Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
Cleaning Efforts Conducted in the Rain, 20 Bags of Trash Collected
Fethiye, MUĞLA – Fethiye Municipality Cleaning Department teams carried out cleaning work around the fire pool located below the Kayıkseki Recreation Area in the Karaçulha Neighborhood, despite rainy weather conditions.
The teams, who regularly conduct inspections and cleaning operations to prevent environmental pollution caused by the intensive use of recreation areas, performed a comprehensive clean-up around the fire pool in the region. As a result of the efforts, a total of 20 bags of trash were collected.
Municipal officials called on citizens to be more mindful of protecting water resources, which are critically important in the fight against forest fires, as well as maintaining the cleanliness of natural areas. They also stated that similar cleaning activities will continue uninterrupted across the district.
Source: Fethiye TV
Fethiye Achieves Major Zero Waste Environmental Gains
Fethiye Municipality Climate Change and Zero Waste Directorate took strong and meaningful steps for environmental protection throughout 2025. These initiatives not only supported the conservation of natural resources but also made a significant contribution to the fight against climate change.
According to municipal data, thanks to these efforts:
🌳 68,215 trees were prevented from being cut down.
⚡ 7,514,640 kWh of energy was saved.
🌍 5,848.2 kg of CO₂ equivalent greenhouse gas emissions were prevented.
⛽ 118,501 liters of petroleum were saved.
💦 201,369,000,000 liters (201 billion 369 million) of clean water were prevented from being polluted.
🔋 2,726.2 kg of waste batteries were collected, preventing the pollution of a land area approximately equal to three Knight Islands.
🏭 2,479,443 tons of industrial water pollution were prevented.
🌱 Significant savings were achieved in the use of natural raw materials and fossil fuels.
The municipality stated that it will continue to work tirelessly in 2026 to promote a more sustainable, cleaner, and greener future through its Zero Waste initiatives.
Source: Fethiye Belediyesi İklim Değişikliği ve Sıfır Atık Müdürlüğü
Smart Junction Project to Begin at Saklıkent Junction in February
Fethiye, MUĞLA – Seydikemer Mayor Bayram Önder Akdenizli, who was a guest on the “Positive Thinking” program hosted by Erdoğan Cankuş on Fethiye TV, shared an important development regarding the Saklıkent Junction, which experiences heavy traffic, especially during the summer months.
Mayor Akdenizli announced that work on the smart junction project, which is planned to improve traffic flow at the junction, will begin in February. The Saklıkent road is used intensively throughout much of the year due to its importance as both a local transportation route and a major tourist corridor.
It is expected that the completion of the project will significantly reduce traffic congestion in the area and provide safer and more comfortable transportation for drivers and local residents.
In his statement, Mayor Akdenizli emphasized the seasonal traffic density in the region, saying:
“Especially during the summer, there is heavy congestion at the Saklıkent Junction. This sometimes causes problems for both drivers and the local population. If all goes well, the smart junction project will begin in February. Our project is ready. I want to give this good news to all the people of Seydikemer and those who use this road.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/saklikent-kavsagina-akilli-kavsak-geliyor
New Cafe “Coffee Ci” Opens Its Doors in Fethiye
Fethiye, MUĞLA – Another new cafe has opened in Fethiye. “Coffee Ci,” opened by the couple Ceren and Ethem Yüksel located at Maliye Kavşağı, officially began welcoming guests on Saturday with an opening ceremony, introducing its modern concept, homemade desserts, and extensive menu.
The opening was attended by Fethiye Deputy Mayor Veli Uysal, Fethiye Municipal Council Member Yusuf Çaylı, and many invited guests. Refreshments were served, while the business owners personally welcomed visitors.
“Coffee Ci” offers a variety of coffee options, homemade desserts, fresh pastries and pies in the mornings, breakfast selections, and fast food items. The modern decor and friendly atmosphere are designed to provide guests with a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Speaking at the opening, business owner Ethem Yüksel said,
“We are very excited. We thank everyone who attended. It’s a beautiful establishment, and we welcome all of Fethiye.”
Ceren Yüksel added,
“We make our own desserts. We have pastries and pies in the mornings, as well as breakfast, fast food products, and beverage options. We welcome everyone.”
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiyede-coffee-ci-hizmete-acildi
Orange Code Warning Followed by Flooding in Ula’s Gökçe Neighbourhood
Ula, MUĞLA – Heavy rainfall affecting Muğla province brought daily life to a standstill in the Ula district. Following a meteorological “orange code” warning, intense rain caused a stream to overflow in the Gökçe neighborhood.
The stream, which runs through the neighborhood, quickly exceeded its capacity due to the high volume of water flowing from higher elevations. As a result, water spilled over its banks and flooded surrounding areas, causing disruptions to transportation and daily activities.
Local authorities and emergency teams were dispatched to the area to monitor the situation and take necessary precautions. Residents were warned to remain cautious, especially in low-lying areas, and to avoid approaching stream beds during periods of heavy rainfall.
Source: Fethiye TV
Turkey’s Weaving Heritage Showcased at Council of Europe Exhibition
Strasbourg, FRANCE – Turkey’s rich tradition of regional weaving is being showcased in Europe as the “Turkey Weaving Atlas – Memory of Fabric” exhibition opens at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg from Jan. 26 to 30.
The exhibition brings together Turkey’s diverse weaving heritage for the first time in a single international showcase, highlighting centuries of craftsmanship and cultural memory rooted in traditional textile production.
Organised under the auspices of Turkish first lady Emine Erdogan, the exhibition is hosted by the Turkish Delegation during the winter session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).
The display features centuries-old weaving knowledge from all seven regions of Turkey, offering visitors insight into the historical, social and aesthetic dimensions of traditional fabrics. All textiles on display are produced using natural fibres and locally sourced materials through environmentally respectful methods, with traditional weaving recognised as a zero-waste practice free from industrial processes.
The works presented highlight weaving as a vessel of memory, identity and culture, while also reflecting the Council of Europe’s commitment to cultural heritage preservation, rural development and sustainable craftsmanship.
The exhibition aligns with recent PACE reports on cultural heritage and sustainability prepared by Turkish Delegation member Zeynep Yildiz, which emphasise the importance of traditional production methods and sustainable heritage practices.
Yildiz said the “Turkey Weaving Atlas” project, led under Emine Erdogan’s guidance, represents a milestone in preserving traditional textiles. She noted that ongoing efforts in rural Ankara aim to revive the historic Ankara sof fabric through local weaving workshops.
As a member of the PACE Culture Committee, Yildiz added that her forthcoming report on preserving Europe’s rural culture highlights how traditional lifestyles contribute to sustainability. She also thanked Emine Erdogan and women across Turkey, whose skills and dedication are reflected in every piece exhibited.
Source: Anadolu Agency
Magnitude 5.1 Earthquake Strikes Balıkesir’s Sındırgı District
Balıkesir, TURKEY – A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck Balıkesir’s Sındırgı district early Saturday, with tremors felt in Istanbul and several surrounding provinces, according to Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).
Information published on AFAD’s website said the earthquake was centred in Sındırgı and occurred at a depth of 11.04 kilometres.
Officials reported no immediate casualties or damage following the quake.
The tremors were also felt in Bursa, Izmir, Yalova and Kütahya.
Balıkesir Governor Ismail Ustaoğlu said in a post on social media platform X that there were no initial reports of damage, adding that AFAD teams and relevant institutions were carrying out field inspections in the affected area.
Source: Daily Sabah
SPORT
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor update.
League Matches
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has officially ruled Fethiyespor’s midweek fixture as a 0-0 draw, meaning the club will be awarded one point from the match. Yeni Malatyaspor currently sit at the bottom of the league table and have already been mathematically relegated, making the point a welcome, if limited, boost for the Fethiye side.
The team’s next league match is on Saturday 31 January, at home against 1461 Trabzon FK. Kick-off will be at 14:00.
Match Result
Fethiyespor lost their home match against Aliağa FK on Saturday with a final score of 1-3.
Following recent matches, Fethiyespor remains in 14th place in the league table.
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 59.17 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 57.91 TL.
The US Dollar bought 43.37 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 43.27 TL.
The Euro bought 50.21 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 51.29 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
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