Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
German Pilot Dies After Paragliding Accident in Fethiye
Fethiye, MUĞLA – A German paraglider pilot who was seriously injured after falling into the sea during a flight from Babadağ, Fethiye’s internationally famous paragliding destination, has died in hospital.
The accident occurred on October 16, when Frederick Sass, a German national, performed a solo jump from the 1,700-meter runway on Babadağ in the Ölüdeniz neighborhood. During an acrobatic maneuver, his parachute reportedly collapsed mid-air, causing him to plunge into the sea.
Boaters in the area, who witnessed the incident, rescued Sass from the water and brought him to shore, where paramedics provided emergency first aid. He was then transported by ambulance to a private hospital in Fethiye and placed in intensive care.
Despite medical efforts, Sass succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.
An investigation has been launched into the circumstances of the accident.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiyede-yamac-parasutu-kazasinda-yaralanan-alman-pilot-hayatini-kaybetti
Metropolitan Municipality Wins Landmark Court Ruling to Protect Gökova’s Natural Heritage
Muğla, TURKEY – The Muğla Metropolitan Municipality has won a significant legal victory in its ongoing efforts to safeguard the region’s natural heritage. The Council of State has annulled a 2018 Council of Ministers’ decision that downgraded the natural site protection status within the Gökova Special Environmental Protection Area.
The Council of Ministers’ decree, published in the Official Gazette in 2018, had reduced the protection levels of several key sites in Gökova — an area renowned for its ecological diversity, unique landscapes, and rich marine ecosystem. Determined to defend the region’s environmental integrity, the Muğla Metropolitan Municipality filed a lawsuit to overturn the regulation.
Following the legal challenge, the 4th Chamber of the Council of State ruled in favour of the municipality, declaring that the Ecologically Based Scientific Report used to justify the downgrade was inadequate. The court noted that the report failed to accurately represent Gökova’s landscape characteristics or provide sufficient ecological justification.
The ruling restores the full protection status of Gökova’s natural sites, reaffirming their importance as part of Turkey’s environmental and ecological heritage.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/buyuksehirden-gokova-icin-onemli-hukuki-zafer
Climate Change Week Events Begin in Fethiye with Exhibition and Local Producers’ Market
Fethiye, MUĞLA – Events marking Climate Change Week have officially begun in Fethiye, with the opening of a photography exhibition and local producer stalls in Beşkaza Square. The event, launched with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, was attended by Fethiye Mayor Alim Karaca, who toured the exhibition and met with local participants.
The photography exhibition, prepared by the Fethiye Photography and Cinema Art Association (FEFSAD), highlights environmental themes and showcases the beauty and fragility of nature. Visitors also explored the sales booths set up by local producers and community groups promoting sustainable and climate-friendly products.
Fethiye Municipality’s Climate Change and Zero Waste Manager Hatice Selver Kabak stated that the week-long programme will feature a variety of workshops and educational activities designed to promote environmental awareness.
Kabak emphasized the link between local production, local consumption, and environmental sustainability, noting that sourcing goods locally helps reduce carbon emissions from transportation:
“Every producer in this market is climate-friendly. The more we meet our needs locally, the more we protect our planet. Through these events, we aim to show how individual choices can make a difference in conserving our environment and natural resources.”
Kabak added that the October 16–27 Climate Change Week aims to encourage participation from women and youth in topics ranging from local production and energy efficiency to marine conservation. She also thanked the Lycian Women’s Cooperative, Slow Food Fethiye, FETAV, and members of the Rotary Club for their support and participation.
Mayor Alim Karaca praised the opening events and invited the public to take part in the upcoming activities:
“Today, we opened our Climate Change Week events in Beşkaza Square. Our photography exhibition, themed ‘Local Produce Market: For a Sustainable Future’ and ‘Let’s Not Lose, Let’s Protect,’ highlights the importance of sustainability. We invite everyone to join us for the Electric Vehicle and Solar Energy Systems Fair and other awareness events taking place in Beşkaza Square on October 17–18, 2025.”
The Climate Change Week events will continue throughout the week in Beşkaza Square and are open to all members of the public.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiyede-iklim-degisikligi-haftasi-etkinlikleri-basladi
Record Pine Honey Harvest Expected in Muğla as Production Set to Reach 20,000 Tons
Muğla, TURKEY – Muğla, the world’s leading producer of pine honey, is anticipating a record harvest of 20,000 tons this year, driven by favourable weather and improved environmental conditions. The province, which accounts for 92% of global pine honey production and 86% of Turkey’s total output, continues to lead the industry both nationally and internationally.
Last year’s yield reached approximately 15,000 tons, but with ideal seasonal patterns this year, production is set to rise by a third. Between August and November, Muğla hosts migratory beekeepers from all over Turkey, who join local producers to harvest pine honey from an estimated 4 million beehives—around 3 million belonging to migratory beekeepers and 1 million to local ones. The region typically produces three rounds of honey within the season.
Since 2017, the number of migratory beekeepers visiting Muğla has dropped significantly due to climate change, forest fires, and seasonal disruptions, particularly affecting production areas in Marmaris, Milas, and Köyceğiz. However, this year saw a strong comeback — the number of visiting beekeepers has doubled compared to last year, especially in the Kıran honey forests of Menteşe, a key production zone.
Beekeeper Mehmet Tilki, who travels annually from Adana to Muğla with his family, said this year’s honey yield has been noticeably higher:
“This year’s yield is good. The beekeepers who arrived early had an excellent crop. The honey quality is better than last year’s. Even though I arrived late, I averaged around 8–10 kilos of honey per hive. The merchants are buying a 27-kilo tin for around ₺4,300–₺4,500, while the cooperative offers ₺5,300.”
Tilki, a member of the Adana Binboğa Cooperative, added that the high number of producers in the region reflects the renewed optimism among beekeepers after several challenging years.
With ideal conditions and strong participation from both local and migratory producers, Muğla’s 2025 pine honey season is shaping up to be one of the most successful in recent memory.
Source: https://www.gercekfethiye.com/mugla-da-cam-balinda-rekolte-sevinci/109031/?p=5
Father and Daughter Set Local Pumpkin Record in Hakkari with 50.5-Kilo Giant
Hakkari, TURKEY – A father and daughter from Hakkari have set a new local record with a 50.5-kilogram pumpkin, the largest ever grown in the city. The impressive harvest was cultivated by Hacı Osman Salim and his daughter Kübra Salim in the Bağlar neighborhood of Doğanyurt village.
The achievement not only delighted residents but also showcased Hakkari’s growing agricultural potential, made possible through innovative local support. With the backing of Governor Ali Çelik, a solar-powered irrigation system was installed to draw water from a newly drilled well, delivering it efficiently to village fields and easing the cultivation process.
The record-setting pumpkin, grown in one of these fertile, solar-irrigated gardens, became a source of pride for the community.
Governor Ali Çelik congratulated the Salim family during a visit to their home, saying: “Achievements like this are the best demonstration of Hakkari’s productive workforce.”
The massive pumpkin was later donated to the Hakkari Hafızlık Girls’ Quran Course, where it will be transformed into a sweet treat for students — a fitting celebration of both family effort and community spirit.
Source: Daily Sabah
“Bicycle Taxi” Project Sparks Heated Debate in İzmir Council and City
İzmir, TURKEY – A proposal to introduce a “bicycle taxi” system in İzmir has ignited widespread debate among city officials, transport professionals, and residents. The project, presented at İzmir Metropolitan Municipality’s October council meeting, was forwarded to the Transportation and Trades Commissions for further evaluation.
The eco-friendly initiative envisions electric, three-wheeled, driver-operated bicycles as a sustainable solution for short-distance urban travel. Managed by İZULAŞ, the municipality’s public transport subsidiary, the system would oversee route planning, driver recruitment, and operations logistics.
Under the plan, the vehicles will operate along fixed routes, offering passengers short, comfortable rides without adding to traffic congestion or carbon emissions. Pilot routes are expected to be launched in areas with heavy traffic or restricted motor vehicle access.
Mayor Cemil Tugay said the project draws inspiration from successful models in London and Milan. “These vehicles, electric and seasonal, will mainly serve tourist areas, providing a pleasant and sustainable way to explore the city,” Tugay noted.
The initiative aligns with İzmir’s broader sustainability goals, aiming to promote clean mobility while enhancing the city’s appeal to tourists and residents alike.
Despite the environmental promise, the proposal has faced mixed reactions. Erkan Özkan, head of the İzmir Drivers’ Chamber, expressed concerns over the timing and terminology of the project. “Launching such a project before solving İzmir’s chronic traffic problems may not be the right approach,” Özkan said. While supporting the concept as a nostalgic and eco-friendly option for elderly residents and tourists, he added: “We have no objection as long as it’s not presented as an alternative to taxis.”
The chamber also objected to using the term “taxi” in the project’s name, arguing that it creates confusion and “negative perceptions” for professional drivers.
Meanwhile, CHP İzmir MP Tuncay Özkan criticized the project sharply, calling it “a modern form of slavery.” Mayor Tugay dismissed such comments as “baseless interpretations.”
If implemented, İzmir would become one of the first major cities in Turkey to launch a publicly operated bicycle taxi system, marking a new chapter in the country’s transition toward sustainable urban mobility.
Source: Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Şahika Ercümen Breaks Her Own World Record with 107-Meter Dive in Antalya’s Kaş
Antalya, TURKEY – National free diver Şahika Ercümen has broken her own world record in the variable-weight, finless diving category, achieving a remarkable 107-meter descent in a single breath off Hidayet Bay in the Kaş district of Antalya.
Ercümen, one of Turkey’s most accomplished athletes in underwater sports, completed the record-breaking dive from a boat anchored off the coast of Kaş, a world-renowned diving destination. The successful attempt surpassed her previous world record, once again cementing her place among the elite in international free diving.
Following the dive, Ercümen expressed her pride and gratitude, noting that the achievement was the result of long-term preparation and discipline.
Officials and supporters who accompanied the record attempt celebrated as the national athlete resurfaced safely after the dive.
Source: Fethiye TV
SPORT
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor weekly update.
Work has begun on the demolition of the main stand at Fethiyespor’s stadium after it failed a recent safety inspection. The structure will be completely rebuilt to meet updated safety and spectator standards.
Fans are advised to follow club announcements for updates on temporary seating arrangements and stadium access during the rebuilding process.
Match Result
Fethiyespor lost their away match against Isparta 32 Spor on Sunday with a final score of 2-1. Following recent matches, Fethiyespor moves down to 11th place in the league tables.
League Match
Despite the construction work, Fethiyespor’s fixture schedule remains unchanged. The team’s next home match will be played against Kırklarelispor on Saturday, October 25, with kick-off at 17:00.
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 56.24 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 55.87 TL.
The US Dollar bought 41.89 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 41.84 TL.
The Euro bought 48.84 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 48.62 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
