Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
🧿 LOCAL NEWS
Nevruz Celebrated with Enthusiasm at Yörük Tent in Fethiye
The arrival of spring was welcomed with lively Nevruz celebrations at the Yörük Tent on Çalış Beach in Fethiye. Organized by the Fethiye Yoruk Turkmen Association, Seydikemer Yörük Turkmen Association, and Fethiye Municipality, the event revived traditional Nevruz customs and showcased Yörük culture.
As part of the festivities, the Nevruz fire was lit, with participants jumping over the flames to symbolise renewal and cleansing from bad energies. Old Turkish traditions such as forging iron on an anvil and egg-clashing were also performed, symbolising freedom and unity. Additionally, eggs were boiled with onion peels in a traditional ritual marking the diversity of nature.
Speaking at the event, Fethiye Yörük Turkmen Association President Ramazan Kıvrak highlighted Nevruz’s deep significance in Turkish history and its connection to nature. “Nevruz represents the revival of nature and the fertility of the soil. We are happy to celebrate this special day in Fethiye and Seydikemer.”
Toros Yörüks Turkmen Federation President İsmail Uzunoğlu also emphasised the importance of preserving these customs. “Nevruz marks both the Turks’ emergence from Ergenekon and the arrival of spring. Despite this year’s celebrations being more limited due to Ramadan, we still forged iron, lit fires, and clashed eggs. We will continue to keep our traditions alive,” he stated.
The Nevruz fire symbolises the arrival of spring and the awakening of nature. Jumping over the flames represents purification and a fresh start.
Forging iron represents the Turks’ emergence from Ergenekon and their path to freedom. It is a key symbolic ritual during Nevruz celebrations.
Egg-clashing symbolises friendship, solidarity, and abundance, as well as the renewal of life and nature.
This traditional practice gives the eggs a natural colour, celebrating the vibrancy of spring and nature’s diversity.
Nevruz in Fethiye continues to be an important event, bringing the community together to honour their heritage while welcoming the new season with hope and joy.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiyede-nevruz-coskusu-yoruk-cadirinda-yasandi
Morel Mushroom Prices in Fethiye Hit Record Highs
The price of morel mushrooms in Fethiye has skyrocketed to 3,000 TL per kilo due to insufficient rainfall, significantly reducing harvest yields. Known for their unique flavor and health benefits, these rare mushrooms remain in high demand despite the record-high prices.
Morel mushrooms, a spring delicacy, are usually abundant in Fethiye, but this year’s drought has led to a shortage, causing a surge in market prices. Mushroom collectors report struggling to find adequate supplies, further driving up costs. Despite the steep price, restaurants and private buyers continue to seek out this prized ingredient.
Highly valued for their rich nutritional content and antioxidant properties, morel mushrooms remain a favorite among gourmets and chefs. Experts stress the importance of sustainable practices to preserve this natural treasure amid changing climate conditions.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/kuzugobegi-mantari-fiyati-dudak-ucuklatti
Forest Fire in Kabak Bay Brought Under Control
A forest fire that broke out in the Kabak District of Faralya, in Fethiye’s Muğla province, was swiftly brought under control and extinguished thanks to the rapid intervention of firefighting teams.
Teams from the Forest Management Directorate responded immediately to prevent the flames from spreading further. Following intensive efforts, the fire was successfully contained and extinguished. While cooling operations are ongoing in the affected area, authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
Local officials have urged residents and visitors to remain cautious, especially during dry conditions, to prevent future incidents.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/kabak-koyunda-cikan-orman-yangini-sonduruldu
🧿 NEWS FROM AROUND TURKEY
Mandarin Oriental Bodrum to Expand with 800 Million TL Investment
A new development has emerged regarding the 800 million TL hotel project in Muğla-Bodrum, as the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change announced the start of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.
The project, led by Asta Cennetköy Tourism and Management Inc., is not a new hotel but an expansion of the existing Mandarin Oriental Bodrum. The company, a partnership between Astaş Holding and Pasha Holding, plans to increase the hotel’s capacity from 130 to 220 rooms.
Speaking about the expansion, Asta Cennetköy Tourism and Management Inc. Chairman Vedat Aşçı stated, “We plan to build 90 new rooms on the land next to the hotel. If everything proceeds as planned, we aim to complete the investment within two years.”
Aşçı emphasized that Mandarin Oriental Bodrum is among the most luxurious hotels in both the Mediterranean basin and the world, highlighting its strong guest demand and high pricing standards. He also noted that 80% of guests arrive by private jet, significantly contributing to Bodrum’s airport and hospitality sector.
Mandarin Oriental Bodrum, the brand’s first hotel in Turkey, opened in 2014 with a 650 million euro investment by Astaş Holding. The resort, located on 600 acres in Göltürkbükü Cennet Bay, continues to be a landmark in luxury hospitality.
Source: https://www.turizmguncel.com/haber/mugladaki-800-milyon-tllik-otel-yatirimiyla-ilgili-onemli-gelisme
Greece Extends Visa-on-Arrival Scheme for Turkish Tourists
Greece has extended its visa-on-arrival program for Turkish nationals visiting 12 Aegean islands until April 2026. The scheme, introduced in December 2023, allows Turkish tourists to stay for up to a week without requiring full Schengen access. Patmos and Samothrace have been added to the original 10 islands under the program.
Since its launch in 2024, over 100,000 Turkish visitors have benefited from the initiative, which has boosted tourism and strengthened Greece-Türkiye relations. The program contributed to a 93% increase in travel from Turkish Aegean ports to Greek islands. The extension comes amid ongoing diplomatic discussions between the two countries.
Source: https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/greece-extends-fast-track-visa-scheme-for-turkish-tourists-207178
Protests in London Against the Detention of Ekrem İmamoğlu
The detention of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and 105 others was met with protests in London, organized by the CHP UK Union. The demonstration took place in front of the Turkish Embassy on March 20 and was supported by EMEP, Day-Mer, and the Turkish Workers’ Party, alongside artists, educators, and hundreds of citizens.
Protesters carried banners and chanted slogans such as “Shoulder to Shoulder Against Fascism,” “Justice, Law, and Justice,” and “Resignation, Tayyip!” demanding an end to what they called arbitrary rule. Young participants and members of community centers across London joined in, creating a strong and energetic atmosphere.
During the demonstration, the National Anthem, the 10th Year Anthem, and the Izmir Anthem were sung in chorus. CHP UK Union President Mehmet Şar and British Alevi Federation Founding President İsrafil Erbil left a black wreath at the embassy entrance bearing the words “Sovereignty Unconditionally Belongs to the Nation.” The peaceful protest lasted for about two hours.
Protesters expressed deep concern over the increasing threats to democracy and the rule of law in Turkey. They condemned the detentions as an attack on democratic values and accused the government of using baseless terrorism and corruption charges to intimidate the opposition. The recent arrests of 37 more individuals for “provocative” social media posts were also highlighted as a severe threat to freedom of expression.
The Turkey Democracy Platform strongly condemned the detentions, calling on international human rights organizations and democratic nations to take action. Their statement emphasized that democracy and human rights in Turkey are under serious threat and urged citizens to stand together against injustice. The protest ended with chants of solidarity: “Either all together or none of us!”
Source: Avrupa News Agency
🧿 SPORT
Fethiyespor
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor update.
Match Results
The home match against Afyonspor Kulübü, scheduled for Sunday, 16 March, was not played due to Afyonspor withdrawing from the league at the start of the second half of the season. Fethiyespor won the game 3-0 by default.
Fethiyespor move up to 9th position in the league table.
League Matches
Wednesday, 26 March, 2025 away against İnegölspor. Kick-off time is 11:00.
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Turkish Lira Hits Record Low Amid Political Turmoil
Turkey’s lira tumbled to an all-time low of 42 per dollar on Wednesday before recovering to 37.665, marking a 2.6% decline. The slump came after authorities detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, President Tayyip Erdoğan’s main political rival, in what the opposition called “a coup attempt.”
The benchmark stock index fell nearly 9%, its steepest drop in four years, while bond markets also weakened. Analysts warned that ongoing political crackdowns and legal probes against opposition figures are heightening investor concerns. Commerzbank’s Tatha Ghose noted that a lira rate of 40 per dollar could become too inflationary for Turkey’s central bank to tolerate.
Source: Reuters
Turkish Lira (TL) exchange rates
The British Pound bought 49.04 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 47.22 TL.
The US Dollar bought 37.96 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 36.56 TL.
The Euro bought 41.29 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 39.49 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
