Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Türkiye.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
Fethiye Municipality conducts cleanup operation at Lovers’ Hill amid ongoing littering issues
Fethiye Municipality teams recently conducted a cleaning operation at the popular viewing spot known as Lovers’ Hill. Despite the breathtaking views the location offers, it has become a recurring problem area due to littering.
Authorities have placed garbage containers throughout the area in an effort to maintain cleanliness, but some visitors continue to disregard these facilities and throw garbage around the hill. The accumulation of litter not only detracts from the natural beauty of the site but also poses environmental risks.
Local officials have expressed their frustration over the ongoing issue, saying, “We provide garbage containers everywhere, but some people still choose to pollute the environment. We repeatedly warn them, but they don’t listen. We are currently at a loss on how to find an effective solution to this problem.”
The municipality emphasizes the need for a collective effort from both locals and tourists to preserve the natural beauty of Fethiye’s scenic spots.
Source: Fethiye Haber Bülteni
Exorbitant restaurant prices in Bodrum Gümüşlük spark outrage among tourists
A recent incident at a restaurant in Bodrum Gümüşlük has caused a stir among both local and foreign tourists due to unexpectedly high prices. A bill totaling 14,500 Turkish Lira (₺) for two people included a shocking price of 1,000 ₺ for a bottle of turnip juice and 3,200 ₺ for a single portion of kokoreç, a popular Turkish dish made from seasoned offal.
These extreme prices have sparked outrage, with many tourists expressing their frustration and disappointment. The incident has highlighted a growing concern over the rising costs in popular tourist destinations like Bodrum, which are forcing tourists to reconsider their travel plans. Many are now choosing to holiday abroad to avoid such exorbitant expenses.
Local chambers and associations are being urged to take action and enforce stricter regulations and self-control measures on pricing in restaurants and other tourist spots. Without intervention, there are fears that these high costs could severely damage the local tourism industry. Stakeholders warn that if such practices continue unchecked, it could lead to a significant decline in tourism, ultimately harming the local economy and community in the long run.
Source: Fethiye Haber Bülteni
Bodrum Municipality intensifies fire prevention and response efforts amid rising forest fires
In response to the growing number of forest fires across Türkiye, the Bodrum Municipality in Muğla has significantly increased its fire prevention and response measures. As part of these efforts, municipal teams will patrol high-risk fire areas, while fire response teams will be on standby around the clock with equipment such as water trucks, tankers, and construction machinery.
The teams from the Bodrum Municipality Police Department have stepped up their patrols, inspections, and controls due to the rising number of forest fires in the region. Meanwhile, the Disaster Affairs Directorate teams are prepared to provide rapid support to both the forest service and fire brigades in the event of a fire.
To quickly tackle fires that may start due to the extremely high temperatures or the negligent use of green areas, vehicles like water trucks, tankers, and other construction equipment are ready for deployment at any time. The teams operating these vehicles will work in shifts, ensuring 24/7 readiness to respond to any fire emergency.
Bodrum Mayor Tamer Mandalinci expressed his concern about the increasing fires throughout Türkiye and emphasized the importance of swift responses to contain them. “To prevent potential fires, our teams conduct patrols from coastal areas to forest regions,” Mayor Mandalinci stated. “They immediately respond to citizen reports and extinguish any fires that arise. During inspections, they warn individuals in these areas against lighting fires or carelessly discarding cigarette butts. Going forward, our Disaster Affairs Directorate teams will work in shifts to act quickly in emergencies. We are committed to protecting our greenery and wildlife, and every living creature is incredibly valuable to us. We hope our citizens will also remain vigilant. It’s crucial to avoid entering restricted areas and to refrain from lighting fires under any circumstances.”
The Bodrum Municipality’s proactive approach reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding both the natural environment and the local community against the dangers posed by forest fires.
Source: https://www.muglagazetesi.com.tr/bodrumda-yangina-mudahale-ekipleri-nobetlese-calisacak-166180h.htm
‘Tersane Istanbul’ nears completion
The “Tersane Istanbul” project, designed to revitalize the historic Golden Horn Shipyard, is approaching its final stages. The project spans a 1.8-kilometer stretch of coastline that has been closed to the public for nearly 150 years and is set to transform the former shipyard into a major tourism destination. According to Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, the initiative aims to revive the area as a vibrant cultural and artistic hub.
“Tersane Istanbul will be a popular center for cultural and artistic activities for Istanbulites in all four seasons,” Uraloğlu stated during an inspection of the project site. The site includes the restoration of 26 registered historical buildings, emphasizing the project’s commitment to blending the region’s historical texture with modern architecture to create a new attraction for both locals and tourists.
The minister highlighted that the project, which has reached 69 percent completion, is being constructed in four phases, with the first phase expected to open by the end of this year. “We have realized a huge investment of approximately $889 million without using public resources,” Uraloğlu noted. He added that the project is expected to generate $1.346 billion in rental income for the treasury over the 45-year operation period.
The renovated coastline will feature walking and cycling trails, cafes, social activity areas, and a library. Additionally, the project will include two marinas, each capable of accommodating 70 yachts, along with water sports facilities. “We are creating experience-oriented activity areas for young people and students, as well as accommodation areas that will support the tourism of the historic peninsula,” Uraloğlu said.
The shipyard, originally known as Tersane-i Amire, dates back to 1455 and was one of the largest shipyards in the Mediterranean during the 16th and 17th centuries. While it served both military and civilian purposes during the Republican period, it has lost its function as a shipyard over the past 30 years.
With the “Tersane Istanbul” project, authorities hope to breathe new life into the historic site, creating employment opportunities for thousands and attracting millions of visitors. As the project nears its final stages, it promises to bring a blend of history and modernity to one of Istanbul’s most storied regions.
Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Türkiye’s Izmir Bay faces mass fish deaths, pollution issues
Fish deaths and foul odors that were first observed along the coastline of the Bayraklı district in Izmir Bay on Türkiye’s Aegean coast have now spread to the Karşıyaka shore.
After the discovery of dead fish and unpleasant smells in the Turan area of Bayraklı on August 20, the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality initiated cleaning operations. Meanwhile, the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, along with the Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, has been conducting laboratory analyses of water and fish samples.
The fish deaths have since extended to the Bostanlı shore in the Karşıyaka district, with many dead fish seen floating in the water and washing up on the shore. The bay’s seawater has turned a greenish-brown color.
Professor Esin Süzer from the Marine Sciences Department at Dokuz Eylül University’s Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology stated that their team has been studying Izmir Bay since 1999. Despite having a water treatment system, the high population density has led to significant domestic and industrial pollution in the bay.
Süzer explained, “This pollution has resulted in high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, causing microalgae blooms. When these algae bloom excessively, they deplete the water’s oxygen levels, leading to fish deaths. The situation is worsened by low oxygen levels caused by high temperatures and slow currents, especially in the inner bay. These deaths are a direct result of oxygen depletion and gill blockages caused by pollution.”
Professor Ergün Taşkın, head of the Hydrobiology Department at Manisa Celal Bayar University’s Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, added that their research indicates Izmir Bay has some of the poorest water quality in Türkiye. Taşkın confirmed that oxygen deficiency due to pollution is the main cause of the fish deaths, with hot weather also contributing to the problem.
Nursel Ölmez, the mukhtar of the Turan neighborhood, emphasized that the area is suffering from strong odors due to the fish deaths and stressed the need for the prompt removal of the dead fish.
Source: Daily Sabah
Esenler Municipality launches initiative to transform Avas Aqueduct into cultural hub
Istanbul’s Esenler Municipality has announced a new initiative to transform the Avas Aqueduct into a “cultural basin” that will highlight the historical and cultural importance of this historic structure. The proposed plan includes the construction of a mosque, a reading space, a dedicated area for children, and a museum, all designed to enhance public engagement with the aqueduct’s rich heritage.
This initiative follows the restoration of the Avas Aqueduct, which was part of a broader conservation effort initiated by the municipality in 2009. The aqueduct, believed to be part of the Suleymaniye waterway system according to some sources, was completed before 1559. It is often referred to as “Mimar Sinan’s seal on Esenler,” a testament to the architectural legacy of the renowned Ottoman architect.
The transformation project aims not only to preserve the aqueduct but also to create a vibrant cultural space that serves the community by promoting learning and appreciation of Istanbul’s historical landmarks.
Source: Hürriyet Daily News
SPORT
Türkiye sends its largest contingent to 2024 Paris Paralympics in athletics
At the 2024 Paralympic Summer Games in Paris, set to start next Wednesday and last through September 8, the largest number of athletes in the Turkish delegation will compete in the track and field events.
Türkiye is sending a record 94 athletes to compete in the Games, with 16 athletes vying for medals in athletics. Of these, seven athletes will compete in the intellectual impairment category, five in the visually impaired category, and four in the physical impairment category.
The track and field events will be held at the Stade de France, which has a capacity of 80,000 spectators.
To date, Türkiye’s first and only medal in para-athletics was won by Semih Deniz, who finished third in the men’s 1,500 meters T11 category at Rio 2016.
Turkish competitors
| Category | Athlete | Discipline |
| Para-athletics | Muhammed Khalvandi | Javelin Throw F57 |
| Para-athletics | Hamide Dogangun | 100 meters T53 400 meters T53 800 meters T53 |
| Para-athletics | Abdullah Ilgaz | High Jump T47 |
| Para-athletics | Rabia Cirit | Shot Put F40 |
| Visually Impaired Athletics | Mikail Al | 1500 meters T13 5000 meters T13 |
| Visually Impaired Athletics | Oguz Akbulut | 400 meters T12 |
| Visually Impaired Athletics | Serkan Yildirim | 100 meters T12 400 meters T12 |
| Visually Impaired Athletics | Serap Demirkapu | Javelin Throw F13 Shot Put F12 |
| Visually Impaired Athletics | Busra Nur Tirikli | Discus Throw F11 |
| Intellectual Impaired Athletics | Aysel Onder | 400 meters T20 |
| Intellectual Impaired Athletics | Fatma Damla Altin | Long Jump T20 |
| Intellectual Impaired Athletics | Esra Bayrak | Long Jump T20 |
| Intellectual Impaired Athletics | Reyhan Tasdelen | Long Jump T20 |
| Intellectual Impaired Athletics | Ebrar Keskin | Shot Put F20 |
| Intellectual Impaired Athletics | Muhammet Atici | Shot Put F20 |
| Intellectual Impaired Athletics | Eda Yildirim | Shot Put F20 |
Source: Anadolu Agency
Fethiyespor
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor update.
The Fethiyespor team celebrated the birthday of their coach, Selahaddin Dinçel this week, wishing him best wishes for continued success!
Fethiyespor won their pre season friendly game at home against Muğlaspor on Saturday. The final score was 2-1.
League Matches
Sunday 1st September at home against Kastamonuspor. The kick-off time is at 19:00.
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Turkish Lira (TL) exchange rates
The British Pound bought 44.46 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 43.56 TL.
The US Dollar bought 33.98 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 33.66 TL.
The Euro bought 38.08 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 37.11 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
