Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
Fethiye Commemorates 111th Anniversary of Çanakkale Victory
Fethiye, MUĞLA – The 111th anniversary of the Çanakkale Victory was commemorated in Fethiye with ceremonies honouring the memory of fallen soldiers and veterans.
The March 18 victory, regarded as a historic epic shaped by the faith, courage, and patriotism of Turkish soldiers under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, remains one of the most significant turning points in history. It is widely seen as a testament to Atatürk’s military foresight and political leadership.
As part of the commemorations, officials and citizens gathered to pay tribute to martyrs with respect, mercy, and gratitude. Visits were made to the Fethiye Combat Veterans and Martyrs’ Families Mutual Aid and Solidarity Association, where attendees met with veterans and their families.
In addition, a special remembrance programme prepared by students of Özel Fethiye Middle School brought the spirit of Çanakkale to life, allowing participants to reflect once more on the sacrifices made during the historic campaign.
The day concluded with tributes to all martyrs and veterans who played a role in making Çanakkale “impassable,” with their legacy honoured in a spirit of unity and remembrance.
Source: Fethiye Belediyesi
Road Improvements Enhance Access Between Hisarönü and Kayaköy
Fethiye, MUĞLA – Infrastructure improvements continue across the district, as new roadworks are completed and further upgrades remain underway in protected areas.
In cooperation with Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, hot asphalt works have been successfully completed along the route connecting Hisarönü and Kayaköy, significantly improving driving conditions and accessibility.
Meanwhile, in the centre of Kayaköy — a designated protected site — cobblestone road paving works are continuing in line with the requirements set by the Monuments Board, ensuring that all improvements remain in harmony with the area’s historical and cultural character.
Officials noted that the combined works aim to both enhance transportation comfort and preserve the unique identity of the region. Gratitude was also extended, on behalf of local residents, to Ahmet Aras for his support and contribution to the project.
Source: Fethiye Belediyesi
AI-Powered Radar Systems Strengthen Traffic Controls in Fethiye
Fethiye, MUĞLA – Traffic inspections across Fethiye have been intensified with the deployment of new-generation AI-powered radar systems, aimed at improving road safety and reducing accidents.
Traffic Bureau teams operating throughout the district have begun carrying out continuous inspections in the city centre using advanced radar vehicles. The operations have focused particularly on main arteries and state highways, where speeding violations are most common.
During the checks, drivers exceeding speed limits were identified at radar points positioned on some of the busiest streets in Fethiye. Authorities reported that offenders were issued fines ranging from 2,000 TL to 30,000 TL, depending on the severity of the violation.
Officials stated that the increased penalties are intended to encourage compliance with traffic rules and to minimise the risk of accidents.
One of the most notable features of the new radar systems is their ability to transmit data in real time. The technology enables instant access to key vehicle details, including make, model, licence plate, and speed, allowing teams to record violations quickly and accurately.
Security officials emphasised that inspections will continue to expand in the coming period as part of ongoing efforts to ensure traffic safety across the district. Drivers have been urged to adhere strictly to speed limits.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiyede-yapay-zekali-radarlar-sehir-icinde-devrede
63-Metre Lahmacun in Istanbul Sets Guinness World Record
Istanbul, Turkey – A lahmacun master in Istanbul’s Beylikdüzü district has entered the Guinness World Records by preparing a 63-metre-long lahmacun, drawing large crowds to witness the record-breaking achievement.
The giant version of the traditional Turkish dish, lahmacun, was prepared over several days using specially made dough and filling. The cooking process was carried out with precision to ensure consistent taste and texture along the entire length.
Citizens and visitors gathered in significant numbers to watch the attempt, which combined both spectacle and culinary craftsmanship. Following official measurements, the 63-metre lahmacun was confirmed as a record and later sliced and distributed among attendees.
Authorities noted that the achievement contributes to promoting Turkish cuisine on a global scale, highlighting the international appeal of lahmacun.
Lahmacun master Ramazan Çimen said the record attempt was carried out in front of citizens and a notary to ensure transparency. He stated that the goal was to introduce lahmacun to a wider international audience and secure the recognition it deserves. Çimen added that he and his 40-member team completed the process in a short time while maintaining consistent quality and flavour, expressing pride in achieving a world first.
Widely regarded as a staple of Turkish cuisine, lahmacun is a thin flatbread topped with a mixture of minced meat, vegetables, and spices. Its preparation varies by region and it is commonly served in homes, bakeries, and restaurants across the country.
Source: Daily Sabah
Stolen 16th-Century İznik Tiles Returned to Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey – Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy has announced the successful return of two 16th-century İznik tiles stolen from the Sultanahmet Mosque and the Rüstem Pasha Mosque.
According to a statement from the Ministry on Tuesday, the tiles are now under preservation at the Ankara Ethnography Museum following their recovery.
Ersoy made the announcement during a visit to the exhibition “The Ottoman Sultans’ Devotion: Sacred Relics,” held at the Rami Library. The exhibition showcases sacred relics, Kaaba coverings, Quran manuscripts, and other significant artefacts, reflecting the Ottoman tradition of preserving items of spiritual importance.
Providing details of the recovery, Ersoy stated that the tiles had been listed for sale at an auction house in the United Kingdom. Through coordinated efforts involving the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the listing was withdrawn after the owner agreed to return the artefacts to Turkey.
He highlighted the role of Turkey’s embassy in London, cooperation with the London Metropolitan Police, and scientific verification by experts in confirming the tiles’ provenance. Ersoy also noted that the “TraceArt” system, part of the AI-Assisted Cultural Heritage Identification Project, was used to track and identify cultural assets at risk of illicit trafficking.
Emphasising the importance of the recovery, Ersoy said the return of the tiles reflects Turkey’s ongoing commitment to protecting its cultural heritage. He added that sustained international cooperation and decisive action against artefact smuggling have enabled many historical items to be brought back to their rightful home.
The minister also underlined the cultural and spiritual significance of such artefacts, noting that sacred relics preserved since the Ottoman era remain central to Turkey’s historical identity and collective memory.
Source: Daily Sabah
Liverpool’s Forgotten Ottoman Cemetery Set for Restoration After a Century
Liverpool, England – The United Kingdom’s largest Turkish war cemetery in Liverpool is set to be restored after more than a century of obscurity, having long existed as a public park despite containing the remains of Ottoman soldiers.
Believed to hold the graves of around 30 Ottoman troops, the site dates back to the aftermath of the Crimean War. Following heavy losses during the war, including a devastating Russian attack on the Ottoman fleet in Sinop, several ships were sent to Britain for modernisation.
One such vessel, the frigate Geyvanı Bahri, arrived in Liverpool in June 1856 carrying 360 crew members. During its stay, an outbreak of infectious disease led to multiple deaths among the sailors.
The first recorded casualty, Hasan Mehmed, was buried according to Islamic rites at Liverpool Necropolis. By May 1857, a total of 29 crew members had died and were laid to rest at the same site, forming what became a Turkish military cemetery.
The burial ground later expanded with the addition of another Ottoman soldier, Mehmed Ali, who died in a boiler explosion aboard a separate ship undergoing repairs in Liverpool.
In the late 19th century, the site also became a burial place for local Muslims, particularly after the establishment of a mosque nearby by Abdullah Quilliam. However, the cemetery fell into disuse after reaching capacity in 1898.
By 1914, the burial ground had been converted into a public park known as Grant Gardens, effectively removing visible traces of the graves.
The site remained largely forgotten until it was rediscovered nearly 170 years later by Oxford University researcher Muhammed Hasanov, who uncovered archival records while studying Ottoman consulates in northern England.
Hasanov’s findings confirmed that although the gravestones had disappeared, the burials themselves remain undisturbed beneath the park. After sharing his research with Turkish officials in 2023, discussions were initiated with local authorities.
A restoration project is now being considered in cooperation with Liverpool City Council, with plans to commemorate the site and preserve its historical and cultural significance for future generations.
Source: Hürriyet Daily News
SPORT
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor update.
League Matches
Fethiyespor will play an away match against 68 Aksaray Bld on Tuesday, 24 March, with kick-off scheduled for 14:00.
The team will then return home for their next match against Bursaspor on Saturday, 28 March, with kick-off sceduled for 16:00.
Stay connected with all things Fethiyespor — join the Fethiyespor Yabancilar Facebook group for breaking news, matchday updates, and community discussions.
You can also follow Fethiyespor on Twitter and Instagram
Turkish Lira (TL) exchange rates
The British Pound bought 59.06 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 58.49 TL.
The US Dollar bought 44.28 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 44.06 TL.
The Euro bought 50.67 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 51.23 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
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