Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
🧿 LOCAL NEWS
Awareness Event at Akmaz Public Beach Marks Disability Week in Fethiye
As part of Disability Week, observed from May 10 to 16, an awareness event was held at Akmaz Public Beach in Fethiye, bringing together disabled individuals and their families for a day of inclusion, joy, and community spirit.
Organised to promote social awareness and solidarity, the event offered participants the chance to enjoy a range of activities in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Attendees shared enjoyable moments, creating lasting memories while highlighting the importance of accessibility and equal participation in society.
Organisers emphasised that support for disabled citizens should not be limited to a single day or week. They reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to increasing social awareness and standing alongside disabled individuals every day of the year.
Source: Fethiye Belediyesi
Strengthening International Ties: Productive Visit to Scotland to Promote Fethiye
During a recent visit to Scotland, Fethiye rMayor Alim Karaca and his wife, Çiğdem Karaca, engaged in a series of important meetings aimed at promoting Fethiye and developing international collaborations.
As part of the visit, potential joint venture opportunities were explored to market and sell local products from Fethiye in Scotland through a cooperative model. In addition, fruitful discussions were held on cultural and economic collaborations, particularly in the field of tourism, which could benefit the district.
The delegation was warmly welcomed and received strong support from several high-level Scottish figures, whose contributions enriched the visit. Special thanks were extended to:
- Former and first Muslim Prime Minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf (Hamza Yusuf)
- Consul General of Edinburgh, Scotland, Demet Kayaoğlu
- Speaker of the Scottish Parliament, Alison Johnstone
- Deputy Mayor of Edinburgh, Lezley Cameron
- Former Mayor of Edinburgh, Donald Wilson
- Shadow Minister of Culture, Scotland, Foysol Choudhury
- Shadow Minister of Sports, Scotland, Neil Bibby
- President of the Turkish-Scottish Chamber of Commerce, Şahin Vahap Fırat, and Board Member, Turkish businessman Emin Can Bozkurt
The meetings were marked by mutual goodwill and a shared desire to foster long-term cooperation.
This visit is considered a significant first step in strengthening Fethiye’s international relations and laying the foundation for future economic and cultural collaborations. Efforts will continue to transform the connections made into concrete partnerships that will offer new opportunities for the district and support its advancement on the global stage.
Source: Fethiye Belediyesi
Patara Lighthouse to Shine Again as a Night Museum Centrepiece
The ancient Patara Lighthouse, originally built by Roman Emperor Nero in the 60s–65s AD, is poised to take on a new role as part of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s Night Museums initiative. After centuries of silence and five years of meticulous restoration, the lighthouse will soon guide not just sailors, but visitors exploring history under the stars.
Located near the iconic Patara Beach, the structure was heavily damaged by natural disasters over time. Restoration efforts gained momentum in 2020 after President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared the year as the Year of Patara, bringing international attention and renewed dedication to preserving the site.
Now fully reconstructed, the ancient lighthouse is entering a new chapter. With inscriptions such as “I am Emperor Nero. I built this lighthouse for the safety of sailors”, dolphin reliefs, and a dome structure, the lighthouse reflects both the engineering marvel and architectural elegance of its time.
In preparation for its night-time debut, landscaping and lighting work are currently underway. Once complete, the lighthouse will officially become part of the Ministry’s Night Museums programme, offering a unique historical experience after dark. This will allow visitors to embark on a magical journey through time under the stars, much like the sailors it once protected.
Photographed recently with a long exposure by the Anadolu Agency team, the lighthouse’s silhouette under the night sky captured imaginations—symbolising both the past and future of cultural tourism in the region.
Excavation Head Dr. Abdülkadir Baran Aktaş emphasised the significance of the site:
“The lighthouse is the only one rebuilt from the Nero period and reflects the engineering brilliance of its time. It’s one of the prestigious monuments of the empire. Patara was a major city—capital of the Lycian League and later the Lycian-Pamphylia State under Emperor Vespasian. Reconstructing this lighthouse was a globally recognised achievement.”
Dr. Aktaş added that they anticipate the lighthouse will be opened to visitors within 3–4 months, once remaining works are completed.
“Last year, we hosted around 350,000 visitors. We expect this number to double after the lighthouse is lit and opened as a night museum.”
Once re-lit, the lighthouse will again illuminate the path—this time for domestic and international tourists, solidifying its place not only in ancient maritime history but in the future of cultural tourism.
Source: https://www.gercekfethiye.com/patara-deniz-feneri-gece-muzeciliginin-de-gozdesi-olacak/99175/
🧿 NEWS FROM AROUND TURKEY
Turkey Expands Night Museum Program to Boost Cultural Tourism
Turkey is expanding its Night Museum initiative starting June 1, allowing extended evening access to museums and archaeological sites across the country to boost cultural tourism. Museums in major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Gaziantep, along with popular historical sites, will stay open later to accommodate increased visitor interest.
The ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will remain open until 11 p.m. on Wednesdays through Saturdays. Known for its Temple of Artemis, Ephesus continues to draw history enthusiasts. In southeastern Anatolia, the Nemrut Mountain Archaeological Site in Adıyaman will be illuminated at night and open for visits from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m., showcasing its monumental Hellenistic statues.
Several archaeological sites in Antalya, including Aspendos, Patara, and Side, will be open until 10 p.m. The Müze İzmir Culture and Art Factory, transformed from the historic Alsancak Tekel Factory, will be accessible until 9 p.m. In Istanbul, the Galata Tower will stay open until 11 p.m., while the Istanbul Archaeology Museums (excluding indoor areas), Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum, and Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum will be open until 10 p.m.
In Ankara, the Anatolian Civilizations Museum and the Ethnography Museum will remain open until 9 p.m., offering insight into Anatolia’s ancient cultures including the Hittites and Phrygians. Other sites extending their hours include Didim’s Apollo Temple (until 9 p.m.), Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum (until 10 p.m.), and Denizli’s Hierapolis archaeological site (until 11 p.m.).
Nevşehir’s Zelve-Paşa Bağlar site and underground cities such as Derinkuyu, Kaymaklı, and Özkonak will welcome visitors until 9 p.m. The Samsun Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, which houses artifacts from multiple ancient periods, will stay open until 10 p.m. The Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Gaziantep will remain open until 9 p.m., displaying intricate mosaics and Roman-era artifacts.
Şanlıurfa’s major cultural institutions, including the Şanlıurfa Museum and Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum, will also be open until 9 p.m. The Erzurum Museum joins the program as well, with extended hours until 9 p.m. The initiative is designed to enhance the visitor experience and support tourism growth by offering more flexible hours for exploring Turkey’s rich cultural heritage.
Turkish Day Parade Celebrated in New York with Cultural Events
Under the coordination of the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications, the Turkish Day Parade and a series of cultural events were held in New York City on May 16 and 17. First organized in 1981 in response to the assassination of Turkish diplomats by the Armenian terrorist group ASALA, the parade marked its 42nd edition this year. The event aimed to strengthen unity among the Turkish-American community and enhance their economic and cultural ties.
The program began on Friday, May 16, with a flag-raising ceremony at Bowling Green Park on Wall Street. On the same day, a panel discussion titled “Beyond Alliance: Rethinking U.S.-Türkiye Relations in a Changing World” was held at the Turkish House (Türkevi), hosted by the Presidential Directorate of Communications. The panel brought together Turkish and American academics, officials, civil society representatives, and media members to explore the future of U.S.-Türkiye relations, address recent challenges, and highlight emerging areas of cooperation.
An exhibition titled “Türkiye’s Values” also opened at the Turkish House, offering visitors a glimpse into Türkiye’s cultural heritage through traditional and contemporary works of art.
The Turkish Day Parade took place on Saturday, May 17, beginning at 38th Street on Madison Avenue and ending at Madison Square Park. Along the parade route, the Ottoman-Turkish military band (mehter) performed traditional music, while concerts, stage performances, and children’s activities added to the festive atmosphere. A special gathering was also held at the Turkish House, and a documentary on the life and career of internationally renowned pianist and composer Fahir Atakoğlu was screened.
Drawing thousands of participants, the Turkish Day Parade once again stood out as one of the most important events for the Turkish-American community in the United States.
Source: Daily Sabah
🧿 SPORT
Fethiyespor
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor update.
Fethiyespor U13 Team Advances to Muğla Playoffs Undefeated
Fethiyespor’s U13 team secured their place in the Muğla Playoffs after defeating Menteşeoğlu 1-0 in today’s match, completing their group stage as undefeated champions.
With this victory, the young team demonstrated strong performance and determination throughout the group stage. The club extended its congratulations to the players and technical staff for their outstanding achievement.
Fethiyespor now sets its sights on the Muğla Championship, aiming to carry their unbeaten momentum into the next stage of the competition.
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Turkish Lira (TL) exchange rates
The British Pound bought 51.37 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 51.57 TL.
The US Dollar bought 38.67 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 38.76 TL.
The Euro bought 43.17 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 43.61 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
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