Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Türkiye.
Curated from various news sources.
🧿 LOCAL NEWS
Muğla to Experience Freezing Temperatures from March 19 to March 24
The Meteorology 4th Regional Directorate Regional Forecast and Warning Center has issued a weather warning, stating that Muğla will experience a significant temperature drop from March 19 to March 24, 2025.
According to the latest meteorological assessments, a cold and rainy weather system originating from the Balkans is expected to affect the region, which includes Antalya, Muğla, Isparta, and Burdur. Temperatures are forecasted to drop sharply by 10 to 15°C, falling below seasonal norms.
Rain and showers are expected in coastal areas, while inland regions may see sleet and snowfall starting Wednesday. The sudden temperature drop, combined with these weather conditions, could lead to agricultural frost, posing a risk to crops in the region.
Authorities urge residents, especially those involved in agriculture, to stay updated on forecasts and warnings issued by the General Directorate of Meteorology of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change. Precautions should be taken against possible snowfall, frost, and icing events.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/mugla-geneli-19-marttan-24-marta-kadar-buz-tutacak?
Road and Infrastructure Works Begin Around Fethiye Fish Market
Renovation and drainage works have commenced around the Fish Market in Fethiye city centre due to road and infrastructure deteriorations.
As part of the project, road and infrastructure improvements will be carried out in designated areas, with streets surrounding the fish market closed to traffic for the duration of the work.
Fethiye Mayor Alim Karaca stated, “Due to road and infrastructure deteriorations around the Fish Market, we have started drainage channel and road renewal works. During this process, the areas marked in red on the map will be closed to traffic. We urge our citizens to use alternative routes. We kindly ask for your understanding regarding any temporary disruptions and appreciate your support.”
Residents and visitors are advised to follow traffic signs and updates regarding the ongoing works.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiye-balik-pazari-cevresinde-yol-ve-altyapi-calismalari-basladi
Ölüdeniz Road Works 1st Stage Completed
Asphalt paving has been completed in the Taşyaka – Ölüdeniz road 1st Stage work area, and as of Friday, the drawing of lane lines has begun.
A significant milestone has been reached in the extensive renewal works on Ölüdeniz Road, a joint project by Muğla Metropolitan Municipality and Fethiye Municipality. While asphalt paving has been completed in the 1st Stage work area, the installation of steel barriers is also underway.
Additionally, trimer excavation has started on the Ölüdeniz side of the road works. Officials confirmed that the project is progressing according to schedule and will be completed in a short time to enhance driver safety.
Meanwhile, road improvement works continue between Taşyaka and Ölüdeniz coast, as well as in the Hisarönü-Kayaköy section. Authorities urge drivers to remain cautious and follow traffic signs during the ongoing works.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/oludeniz-yol-calismalarinda-1-etap-tamamlaniyor
🧿 NEWS FROM AROUND TÜRKIYE
Meteorology teams brave harsh winter to maintain weather stations
n the snow-covered mountains of eastern Türkiye, meteorology teams endure harsh winter conditions to keep vital weather stations operational. Despite heavy snowfall, freezing winds, and temperatures dropping to –35°C, dedicated technicians navigate rugged terrain to repair and maintain meteorological equipment across Erzurum, Erzincan, Ardahan, and Bayburt provinces.
These teams work year-round, servicing airports, meteorology radars, radiosonde stations, and Automatic Meteorological Observation Stations (OMGİ), ensuring uninterrupted weather monitoring.
Selçuk Aksak, a 56-year-old technician working at Palandöken Ski Center, highlighted the team’s commitment: “We oversee 70 observation stations, two airports, and a meteorology radar in the Kargapazar Mountains. If a station fails, we must repair it within 24 hours, no matter the conditions.”
While major repairs take place in summer, winter operations remain challenging. With roads often blocked by deep snow, reaching stations requires trekking through snowdrifts up to 1.5 meters deep while carrying heavy equipment.
“In winter, when vehicles can’t pass, we carry laptops, toolkits, and even batteries on our backs,” Aksak added. “We do this to ensure people can ski safely, travel without disruptions, and fly without delays.”
Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Istanbul air pollution spikes as desert dust approaches
Istanbul residents are currently facing a significant air pollution threat, with dust storms from North Africa expected to affect the city for a week. Monitoring stations across the city are providing real-time data, revealing varying levels of air pollution in different districts.
As of Friday evening, Göztepe recorded the highest pollution levels, raising concerns among local residents. In contrast, Kumköy registered the cleanest air, followed by other districts with relatively better air quality, including Sarıyer, Arnavutköy, Silivri, and Maslak. These differences highlight the varying air quality across the city.
The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, along with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s Environmental Protection and Control Department, are actively monitoring pollution levels. Air quality is classified into six categories: Good (0-50), Moderate (50-100), Sensitive (100-150), Unhealthy (150-200), Poor (200-300), and Hazardous (300-500).
While some areas experience relatively cleaner air, others face moderate pollution. Districts such as Alibeyköy, Beylikdüzü, Kadıköy, Üsküdar, and Kartal fall into the moderate category, indicating tolerable but not ideal air quality.
Areas such as Göztepe D-100, Aksaray, Bağcılar, Esenyurt, and Tuzla are experiencing higher pollution levels, with residents in these neighborhoods more vulnerable to health risks, particularly those with respiratory conditions.
Authorities are urging the public to stay informed about air quality updates, especially with the arrival of Saharan dust, which could worsen pollution levels. Ongoing monitoring and awareness are crucial in managing the impact of air pollution on public health.
Source: Daily Sabah
Istanbul’s population shifts westward to peripheral districts
A recent socio-economic report on Istanbul’s districts has highlighted a significant demographic shift, with the city’s population gradually moving westward toward its peripheral areas. According to the findings, Beylikdüzü has experienced a 67 percent population increase over the past decade, while central districts such as Fatih, Kadıköy, and Şişli have seen a decline.
Istanbul, home to nearly 20 percent of Türkiye’s population, is undergoing a rapid redistribution of residents. The report indicates that districts on the outskirts, such as Esenyurt, Küçükçekmece, Pendik, and Ümraniye, now house approximately a quarter of the city’s population.
Meanwhile, traditional urban centres are experiencing population decreases, with Fatih alone seeing a 16 percent drop.
A representative from the organisation that conducted the study noted this emerging trend: “We observe a consistent population decline in areas like Fatih, Kadıköy, and Şişli, while the outskirts are expanding rapidly.”
The report also highlights changes in household structures. Single-person households are increasingly common, now making up one in four homes, particularly in Kadıköy, Şişli, and Bakırköy. This urban transformation reflects broader socio-cultural shifts, according to the representative.
“In the outer districts, where population growth is higher, fertility rates tend to be significantly above average. This suggests that cultural norms continue to play a more decisive role in population growth than economic factors.”
The districts with the highest birth rates include Esenyurt, Sultanbeyli, Sultangazi, and Sancaktepe, while the lowest rates are observed in Bakırköy, Şişli, Beşiktaş, and Kadıköy.
Despite Istanbul’s status as Türkiye’s economic powerhouse, contributing nearly a third of the country’s GDP, the report highlights persistent income inequality. Istanbul ranks among the world’s largest cities with the most severe income disparities, with Sultanbeyli and Sultangazi facing the greatest financial challenges.
Even within the same district, significant economic divides are evident. In areas like Beykoz and Sarıyer, stark contrasts in income levels exist, with the wealthiest and most economically disadvantaged living side by side.
The study further classifies Istanbul’s districts based on their economic functions. Şişli, Kadıköy, and Fatih remain prominent centres for trade and finance, while Esenyurt and Tuzla have emerged as industrial hubs.
Source: Hürriyet Daily News
🧿 SPORT
Turkish Shooting Team Triumphs at European Championship, Marking Historic Victory
The Turkish national shooting team returned home to a hero’s welcome after dominating the European Shooting Championship in Osijek, Croatia, where they topped the overall standings with four gold, two silver, and two bronze medals. The team was greeted with flowers and applause at Esenboğa Airport in Ankara.
Standout athlete Şevval İlayda Tarhan made history by winning five medals—three gold and two bronze—becoming the first Turkish female shooter to achieve such a feat. Veteran marksman Yusuf Dikeç contributed two gold and a silver, emphasising the team’s preparation and their focus on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Turkish Shooting Federation President Murat Kocakaya called the victory a turning point for the sport in Türkiye, celebrating the country’s first European shooting championship win. The team’s success marks the start of a new era in Turkish shooting. Some team members returned to their hometowns, while others stayed in Ankara to celebrate.
Source: Daily Sabah
Fethiyespor
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor update.
Match Results
Fethiyespor lost their away match against Sarıyer on Sunday. The final score was 3-0.
Fethiyespor drop to 10th position in the league table.
League Matches
The home match against Afyonspor Kulübü, scheduled for Sunday, 16 March, will not be played due to Afyonspor withdrawing from the league at the start of the second half of the season.
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Turkish Lira (TL) exchange rates
The British Pound bought 47.22 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 47.05 TL.
The US Dollar bought 36.56 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 36.44 TL.
The Euro bought 39.49 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 40.01 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
