Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
Fethiye Municipality Reopens Özer Olgun Cultural Center After Comprehensive Renovation
Fethiye, MUĞLA – Fethiye Municipality has reopened the Özer Olgun Cultural Center to art lovers following extensive maintenance and renovation works aimed at improving comfort, safety, and technical quality.
As part of the refurbishment, all seats and seating arrangements in the hall were renewed to ensure a clearer and more comfortable view of the stage for audiences. Structural improvements were also carried out on columns, walls, and the stage area to enhance sound quality and overall acoustics.
In addition, the building’s fire detection, electrical, sound and lighting systems were completely upgraded. The ventilation and air conditioning systems throughout the cultural center were also fully renewed.
With its modernized infrastructure and improved facilities, the Özer Olgun Cultural Center is set to continue serving as a key meeting point for art and culture in Fethiye, hosting theater performances, talks, and a wide range of cultural events in the years ahead.
Source: Fethiye Belediyesi
Road Collapse in Karagedik Sparks Safety Concerns
Fethiye, MUĞLA – In Fethiye’s Karagedik neighborhood, sections of the empty land on both sides of the overpass on the Fethiye–Antalya highway collapsed onto the roadway during the evening hours.
As the debris slid onto the road, two vehicles struck the fallen stones, causing their tires to burst. The sudden incident left drivers shocked and concerned, while traffic in the area was temporarily managed to ensure safety.
Karagedik Neighborhood Headman Niyazi Canözü, expressing long-standing frustration with the issue, said: “I have been fighting for this for 17 years. But no institution has taken any interest. he citizens living in that area are also worried. The road is a constantly used main road. A major disaster could happen one day.”
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiyede-karagedikte-yol-coktu-iki-aracin-lastigi-patladi?
Motorcycle Inspections Conducted on Baha Şıkman Caddesi
Fethiye, MUĞLA – In Fethiye’s Taşyaka neighborhood, municipal police teams carried out inspections on Baha Şıkman Street to address motorcycles parked on and obstructing the sidewalks.
During the operation, several motorcycles occupying pedestrian pathways were identified, and their owners were issued warnings. Officials from the Fethiye Municipality Police Department stated that inspections targeting sidewalk occupations, which hinder the safe passage of pedestrians, will continue in the coming days.
Source: Fethiye TV
Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Conducts Noise Action Plan Survey
Muğla – Muğla Metropolitan Municipality has launched a citizen-participation survey as part of its efforts to prepare the “Muğla Province Strategic Noise Action Plan,” following the completion of the “Muğla Province Strategic Noise Map” studies.
In line with the Environmental Noise Control Regulation published in the Official Gazette in 2022, the Metropolitan Municipality fulfilled its duty to prepare strategic noise maps and action plans in cooperation with relevant institutions. The completed noise map report—approved by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change—examined the impact of major noise sources, including highways, airports, industrial zones and music-playing businesses, on residents across Muğla. It identified existing noise levels and the number of people exposed.
Based on the findings, the municipality has begun preparing the “Muğla Province Strategic Noise Action Plan,” which will outline noise reduction measures aimed at managing environmental noise and minimizing its effects.
To ensure broad community involvement, the Metropolitan Municipality is conducting a survey inviting residents to share the environmental noise issues affecting their districts. Citizens wishing to participate may do so via the following links:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfpxSP6K092HVEo7 zTwmO4E6S3nq5QMNBKkDBwj4GKaTwMwQ/viewform
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfpxSP6K092HVEo7-zTwmO4E6S3nq5QMNBKkDBwj4GKaTwMwQ/viewform
The feedback collected will support the development of short-, medium- and long-term strategies aimed at reducing the number of people affected by noise in Muğla.
Microplastics Detected at All Monitoring Stations in Datça–Bozburun Protected Area
Datça, MUĞLA – A comprehensive scientific study has detected microplastic pollution at all 17 monitoring stations in the Datça–Bozburun Special Environmental Protection Area, one of Turkey’s most ecologically sensitive marine zones. The highest concentrations were recorded in Bozburun and Yazı, highlighting growing environmental pressure even within legally protected waters.
The joint research by the Mediterranean Conservation Society and Akdeniz University identified a total of 3,105 microplastic particles per cubic meter of surface seawater across the region. Fiber-type plastics, mainly linked to synthetic textiles, accounted for nearly 94% of the samples. Pollution levels peaked during the summer tourism season, while winter data pointed to marine circulation as a key transport mechanism.
Researchers noted that southern coastal areas, where tourism, marinas and agriculture intersect, showed higher contamination than the northern coastline. The findings underscore the need for stronger regulation, regional cooperation and preventive measures, as the study marks the first year of a five-year monitoring program in the Datça–Bozburun area.
Mobile Library Covers 15,000 Kilometers to Reach Rural Readers in Kırklareli
Kırklareli – A mobile library serving rural districts of Kırklareli has traveled more than 15,000 kilometers over the past three years, bringing books and cultural activities to villages without access to permanent library facilities.
Added to the inventory of the Kırklareli Provincial Public Library in 2022 by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the mobile library visits nearly 100 villages and 115 schools each year. The vehicle carries around 5,000 titles from Turkish and world literature, offering children and residents the opportunity to engage with books and reading activities.
The library’s latest stop was Şehit Anıl Yalap Primary School in the Kofçaz district, located on the foothills of the Istranca Mountains. About 130 students from 16 surrounding villages, who attend school under a transport system, explored books inside the mobile library before taking part in games and activities supervised by library staff.
Kırklareli Provincial Public Library Director Mete Karagöl said the project plays a vital role in promoting reading in areas with limited access to libraries. He noted that the mobile library operates three days a week and that its collection is updated twice annually. “Since children show great interest, we prioritize children’s books,” Karagöl said.
Emphasizing the importance of cultivating reading habits, Karagöl added, “Libraries are centers of knowledge and culture. Even in mountainous areas where snow makes access difficult, we overcome every obstacle to instill a love of books.”
Driver Hakan Arda said the warm reception they receive in each village is deeply meaningful. “If we can touch a child’s heart even a little through books, that’s our greatest joy,” he said.
Rising Costs at Home Drive Turkish Holidaymakers Toward Egypt
Cairo – As soaring domestic prices push holidaymakers to seek more affordable, visa-free alternatives, Egypt is rapidly emerging as a strong magnet for Turkish travelers. Lower accommodation costs, expanding flight options and the convenience of obtaining a visa on arrival at Red Sea resorts are fueling the shift.
Tourism flows between the two countries had slowed during the 2010s amid strained diplomatic relations, but warming ties in recent years have reignited interest. With normalization now underway, tour operators report renewed demand for Egypt’s Red Sea resorts as well as cultural destinations such as Cairo and Luxor.
According to industry figures, Turkish arrivals to Egypt increased from around 230,000 last year to an estimated 350,000 this year. Experts point to cost as the primary driver. During peak holiday periods, all-inclusive five-star hotels in Antalya typically start at $400–$500 per night, while comparable resorts in Egypt’s Hurghada average around $160.
Tourism professionals also note that several luxury hotels in Egypt are operated or managed by Turkish investors, helping maintain service standards familiar to Turkish travelers.
Yıldırım Taş, chief advisor to the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB), said Egypt and Dubai have become Turkey’s strongest competitors in both domestic and outbound tourism markets, citing short flight times, numerous direct routes and relatively stable pricing.
Turkish Airlines and its subsidiary Ajet currently operate 61 weekly flights to five Egyptian cities — Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada — with frequencies increasing to 80 flights per week during the summer season.
Visa accessibility is another major factor. Ongoing appointment shortages for Schengen visas have redirected demand toward destinations offering visa-free entry or simplified procedures. Egypt requires only a $15 visa fee on arrival for Turkish citizens.
Beyond beach tourism and year-round warm weather, Egypt’s cultural heritage is also driving winter bookings. Iconic attractions such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum and historic sites in Luxor and Aswan continue to attract visitors.
Tour operator Mehmet Kamçı said hotel occupancy rates across Egypt have reached around 90 percent for the Christmas, New Year and mid-winter holiday period, supported by strong demand from Turkish, Russian and European tourists.
Cem Polatoğlu, spokesperson for a tour operators’ platform, noted that Egypt has made significant upgrades to its resort infrastructure and security environment, narrowing the quality gap with Turkey. Sector representatives expect Turkish travel to Egypt and Dubai to rise by 30–40 percent this year, with further growth possible if identity-card travel arrangements are introduced in the future.
SPORT
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor weekly update.
Fethiyespor President Esat Bakırcı’s PFDK Punishment Announced
The Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK) has announced its decision regarding the referral of Fethiyespor Club President Esat Bakırcı, who was reported for insulting behavior during the Fethiyespor – Akedaş Kahramanmaraş İstiklalspor match played on December 7, 2025.
Bakırcı had been referred to the board for allegedly directing insulting remarks toward members of the opposing team during the Nesine 2nd League Red Group fixture.
Following its assessment, the PFDK ruled that Bakırcı would receive a 15-day ban from football-related activities and a fine of 52,500 TL, in accordance with Article 41/1-b and Article 13 of the Football Disciplinary Regulations. The board stated that the sanction was applied in line with the relevant provisions of the regulations.
Source: Fethiye TV
Fethiyespor Confirms Galatasaray Cup Match Will Be Played in Fethiye
Fethiyespor has issued a public statement to clarify recent reports suggesting its Ziraat Turkish Cup match against Galatasaray might not be played in Fethiye due to stadium concerns. The club stated that, following discussions with the Turkish Football Federation, Fethiye City Stadium meets all technical and security requirements and there is no obstacle to hosting the match in Fethiye.
The management emphasized that the match is a major opportunity for the city, marking the first time Fethiyespor will host one of Turkey’s biggest clubs and offering significant promotional and prestige value for Fethiye. Fans were reassured that all necessary preparations are being made and that developments will be shared transparently.
The board also thanked local and metropolitan authorities, members of parliament, sports officials, sponsors, fan groups and the people of Fethiye for their support throughout the process.
Special Ceremony Package for Young Fethiyespor Fans Now on Sale!
Fethiyespor is offering its child fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take part in a memorable pre-match ceremony before the Ziraat Turkey Cup Group A 2nd match against Galatasaray at home.
With this exclusive ceremony package, priced at 25,000 TL, young supporters will walk onto the field alongside the players and referees during the national anthem, creating unforgettable memories.
Spaces are limited! To include your child in this special experience, contact the club at 0532 295 16 83.
Ziraat Turkey Cup
The schedule for the first matches of the Ziraat Turkey Cup Group Stage has been announced. Fethiyespor’s opening Group A match, against Boluspor, is set to take place on Wednesday, December 24th at 15:30 at the Bolu Atatürk Stadium.
The fixtures for the other matches in the group will be announced at a later date.
League Matches
The team’s next matches will be played as follows:
Away against Muş Spor on Tuesday, December 16. Kick-off will be at 13:00.
At home against Mardin 1969 Spor on Sunday 21 December. Kick-off will be at 14:00.
Match Result
Fethiyespor drew their home match against Güzide Gebzespor on Friday with a final score of 0-0.
Following recent matches, Fethiyespor remains in 14th place in the league table.
Join the Fethiyespor Yabancilar group on Facebook for more news and updates
You can also follow Fethiyespor on Twitter and Instagram
Turkish Lira (TL) exchange rates
The British Pound bought 57.09 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 56.72 TL.
The US Dollar bought 42.69 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 42.52 TL.
The Euro bought 50.13 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 49.52 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
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