Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
Evening bustle at Çalış Beach as locals seek relief from the heat
FETHİYE, MUĞLA — As the intense daytime heat eased on Friday evening, Çalış Beach came alive with residents and visitors seeking cooler temperatures along the Mediterranean coast.
One of Fethiye’s most popular seafront destinations, Çalış Beach attracted large crowds after sunset as people headed to the shoreline to escape the lingering summer heat. Many enjoyed a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean, while others took leisurely walks along the promenade, making the most of the sea breeze and evening views.
Families, young people and holidaymakers filled the beach and waterfront, creating a vibrant atmosphere that continued late into the evening. Cafés, restaurants and other businesses along the promenade were also busy as visitors gathered to dine, socialise and enjoy the cooler conditions.
The lively scenes highlighted the popularity of Çalış Beach with both Fethiye residents and domestic and international tourists during the height of the summer season. As temperatures became more comfortable after sunset, the waterfront once again proved to be one of the district’s favourite places to relax after a hot summer’s day.
The bustling evening atmosphere demonstrated that Çalış Beach remains one of Fethiye’s most attractive coastal destinations, offering a welcoming setting for visitors long after the daytime heat has faded.
Number of motor vehicles in Muğla exceeds 787,000
MUĞLA — The number of registered motor vehicles in Muğla reached 787,183 by the end of June, according to the latest figures released by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat).
Motorcycles accounted for the largest share of registered vehicles in the province, with 321,124 on the roads, followed by 291,550 automobiles. The remaining vehicles included 99,425 small trucks and vans, 43,798 tractors, 13,054 trucks, 11,297 minibuses, 4,172 buses, and 2,763 special-purpose vehicles.
TurkStat’s June data also showed strong activity in the province’s second-hand vehicle market. A total of 15,342 motor vehicles changed hands during the month.
Automobiles recorded the highest number of ownership transfers, with 7,937 changing owners, followed by 4,362 motorcycles. The figures also included 2,118 small trucks and vans, 413 tractors, 220 minibuses, 178 trucks, 76 buses, and 38 special-purpose vehicles transferred during June.
The latest statistics highlight both the continued growth in the number of vehicles registered in Muğla and the sustained level of activity in the province’s used vehicle market.
Source: https://www.gercekfethiye.com/mugla-da-motorlu-kara-tasiti-sayisi-787-bini-asti/125819/
Fethiye’s hidden stories brought to light through new urban memory project
FETHİYE, MUĞLA — A new book series exploring little-known aspects of Fethiye’s history and cultural heritage is set to be published in September, bringing together years of research, historical documents and rare photographs.
The project, titled “Fethiye’s Mysterious Stories”, was introduced during the third event of the Karaören Urban Memory Nostalgia Days, held at the Fethiye Book House. The event was moderated by researchers Tunç Tokay and Naci Dinçer.
The urban memory series aims to preserve and document Fethiye’s rich past through a collection of articles covering a wide range of subjects. Topics include the district’s culinary heritage, the Fethiye diaries of acclaimed film director Atıf Yılmaz, the extensive photographic archives of the Kandiye family, and the life of Ruzi Nazar, the Uzbek-born intelligence officer who spent his final years in Fethiye.
Speaking at the event, researcher Tunç Tokay said the word “mysterious” was chosen because many of the stories have been shared locally for generations but have never been thoroughly documented using reliable historical sources.
“We investigated many topics that have long been regarded as urban legends by drawing on both local and international sources,” Tokay said.
According to Tokay, around 25 articles have been prepared for the project. The first phase will consist of two books, each featuring between 10 and 12 articles across approximately 150 pages, supported by historical documents and photographs.
He added that editing is currently underway and that the first two volumes are expected to be released in September. The long-term goal is to expand the collection into a comprehensive urban memory series comprising between six and eight volumes.
The project aims to preserve Fethiye’s history for future generations while offering readers a deeper insight into the people, places and stories that have shaped the district over the years.
Source: https://www.gercekfethiye.com/fethiye-nin-sakli-hikayeleri-kaynaklarla-gun-yuzune-cikiyor/125802/
Fethiye Municipality opens modern Animal Care Center for stray animals
FETHİYE, MUĞLA — Fethiye Municipality has officially opened its renovated Animal Care and Rehabilitation Center, providing modern facilities and improved living conditions for stray animals following extensive refurbishment works.
The renovation, which took approximately 18 months to complete, was carried out in response to amendments to Turkey’s Animal Protection Law No. 5199. The updated legislation requires dogs to remain in care centres until they are adopted, prompting the municipality to redesign the facility to better meet long-term care needs.
Fethiye Municipality’s Director of Veterinary Affairs, Ahmet Demir, said the centre has been transformed into a modern facility focused on both animal welfare and adoption.
“We have been carrying out comprehensive renovation work at our care centre for about a year and a half,” Demir said. “With the legislative changes, it became essential to reorganise our existing spaces to meet the new requirements.”
The renovated centre now includes dedicated areas for adoption, socialisation and rehabilitation, alongside new living spaces designed to meet the physical and behavioural needs of both dogs and cats.
“Our goal is not only to care for these animals but also to help them find permanent, loving homes,” Demir said. “Adoption is one of our highest priorities, and our greatest satisfaction comes from seeing as many of our animal friends as possible placed with caring families.”
The municipality has also upgraded its veterinary clinic with modern medical equipment to support examination, treatment and rehabilitation services. In addition, automatic feeding and watering systems have been installed in outdoor living areas to improve the daily care and welfare of the animals.
Demir said the renewed facility has become a model animal care centre in Turkey, both in terms of its infrastructure and its approach to animal welfare. He added that Fethiye Municipality will continue its efforts to improve the quality of life for stray animals while encouraging more people to adopt.
Magnitude 5.0 earthquake strikes eastern Turkey
MALATYA — A magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck eastern Turkey’s Malatya province early on Saturday morning, according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).
The earthquake occurred at 6:20 a.m. local time (03:20 GMT), with its epicentre in the Battalgazi district at a depth of 15.59 kilometres, AFAD said.
The tremor was also felt in the neighbouring provinces of Elazığ, Adıyaman, Tunceli and Şanlıurfa.
AFAD said there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties following the earthquake.
Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum said emergency teams were continuing to assess the situation.
“Following the earthquake in Battalgazi, there have been no adverse findings so far, but we are evaluating all reports,” Kurum said in a post on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and have urged the public to follow updates from official sources.
Source: Anadolu Agency
Wildfires brought under control in Muğla and Manisa after overnight battle
MUĞLA — Wildfires that swept through parts of the western provinces of Muğla and Manisa have been brought under control following an intensive overnight firefighting operation, the General Directorate of Forestry (OGM) announced.
Ground crews are continuing cooling operations in forested areas and nearby private properties in Muğla’s Milas district to prevent the fire from reigniting. The blaze, which broke out on 14 July, prompted the precautionary evacuation of more than 1,100 people from nearby coastal holiday resorts.
Authorities also confirmed that a second wildfire in the Evkaftepe neighbourhood of Manisa’s Akhisar district has been brought under control. Emergency teams succeeded in stopping the spread of the flames after the fire erupted on 15 July.
The OGM thanked the many organisations and individuals who supported the firefighting efforts.
“We offer our gratitude to our volunteers, institutions, local governments, non-governmental organisations and citizens who supported us in our struggle for the Green Homeland,” the forestry authority said in a statement.
Although both fires are now under control, crews remain on site carrying out cooling operations as a precaution while authorities continue to monitor the affected areas.
Source: OGM / Hürriyet Daily News
SPORT
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor update.
Fethiyespor begins preparations for 2026–2027 season
Fethiyespor has started preparations for the 2026–2027 TFF Nesine 2nd League season with the first training session held under the guidance of head coach Sait Karafırtınalar.
The navy-blue and white team began work ahead of the new campaign as players and technical staff started preparations focused on building fitness and team readiness for the season ahead.
Following the fixture draw, Fethiyespor will open the new season at home against 52 Orduspor FK. The opening match is scheduled for Sunday, 6 September 2026, at Fethiye City Stadium, where the team will aim to start the campaign with a strong performance in front of its supporters. Visit Fethiyespor Yabancilar for fixture details.
The kick-off time and further match details are expected to be announced by the club in the coming days.
With preparations now underway, Fethiyespor is looking to build momentum ahead of the new season and give its supporters a positive start to the campaign.
Stay connected with all things Fethiyespor — join the Fethiyespor Yabancilar Facebook group for breaking news, new signings, matchday updates, and community discussions.
You can also follow Fethiyespor on Twitter and Instagram
Turkish Lira (TL) exchange rates
The British Pound bought 63.41 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 62.96 TL.
The US Dollar bought 47.14 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 46.98 TL.
The Euro bought 53.93 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 53.65 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
