Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Türkiye.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
All 184 stranded cable car passengers evacuated in Antalya
A cable car pod struck a pole and burst open in the southern city of Antalya, killing one and leaving 184 people stranded in 24 cabins, according to officials and local media.
One of the iron poles holding the Sarısu cable car line, belonging to Antalya Metropolitan Municipality and put into service in 2017, broke off on April 12 around 18.00 and hit one of the cabins. The impact broke the base of the cabin, causing all eight people inside to fall.
Following the accident, rescue efforts were launched to free the citizens trapped in the cabins along the cable car line.
Rescue teams dispatched to the scene determined that a 54-year-old man had died.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that the rescue operations involved 543 search and rescue personnel, 7 helicopters, 1 military cargo plane, 108 vehicles, 6 ambulances, and drones.
AKUT Fethiye attended the scene with its ten-person team to take part in the rescue operation.
A 15-person psychosocial support and Disaster Emergency Social Assistance team has been deployed to respond to the immediate needs of those affected by the cable car accident, The Family and Social Services Ministry announced.
The justice ministry said an investigation had been opened into the cause of the accident.
2 new tourist trains to rev up for first journeys next week
In response to the burgeoning demand for the iconic Eastern Express among avid travelers, two new tourist trains are set to embark on their inaugural voyages to southeastern routes next week, with one destined for Diyarbakır and the other for Tatvan, Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu has said.
The Ankara-Diyarbakır train, also dubbed as the Mesopotamian Express, will hit the tracks at a scenic 1,051-kilometer route, boasting a capacity for 180 passengers, along with nine sleeper cars and a dining carriage, Uraloğlu said in a written statement on April 11.
Departing from the capital on April 19, the train will commence its return journey from Diyarbakır on April 21.
The second tourist train, commencing its voyage on April 17, will whisk passengers from the bustling capital to the idyllic town of Tatvan in Bitlis, covering a picturesque 1,262-kilometer route.
Providing information on ticket pricing, Uraloğlu said that a deluxe sleeper cabin on the Ankara-Diyarbakır route will be priced at 9,000 Turkish Liras ($278), while those wishing to accompany the train on its return journey will pay 8,000 liras.
For the Ankara-Tatvan route, the fare stands at 9,900 liras, with the return journey costing 9,000 liras, Uraloğlu said.
Source: https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/2-new-tourist-trains-to-rev-up-for-first-journeys-next-week-192399
Türkiye sets eyes on hosting ‘digital nomads’
In a special promotional campaign offering visas for “digital nomads,” the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry has extended an invitation to foreign remote workers to ply their trade in Türkiye, spotlighting Istanbul and the Mediterranean district of Dalaman as prime locations of interest.
The ministry’s affiliate, the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), has broadened its horizon by embracing “digital nomads” — foreign employees unshackled by residential obligations — through the “GoTürkiye” portal.
“How about working in Istanbul, exploring the intersection of empires? Relaxing while working on golden sands and turquoise seas in Dalaman? Enjoying the vibrant nightlife with dynamic people while working in [the western province of] İzmir? With thousands of years old ancient cities, unique coves hidden among forests, turquoise seas, dynamic people, and bustling cities… Türkiye has it all,” the promotional script said.
The statement underscored the country’s standing as one of the world’s preeminent nations with its economic advantages and advanced infrastructural services, alongside its natural and historical treasures, offering ample opportunities for “digital nomads” who do not want to be tied to any office.
As a special application platform has been created for remote workers to ensure visa facilitation, application requirements include being between 21-55 years old and providing documents proving the status as a “digital nomad.”
Additional prerequisites for this special visa encompass a university degree and a monthly income of $3,000 or an annual one of $36,000.
Compliant applicants are bestowed with a “Digital Nomad Identification Document,” which serves as a reference to apply for a visa at Turkish visa centers and consulates.
The portal also featured a section titled “Discover and Work in Istanbul,” which describes the city as “a historic nexus where paths of age-old civilizations intersect.”
“How about working from Istanbul and uncovering the splendors of this magnificent city, becoming an inhabitant of this vast metropolis?”
Meanwhile, Istanbul has clinched a spot in the top ten for the first time in a prestigious ranking of Europe’s best cities.
The continent’s premier destinations were appraised by Resonance Consultancy, taking into account a plethora of metrics including Tripadvisor reviews and educational and employment opportunities, among others.
Source: https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkiye-sets-eyes-on-hosting-digital-nomads-192370
Istanbul Airport’s therapy dogs provide relief to anxious travellers
To alleviate stress and anxiety among travellers, Istanbul Airport has introduced a heartwarming initiative by employing five therapy dogs, offering passengers a paw-positive experience during their journeys.
These therapy dogs of Istanbul Airport are on a mission to comfort travellers in need of emotional support.
As certified therapy dogs, they undergo professional training to ensure they are well-equipped to offer solace to travellers.
The “Therapy Dog Team” has been on duty since late February following months of preparation and intensive training, learning desensitisation to distracting stimuli, like sounds and people.
The handlers carefully supervise them as well as ensuring their safety and adaptability to diverse environments.
Each dog’s temperament determines their working hours, with a focus on peak travel times from 10 am to 4 pm.
The dogs capture the hearts of travellers with their ability to bring a sense of calmness to those around them.
Encouraged by the positive reception from travellers, airport officials are already considering expanding the pilot project to enhance the passenger experience further and promote emotional well-being during travel.
Lost Ottoman colour rediscovered by Turkish researchers
Researchers have succeeded in reviving “Edirne Red,” a centuries-long historical Ottoman dye colour whose formula was stolen by France.
Originally created by Edirnekâri, masters from the northwestern province of Edirne, in the 15th century, this vibrant shade, brighter than brick red, became famous throughout Europe as “Rouge d’Adrinople.” But its formula, shrouded in secrecy after it was brought to France, remained elusive for centuries.
In diligent research conducted at Trakya University under the leadership of Professor Dr. Mustafa Tan and Orkun Akman, the dye obtained from the roots of the “cleavers” plant was successfully reproduced. Analyzing historical records, the team uncovered a fascinating story of espionage and intrigue surrounding the journey of “Edirne Red” from Ottoman palaces to European markets.
During the Ottoman era, Edirne served as a center for silk farming, weaving and dyeing, and was admired for its vibrant red hue. The French fascination with the color led to covert missions to acquire the formula, resulting in a flurry of espionage activities. Despite European efforts, the authentic recipe remained elusive, and even Manchester industrialists failed to replicate it.
“In fact, the French did not want to give this formula, so they created fake prescriptions and put them on the market,” the researchers said.
The key discovery came with the translation of the French manuscript “Adrinople Le Rouge Magnifique,” which shed light on the origins and production process of “Edirne Red.” With determination fueled by historical significance, Trakya University embarked on a mission to revive the lost art of Edirne Red production.
“We want to restore Edirne Red to its former prominence,” they said, expressing their ambition to secure geographical indications status for the color. They envision its revival not only as a cultural heritage but also as a potential symbol for Türkiye’s national team uniforms, in keeping with the country’s rich history.
Source: https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/lost-ottoman-color-rediscovered-by-turkish-researchers-192366
SPORT
Fethiyespor
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor update.
Fethiyespor club president, managers, club staff and the A team came together to celebrate Ramazan Bayramı
Match Results
Fethiyespor won their home match against Isparta 32 Spor on Sunday. The final score was 5-0.
Fethiyespor move up to 10th position on the league table.
League Matches
Sunday 21st April away against Arnavutköy Belediye Spor Kulübü. The kick-off time is at 15:00.
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Turkish Lira (TL) exchange rates
The British Pound bought 40.31 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 40.53 TL.
The US Dollar bought 32.36 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 32.06 TL.
The Euro bought 34.49 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 34.79 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
