Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
Governor Akbıyık Meets Farmers After Severe Flooding in Seydikemer
Seydikemer, MUĞLA – İdris Akbıyık, Governor of Muğla, met with farmers whose properties were damaged following severe flooding caused by recent heavy rainfall in the district of Seydikemer.
Governor Akbıyık first visited the Çukurincir neighbourhood, where he received information from the headman and local officials at the headman’s office, listening to the requests and concerns of residents. He then inspected flood-damaged greenhouses and met producers affected in the Karaköy and Kumluova neighbourhoods.
During the visits, Governor Akbıyık was accompanied by Seydikemer District Governor Mustafa Dilekli, AK Party Muğla Member of Parliament Yakup Otgöz, Seydikemer Mayor Bayram Önder Akdenizli, AFAD Provincial Director İshak Cindioğlu, Muğla Agriculture and Forestry Director Seyfettin Baydar and other institutional representatives.
Speaking during the inspection, Governor Akbıyık said the greatest damage occurred in Seydikemer and described the rainfall as a once-in-30-years event.
“The greatest damage occurred in Seydikemer. It was a severe rainfall that happens once every 30 years. Damage like this can happen. The damage to covered greenhouses is extensive. Four hundred farmers in 30 neighbourhoods suffered losses. The estimated damage is approximately ₺132 million 268 thousand. Our commissions have made their assessments,” he said.
Akbıyık added that 3,990 decares of open fields and 451 decares of covered greenhouse areas were affected. Beehives and poultry also suffered damage. Approximately 8 million 400 thousand fish and eggs, totalling 94.5 tonnes, were impacted by the disaster.
AK Party Muğla Deputy Yakup Otgöz stated that efforts are underway to find solutions and ease the burden on affected citizens.
“We need to alleviate the suffering of the citizens in Seydikemer District. Our State Water Works is also carrying out work. We stand by all our citizens affected by the flood,” Otgöz said.
Mayor Bayram Önder Akdenizli said the municipality is working in coordination with other institutions throughout the recovery process.
“Thirty of our neighbourhoods were affected by the flood. Most recently, our Arsa neighbourhood was closed due to a landslide. Approximately 50 of our neighbourhoods also experienced minor issues. Of course, sometimes we do not have enough resources. We expect support from other institutions, the State Water Works, and the Forestry and Agriculture Directorates. We are already doing our best to help our citizens,” he said.
Damage assessment and recovery efforts are continuing across the district.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/vali-akbiyik-seydikemerde-selden-etkilenen-ciftcilerle-bir-araya-geldi
Rubbish Piles Up Again in Esenköy’s Çırpı Picnic Area
Fethiye, MUĞLA – The picnic area in the Çırpı section of Esenköy neighbourhood in Fethiye has once again been left covered in rubbish, prompting renewed concerns over environmental responsibility.
Similar scenes have been reported in the past at the popular nature spot, where waste left behind by visitors has become an ongoing issue. Despite regular cleaning by teams from Fethiye Municipality’s Cleaning Services Department, the area quickly becomes polluted again due to litter discarded by inconsiderate individuals.
Although rubbish containers in the area were observed to be empty, food packaging, drink cans, napkins and newspaper scraps were found scattered along the stream and throughout the wooded picnic area.
The recurring problem has drawn criticism from local residents, who say the situation damages both the natural environment and the area’s appeal as a recreational space.
The Çırpı area remains a favourite location for families and groups wishing to spend time in nature. However, the latest images once again highlight the need for greater environmental awareness and personal responsibility among visitors.
Officials and residents alike are urging citizens to show more sensitivity towards protecting natural areas and to dispose of waste properly to preserve the beauty of the region.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/esenkoy-cirpi-mevkiinde-yine-cop-birikti
Taxi Fares Increase in Fethiye
Fethiye, MUĞLA – Taxi fares in Fethiye have officially increased under a newly updated meter tariff.
Under the revised pricing structure, the initial opening fare has risen to ₺150, while the minimum fare is now set at ₺250. The per-kilometre rate has been updated to ₺50.
The increase means that both residents and tourists travelling within Fethiye will face higher transportation costs and may need to plan their journeys accordingly.
The updated tariff has come into effect immediately, reflecting rising operational costs within the sector.
Source: https://fethiyeninellitonu.com/fethiyede-yolculuk-artik-daha-pahali-taksimetre-tarifesi-yenilendi/
Forest Fire in Bodrum Brought Under Control
Bodrum, MUĞLA – A forest fire that broke out in the Değirmenler area of Dirmil neighbourhood in Bodrum was brought under control following the rapid response of firefighting teams.
After receiving reports of the blaze, authorities determined that approximately two acres of forest land had been engulfed in flames. Fire crews dispatched to the scene intervened swiftly, carrying out extinguishing efforts followed by cooling operations to prevent the fire from reigniting.
Preliminary findings indicate that the fire started as a result of an arc in a high-voltage power line.
As a result of the incident, around two acres of forested area were damaged. An investigation into the exact cause of the power line malfunction is ongoing.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/bodrumda-orman-yangini
Tougher Traffic Penalties Take Effect as Highway Law Amendment Published
Ankara, TURKEY – An amendment to Turkey’s Highway Traffic Law has officially entered into force following its publication in the Official Gazette, bringing significantly tougher penalties for a wide range of traffic offences.
The law, approved by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey on February 12, introduces heavy fines, licence suspensions and vehicle impoundments aimed at improving road safety and deterring dangerous driving.
Severe Penalties for Road Rage and Aggressive Driving
Drivers who persistently follow another vehicle with the intent to attack or who exit their vehicle for that purpose will face an administrative fine of ₺180,000. Their driving licences will be revoked for 60 days and their vehicles may be impounded for 30 days. Reinstatement of licences will require a psychotechnical evaluation.
Drivers who dangerously weave through traffic, drive in the wrong direction on highways or divided roads outside residential areas, or stop in a way that obstructs traffic flow may be fined ₺90,000. Their licences will be suspended for 60 days and vehicles impounded for 30 days. However, no fine will apply if a driver stops during a legally authorised demonstration.
Graduated Fines for Red Light and Speed Violations
Running a red light will now result in a ₺5,000 fine, with penalties increasing progressively for repeat offences within one year — rising to ₺80,000 for a sixth violation. Drivers causing an accident by running a red light will have their licences revoked for 60 days. Repeated offences will lead to longer suspensions, with six violations resulting in full revocation.
Speeding fines inside and outside residential areas will range from ₺2,000 to ₺30,000 depending on the severity of the violation. Significant excess speeds may result in licence suspensions of 30 to 90 days. Licence reinstatement will be conditional on full payment of fines.
Heavy Sanctions for Fleeing Police and Drink-Driving
Drivers who flee after ignoring a police “stop” command during inspections will face a ₺200,000 fine, a 60-day licence revocation and 60-day vehicle impoundment.
The fine for driving with an alcohol level above 0.50 per ml has been raised to ₺25,000. Repeat offences will result in fines of ₺50,000 and ₺150,000. Drivers found using drugs or stimulants will be fined ₺150,000 and have their licences revoked. Those refusing alcohol or drug testing will also face a ₺150,000 fine and a five-year licence revocation.
Strict Measures on Licence, Plates and Equipment
Driving without a licence will incur a ₺40,000 fine, while driving with a suspended or revoked licence will result in a ₺200,000 penalty. Vehicle owners allowing unlicensed drivers to use their vehicles will also be fined.
Using fake or altered licence plates will result in fines of ₺140,000, rising to ₺280,000 for repeat offences, alongside possible vehicle impoundment and prosecution under forgery laws.
The manufacture, import or possession of devices that detect speed control systems has also been banned. Manufacturers or importers face fines of ₺370,000, while possession carries a ₺185,000 fine, with devices confiscated.
Failure to use mandatory tachographs, taximeters or winter tyres will also attract substantial penalties, while obstructing snow-clearing operations may result in fines of up to ₺24,000.
Prison Sentences for Leaving Accident Scenes
In cases of fatal or injury-causing traffic accidents, drivers who leave the scene without police permission — except in emergencies — may face one to three years’ imprisonment. Their licences will be revoked for two years, subject to full payment of administrative fines before reinstatement.
With the exception of a terminology change replacing “motorised bicycle” with “electric scooter,” all provisions of Law No. 2918 came into effect on the date of publication.
Authorities say the sweeping reforms are designed to strengthen deterrence, improve compliance and enhance road safety nationwide.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/cezalar-artirildi-trafik-kanunu-degisikligi-yururluge-girdi
SunExpress Launches Direct Overnight Flights from Manchester to Dalaman
Manchester, UK – SunExpress, the joint venture of Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, has announced the launch of direct overnight flights from Manchester Airport to Dalaman, offering passengers a more convenient way to maximise their time in Turkey.
Starting from May 19, 2026, SunExpress will introduce daily night services departing Manchester at 00:45 and arriving in Dalaman at 07:00 local time. The schedule is designed to allow travellers to arrive early in the morning, make full use of their first day, and reduce the need to take additional annual leave when travelling from the UK.
Late evening return flights will also operate, departing Dalaman at 21:05 and arriving back in Manchester at 23:45 local time.
The new night and late evening flights are available to book now, with fares starting from £84.99 one way.
SunExpress will continue to operate a strong summer 2026 programme from Manchester to key leisure destinations across Turkey. This includes up to 24 weekly flights to Antalya, 19 weekly flights to Izmir, 15 weekly flights to Dalaman and twice-weekly services to Bodrum, giving travellers a wide choice of departure times and destinations throughout the season.
Passengers travelling with SunExpress from Manchester will be able to explore Turkey’s turquoise coasts, captivating history and culture, rich local cuisine, and wide range of sports and outdoor activities. Dalaman is a standout destination, home to world-class Blue Flag beaches, including the iconic Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz, alongside vibrant resorts and luxury accommodation catering to every type of holidaymaker.
In addition to traditional summer sun and beach travel, SunExpress also caters to cultural, archaeological, culinary and sports tourism.
SunExpress is a value carrier with a strong presence on the Turkish Riviera and in Anatolia. The airline operates 237 routes to 92 destinations across 35 countries.
Source: SunExpress
Beloved Stork Yaren Returns to Bursa for 15th Year
Bursa, Turkey – Yaren, the much-loved white stork famed for his extraordinary friendship with local fisherman Adem Yılmaz, has returned to northwestern Turkey for the 15th consecutive year as part of the spring migration season.
The stork, regarded as the enduring symbol of Eskikaraağaç neighbourhood on the shores of Lake Uluabat in Bursa, once again landed on Yılmaz’s fishing boat, allowing the pair to recreate their now-iconic pose.
The touching moment was captured by wildlife photographer Alper Tüydeş.
Yaren shares a nest with his mate Nazlı, and the pair can be watched around the clock via live cameras streaming on yarenleylek.com, drawing viewers from across the globe eager to follow their daily lives.
Speaking about the reunion, Yılmaz said that when the stork first arrived on February 24, some villagers initially mistook him for Nazlı, noting how difficult it can be to distinguish between white storks.
“Yaren is the symbol of our village and very dear to me. He stays here for about six months. We bid him farewell at the end of August. During that time, they raise three to four chicks, help them fledge into the wild, and about 15 days later Yaren and his mate depart,” he said.
Yılmaz also welcomed the recent rise in water levels at Lake Uluabat, saying it benefits both fish stocks and birdlife. “Fish multiply, and the birds can fill their stomachs,” he added.
White storks typically live between 20 and 35 years in the wild, though they can reach up to 40 years and often live longer in captivity.
Yaren’s remarkable bond with the fisherman has attracted international attention over the years, turning the small lakeside community into a symbol of harmony between humans and wildlife.
Eskikaraağaç village is part of the European Stork Villages Network, an initiative of EuroNatur, a German nature conservation foundation established in 1987 that promotes cross-border protection of Europe’s wildlife and habitats. The network recognises communities committed to the protection of white storks and their nesting grounds.
Source: Anadolu Agency
SPORT
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor update.
Ziraat Turkish Cup
Fethiyespor will play their final Group A Ziraat Cup match at home against F.Karagümrük, on Tuesday 3rd March, with kick-off at 13:00.
Match Result
Fethiyespor drew their away match against Isparta 32 Spor on Saturday. The final score was 1-1.
Following recent matches, Fethiyespor remains in 12th place in the league table.
League Matches
The team’s next league match is on Sunday 8 March, away against Kırklarelispor Spor. Kick-off will be at 15:00.
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 59.08 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 59.58 TL.
The US Dollar bought 43.83 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 43.65 TL.
The Euro bought 51.67 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 50.81 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Turkey travel tips
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
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