevention, and must carry fire extinguishers.
- Entertainment Restrictions: Local governments will regulate the use of fire-risk entertainment tools such as fireworks and parachute lanterns, particularly in forest villages and tourism zones.
- Traffic Control: Vehicle parking on forest roads will be managed to ensure unhindered access for water tenders and fire trucks.
- Increased Patrols in Summer: In July and August, patrols will intensify, with law enforcement focusing on deterrent measures in forested areas.
These wide-ranging precautions aim to minimise the risk of forest fires and ensure rapid intervention in the event of an emergency.
Authorities call on all citizens to respect the forest entry ban, follow guidelines, and report any signs of fire or suspicious activity immediately. The cooperation and awareness of the public remain essential in protecting Muğla’s natural heritage.
Armed Attack Incident in Fethiye Reconstructed On-Site Amid Tight Security
A crime scene investigation was conducted in Fethiye in connection with an armed attack that occurred in March 2023, which left three people injured. The on-site reconstruction, supervised by the 2nd High Criminal Court, took place on İnönü Boulevard in the Tuzla Neighborhood, at the location known locally as the Ovacık Bridge.
Five suspects, currently held in separate prisons, were brought to Fethiye under heavy security for the investigation. The detainees had been held in Elmalı, Eşen, Kayseri, and Bolvadin Prisons, and were accompanied by a large number of gendarmerie teams ensuring the safety of the transfer and the site inspection.
The presence of numerous official vehicles and the heightened security measures drew attention from local residents during the court-led investigation.
The original incident in March 2023 involved an unidentified masked individual who arrived on a motorcycle without licence plates and opened fire, injuring A.B. and D.D. in the legs, and F.B. in both the leg and chest. The victims survived, and a total of four suspects were initially detained as part of the investigation.
The case remains ongoing, with the court continuing to examine evidence and testimony related to the attack.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiyedeki-silahli-saldiri-olayinin-kesfi-gerceklestirildi
A European Opportunity for Young People: DiscoverEU 2025 Applications Now Open
Applications for DiscoverEU 2025, one of the European Union’s most exciting youth initiatives, are now open. This year’s round offers an incredible opportunity for 18-year-olds to explore Europe free of charge — and with the support of the Fethiye Municipality Project Directorate, even more young people will be able to seize this adventure of a lifetime.
What is DiscoverEU?
DiscoverEU is a travel programme funded by the EU, designed to give young people the chance to discover Europe’s rich diversity, culture, and history. Selected participants are awarded a free travel pass, allowing them to journey across the continent, connect with peers from different backgrounds, and create lifelong memories.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, applicants must have been born between 1 July 2006 and 30 June 2007 and must be citizens or legal residents of an EU member state or a country participating in Erasmus+ — including Turkey.
Applications are open until 16 April 2025.
Young people from Fethiye and beyond who are eager to take part are encouraged to reach out for support or further information by emailing: projects@fethiye.bel.tr.
Don’t miss the chance to explore Europe, meet new people, and experience the journey of a lifetime with DiscoverEU!
Source: Fethiye Belediyesi
🧿 NEWS FROM AROUND TURKEY
21 injured after two Metrobuses crash at bus stop in Istanbul
At least 21 people, including two children, were injured after a Metrobus crashed into another at a bus stop in Istanbul, Turkish media reported Saturday.
The Metrobus rammed into another metrobus while it was boarding passengers at a stop in the Avcılar district in the direction of Anatolia.
No casualties were reported. Some of the injured were treated on-site while others were taken to nearby hospitals.
“Most of the injured are in good condition. They are being treated at the hospital,” Istanbul Provincial Health Director Abdullah Emre Güner said on social media platform X.
Reports said the accident caused disruptions in the Metrobus lane, a key transit hub used by tens of thousands of commuters daily. The service was later restored on both directions but congestions continue at the stations.
Two bus drivers were taken to the police station to testify, media said.
One person was killed in a similar accident in Istanbul last August when a moving Metrobus lost control and collided with another in the Küçükçekmece district.
Source: Daily Sabah
Winter relentlessly returns as snow, storms grip Turkey
Just as spring was expected to take hold, Turkey has been hit by an unexpected return to winter, with a powerful cold front bringing snowfall, storms, and heavy rains across much of the country.
On April 11, the Turkish State Meteorological Service issued a yellow alert for 25 provinces due to intense precipitation and strong winds. In Ankara, schools were closed after 15 cm of snow blanketed the capital, accompanied by winds reaching 60 km/h.
In Istanbul, torrential rain and violent winds caused structural damage in several districts, toppling trees and ripping roofs off buildings. Air traffic was disrupted, with planes delayed due to severe wind shear.
Snow also fell across central and western Anatolia, including Uşak, Eskişehir, Kütahya, Bursa, Bolu, and Balıkesir, creating wintry scenes and hazardous roads. Despite the conditions, main routes remained passable thanks to prompt roadwork.
The forecast predicts ongoing cloud cover and rain, with snow and sleet expected in interior regions. The Black Sea coast may experience localized flooding, while frost warnings raise concerns for agricultural damage, prompting farmers to stay alert.
Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Adana and Kahramanmaraş Nominated for UNESCO Creative Cities Network
The Turkish National Commission for UNESCO has officially nominated the southern cities of Adana and Kahramanmaraş to join the prestigious UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in 2025.
Adana is seeking recognition in the gastronomy category, highlighting its world-renowned culinary traditions, including its iconic kebab, locally rooted recipes, and geographically marked food products. Meanwhile, Kahramanmaraş is aiming for a place among the Cities of Literature, drawing from its deep-rooted literary culture and legacy of poets such as Nuri Pakdil and Cahit Zarifoğlu.
So far, eight Turkish cities have been accepted into the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. These include Gaziantep, Hatay, and Afyonkarahisar for gastronomy; Istanbul for design; Kütahya and Bursa for crafts and folk arts; and Şanlıurfa and Kırşehir for music.
Selim Terzi, a board member of the Turkish National Commission for UNESCO, confirmed that both nominations were submitted in March, and the final decision is expected to be announced in October or November. Notably, this year’s session will be held in Samarkand, marking a rare instance of the event taking place outside of Paris.
If successful, the inclusion of Adana and Kahramanmaraş would further highlight Türkiye’s rich cultural diversity and creative heritage on a global stage.
Source: Hürriyet Daily News
🧿 SPORT
Fethiyespor
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor update.
Match Results
Fethiyespor lost their away match against Isparta 32 on Sunday. The final score was 3-0.
Fethiyespor drop to at 10th position in the league table.
League Matches
Sunday, 20 April, at home against Kırklarelispor. Kick-off time is 15:00.
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Turkish Lira (TL) exchange rates
The British Pound bought 49.78 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 48.95 TL.
The US Dollar bought 38.06 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 37.99 TL.
The Euro bought 43.20 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 41.64 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
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