Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Türkiye.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
Several forest fires in Türkiye brought under control
Türkiye’s Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli on Sunday said several ongoing forest fires in the country, including those in Izmir’s Yamanlar and Urla districts, have been brought under control.
At a press briefing in Izmir’s Karsiyaka district, Yumakli said efforts were ongoing against eight active fires over the past day.
“As we announced earlier, the fire in Izmir Yamanlar, which posed a risk to the city, has been successfully contained. Our teams managed to confine the burning areas to a valley on the upper part of the region. I am pleased to inform you that the fire in Izmir Yamanlar is now under control. Cooling operations will continue,” he said.
The situation in Bolu’s Goynuk, another area severely affected by forest fires, was also highlighted by the minister. He described the challenging terrain, characterized by steep cliffs and rugged landscapes, which made the firefighting efforts particularly arduous.
Despite these difficulties, the firefighting teams have made significant progress.
Yumakli said there are five ongoing fires that are close to being contained, and efforts to extinguish them are continuing with full force.
One of the most concerning fires is located in the Menderes district of Izmir. Yumakli explained that the fire is raging in a difficult-to-access area with no roads, which has complicated the dousing efforts.
“Throughout the night, our teams fought the fire from the ground. Currently, four planes and 11 helicopters are assisting our ground teams. The fire’s intensity has decreased significantly, and it is now one of the fires closest to being fully contained,” he said.
The minister also spoke about the fire in the Bozdogan district of Aydin province, which has been burning for three days. The battle against this fire involves five planes, 11 helicopters, and a large number of ground personnel.
Yumakli praised the dedication and bravery of the firefighting teams, highlighting the tough conditions they face. “There were strong winds in Bozdogan, so powerful that they could almost uproot a flagpole. Despite this, our teams have managed to bring the situation to a stable point. Their efforts are truly commendable,” he said.
He continued by discussing the fires in Manisa’s Gordes district, which have also been challenging due to the long, wide area they have spread across, exacerbated by strong winds. “In Gordes, we have one plane and 10 helicopters, along with a significant ground force, actively fighting the fire,” Yumakli added.
The minister also touched on the fires in Karabuk’s Ovacik and Usak’s Esme districts, where the intensity of the flames has been significantly reduced. These fires are also nearing containment, Yumakli said, expressing optimism that final updates would be available by the end of the day.
Fethiye Mayor Alim Karaca issued the following warning to citizens:
“As temperatures rise, it’s crucial to be extra vigilant about preventing forest fires. Please avoid discarding any trash along roadsides or in forested areas.”
Sources: Anadolu Agency/Fethiye Belediye
Dilek Peninsula Büyük Menderes Delta National Park temporarily closed due to fire risk
The Dilek Peninsula Büyük Menderes Delta National Park, a vital natural reserve within Kuşadası district that harbors diverse wildlife and endemic plant species, has been temporarily closed to visitors and vehicles. This closure, effective until August 26, 2024, was enacted by the Forest Fire Fighting Commission as a precautionary measure against the heightened risk of forest fires.
In a statement issued by the Aydın Governorship, it was highlighted that according to the Meteorological Assessment Report from the 2nd Regional Directorate of the General Directorate of Meteorology, dated August 10, 2024, extreme temperatures continue to pose a significant threat to the region. The report warns that Aydın province, along with the surrounding area, remains highly susceptible to forest fires during this period.
The decision to close the National Park is based on the directives of the Forest Fire Fighting Commission, established under the authority of Article 69 of the Forest Law No. 6831. The Commission’s mandate, as outlined in the Official Gazette dated October 9, 1976, empowers it to enforce measures that prevent forest fires, particularly during periods of elevated risk.
The National Park will remain closed from August 18, 2024, until August 26, 2024. Authorities urge the public to adhere to the closure and refrain from entering the park during this period to minimize the risk of fire and ensure the safety of the area.
The decision reflects the ongoing concern over rising temperatures and the increased frequency of forest fires in the region. Local authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely and take further measures if necessary to protect the park and its surrounding areas.
Source: https://www.muglagazetesi.com.tr/o-park-ziyaretcilere-kapatildi-165820h.htm
Municipality Animal Shelter calls for community support and adoptions amid new law implementation
A message from Fethiye Mayor Alim Karaca.
“At our Municipality Animal Shelter, we take pride in providing the best possible care for our beloved animal friends. The implementation of the new law brings greater responsibility, and while our municipality is dedicated to meeting these standards, we believe that the involvement and support of our valued citizens are crucial to achieving the best outcomes for these animals. By working together, we can ensure a better quality of life for our furry friends.
We invite you to visit our shelter and consider adopting one of our many loving animals. Adoption not only provides a forever home for an animal in need but also helps us make room for more animals who require care and attention.
By adopting from our shelter, you are not only giving a deserving animal a new home but also supporting the shelter in its mission to provide exceptional care to all its residents. Every adoption makes a difference.”
Source: Fethiye Belediye
5-star retirement home for Muğla
The Abide H. Nuri Öncüer Nursing Home Elderly Care and Rehabilitation Center, located in the Menteşe district of Muğla, is undergoing a significant transformation. The facility is being demolished due to concerns over its earthquake resistance, with plans in place to rebuild it into a modern center that offers the comfort of a 5-star hotel.
The Muğla Metropolitan Municipality has taken the initiative to reconstruct the nursing home, ensuring it meets the highest standards of safety and comfort. The new facility, designed within a 7,540 square meter area, will not only provide essential care services but also enhance the quality of life for its residents.
The redesigned nursing home will serve multiple purposes, integrating three main functions: a rehabilitation center, a day care center, and an active life center. These elements will create a comprehensive environment where residents can receive the care they need while also engaging in social and physical activities that promote well-being.
The renovation will focus on modernizing the rooms to offer a comfortable and contemporary living space for residents. In addition to private quarters, the new facility will feature expansive social areas designed to encourage interaction and activity among residents. Gardens and recreation areas will be carefully landscaped to provide peaceful, enjoyable spaces for relaxation and leisure.
Once completed, the nursing home will accommodate 96 residents, offering a mix of 37 double rooms, 6 single rooms, and 2 intensive care rooms. The facility will also be equipped with a life hobby room, observation room, doctor’s room, infirmary, exercise room, dietitian room, and psychological counseling room. Additional amenities include a hairdresser room, administrative offices, a 110-seat dining hall, cafeteria, laundry and ironing room, prayer rooms, and a shelter.
Source: https://www.muglagazetesi.com.tr/muglada-5-yildizli-huzur-evi-yapiliyor-165688h.htm
Türkiye records hottest July in last 53 years
Türkiye experienced its hottest July in 53 years, according to a report from the country’s Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Minister.
In a post on X, Murat Kurum revealed that the highest recorded temperature reached 45.9°C (114.62°F) in the Cizre district of southeastern Şırnak province, while the lowest temperature was 5.2°C (41.36°F) in eastern Erzurum province.
As temperatures are projected to rise further starting Monday, Aug. 19, citizens—especially those with chronic illnesses, the elderly, and children—are advised to avoid outdoor activities between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
Environment ministry have issued warnings regarding the risk of heat stroke, urging residents to take necessary precautions in response to the ongoing heat wave. Authorities stressed the importance of staying safe during this extreme weather event.
Source: Hürriyet Daily News
SPORT
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the sport update.
Fethiyespor
Fethiyespor, gearing up for the upcoming season in the TFF 2nd League White Group, has wrapped up its 15-day preseason camp in Kocaeli Kartepe on a high note. The team secured a 2-0 victory against Municipality Derincespor in their final preparation match, capping off a strong series of performances.
Throughout the camp, Fethiyespor played a total of seven preparation matches, achieving an impressive record of six wins and only one loss. The team demonstrated their offensive strength by scoring 16 goals across these matches, while their defense remained solid, conceding just 7 goals.
The successful camp has boosted the team’s confidence as they head into the new season. With their preparations now complete, Fethiyespor is poised to make a strong start in the TFF 2nd League White Group. The returned to Fethiye to finalize their preparations ahead of the season opener.
League Matches
Sunday 1st September at home against Kastamonuspor. The kick-off time is at 19:00.
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Turkish Lira (TL) exchange rates
The British Pound bought 43.56 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 42.63 TL.
The US Dollar bought 33.66 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 33.48 TL.
The Euro bought 37.11 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 36.57 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth