Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
“Clean Fethiye” Campaign Gains Momentum
Fethiye, Muğla – The “Clean Fethiye” cleaning campaign, launched by the municipality to combat littering and protect the environment, continues with unwavering determination.
As part of the initiative, camera traps have been installed in public areas to identify individuals who litter. Once detected, municipal police teams respond immediately and take legal action in accordance with regulations.
Municipal officials reaffirmed their commitment to the campaign, stating: “We stand behind this campaign until the very end. Together, we will make Fethiye spotlessly clean.”
The campaign has already received strong public support, with residents encouraged to take part in maintaining a cleaner, greener Fethiye.
Source: Fethiye Belediyesi
“Boats Compete” Sets Sail for a Cleaner Sea
Fethiye, Muğla – In a joint initiative between Fethiye Municipality and the Chamber of Shipping, the “Boats Compete” competition has officially launched, marking a significant step towards protecting our seas and promoting sustainable maritime practices.
The competition aims to raise environmental awareness within the marine tourism sector, encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly habits on boats and supporting more effective waste management strategies.
In line with the Zero Waste principle, all waste generated during the competition will be recorded and separated at the source. Boats that consistently sort and properly deliver their waste will be eligible for prizes following a final evaluation.
This project reflects Fethiye’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility. Municipal representatives emphasised: “We continue our efforts for a Clean Fethiye, on land and at sea.”
The initiative is expected to set a strong example for other coastal communities looking to integrate sustainability into their maritime activities.
Source: Fethiye Belediyesi
TURMEPA and AISIN Launch Waste Collection Boat to Protect Göcek Bay
Göcek, Fethiye – The DenizTemiz Association (TURMEPA), in partnership with AISIN Automotive Turkey, has launched the “TURMEPA 30th Anniversary Waste Collection Boat” in Göcek. With a capacity of 15 tons, the boat becomes the fifth TURMEPA vessel operating in the bay, increasing the region’s total daily waste collection capacity to 55 tons.
At the launch ceremony, TURMEPA Chair Şadan Kaptanoğlu highlighted the boat as a milestone in marine conservation and a meaningful addition to the association’s 30-year legacy. AISIN Turkey Chairman Murat Ayabakan expressed pride in contributing to the project, noting the environmental impact of industrial production and the shared responsibility to protect the seas.
Muğla’s Environment Director Ömer Bolat underscored the importance of protecting the province’s 1,480 km coastline and announced that the number of waste collection boats in the region has now reached 30. He also referenced broader initiatives such as the Zero Waste Project and the upcoming Marine Pollution Action Plan (2025–2029), calling for collective accountability to safeguard marine ecosystems.
The initiative reflects a growing commitment to environmental sustainability in one of Turkey’s most ecologically sensitive maritime regions.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/turmepa-ve-aisinden-mavi-yarinlarimiz-icin-is-birligi
FTSO Launches New Campaign to Promote Fethiye in the UK
Fethiye, Muğla – The Fethiye Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FTSO), in collaboration with Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, is launching a new campaign to promote Fethiye in the UK through targeted advertising on public transport and digital platforms.
FTSO Chairman Osman Çıralı met with Muğla Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Aras to outline the initiative, joined by London-based newspaper owner Vatan Öz and Yavuz Topateş, Advisor to the Mayor of Fethiye. The campaign will highlight Fethiye’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and tourism potential through advertisements in metro and train stations, on buses, and online.
As part of the initiative, Fethiye will also be represented at the London Tourism Fair, with a dedicated stand supported by the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA).
Following the meeting, Chairman Çıralı said:
“We discussed how to reach new target audiences for Fethiye. This joint effort—carried out with Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, Fethiye Municipality, YDA Dalaman Airport Operations, and our Chamber—will help extend the tourism season and enhance the quality of tourism in our region. We thank Mayor Ahmet Aras for his ongoing support and leadership in promoting our destination.”
The campaign aims to strengthen Fethiye’s presence in international markets and attract visitors year-round.
Source: https://www.gercekfethiye.com/ftso-dan-fethiye-nin-ingiltere-tanitimi-icin-yeni-hamle/104221/?p=2
Izmir Implements Daily Water Outage as Part of Conservation Efforts
Izmir, Turkey – The İZSU General Directorate has announced that a partial water outage will be implemented across Izmir starting Tuesday, August 6th, as part of the city’s water conservation and infrastructure management strategy.
According to the official statement, water service will be suspended daily from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM. The measure is aimed at protecting Izmir’s water resources and ensuring the efficient operation of ongoing infrastructure projects.
The outage will affect the entire city, with some districts expected to experience the impact more noticeably.
Authorities have urged residents to plan accordingly and use water responsibly during the day. The measure comes amid growing concerns over water scarcity and the need for sustainable urban management.
İZSU stated that updates will be provided as necessary and thanked the public for their understanding and cooperation.
Source: https://www.gercekfethiye.com/izmir-suda-tasarrufa-geciyor-her-gun-6-saat-su-yok/104290/?p=2
Restoration Nears Completion at 2,200-Year-Old Assos Theater in Turkey
The restoration of the ancient theater in Assos, a 2,200-year-old archaeological site in western Turkey’s Çanakkale province, is nearing completion. Located in Behramkale village in the Ayvacık district, Assos was once a major port city and a renowned centre of philosophy and science in antiquity.
Perched on a volcanic hillside overlooking the Aegean Sea and the island of Lesbos, Assos is best known as the city where Aristotle founded a school and conducted groundbreaking studies in zoology and botany. The city, surrounded by well-preserved walls and towers, features notable structures such as a bouleuterion (council house), agora, gymnasium, necropolis, and the Temple of Athena—one of the oldest Doric temples in Anatolia.
The theater, built into a natural slope south of the agora, dates back to the late 4th century BCE and was later adapted during the Roman era for gladiator and animal combat. It originally featured a horseshoe-shaped seating plan, a two-story stage (proskenion), and designated seating areas for various trade guilds and religious groups. Some conservation efforts were undertaken in the 1990s.
According to excavation director Prof. Nurettin Arslan, the theater’s full restoration—pending final approvals—will allow it to host concerts and theatrical performances during the summer. The project is expected to make Assos one of the most important cultural and touristic destinations in the region, promoting sustainable heritage tourism.
Excavations at the site have been ongoing since 1981, with the current season marking the 44th year of research. Assos was also the first ancient city in Turkey excavated by American archaeologists in the 19th century.
Forest Fires Damage Over 400 Homes Across Turkey Since June, Aid Distributed
Ankara, Turkey – Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that a total of 407 homes, 17 businesses, and 96 barns have been destroyed or severely damaged across 13 provinces in Turkey due to forest fires since June 1.
In a statement released Wednesday on social media, Yerlikaya said the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and other relevant institutions are carrying out damage assessments and providing rapid assistance to affected communities.
According to Yerlikaya, ₺128.4 million (approximately $3.16 million) has been allocated for relief efforts. Of this amount, over ₺83.2 million has already been distributed to 490 households in seven provinces.
The western province of Izmir was among the worst affected, with 295 homes damaged. Authorities have distributed ₺40.5 million in the province, including ₺34.3 million for housing and ₺6.2 million for related needs.
In Bilecik, in northwestern Turkey, 69 damaged homes prompted nearly ₺35.7 million in compensation. Additional payments included ₺1.7 million for five homes in Manisa’s Akhisar district, ₺2.2 million for 71 homes in Hatay, ₺800,966 to 10 households in Çanakkale, ₺495,000 for four households in Sakarya, and ₺1.8 million for 36 homes in Karabük.
To address emergency housing needs, 105 container homes were dispatched to the affected areas. As of now, 63 units have been installed, including 26 in Izmir, 27 in Bilecik, three in Sakarya, and seven in Karabük.
Detailed damage assessments have been completed across the impacted provinces. In Izmir, officials recorded damage to 288 buildings, 320 independent units, 252 homes, 13 businesses, and 27 barns. Bilecik reported 134 buildings, 157 units, 75 homes, three businesses, and 33 barns affected.
Other affected provinces include:
- Hatay: 4 buildings, 4 units, 1 barn
- Çanakkale: 8 buildings, 9 units, 2 homes, 6 barns
- Tekirdağ: 12 buildings, 13 units, 1 home, 11 barns
- Sakarya: 10 buildings, 12 units, 7 homes, 2 barns
- Karabük: 64 buildings, 74 units, 45 homes, 3 barns
- Antalya: 3 homes, 1 barn
- Ankara: 11 homes
- Uşak: 4 homes, 7 barns
- Mersin: 3 homes
- Bursa: 1 home, 1 business, 3 barns
- Kahramanmaraş: 3 homes, 2 barns
Minister Yerlikaya called on the public to remain vigilant and take extra care during the summer months to prevent further incidents.
“Especially during the summer heat, it is critically important that our citizens take extra precautions to protect our forests,” he said. “May God protect our nation and country from all kinds of disasters.”
Source: Daily Sabah
Wool carpets age under sun in southern Turkey’s Antalya
Antalya, Turkey– On the sun-baked plains of southern Turkey, the outskirts of Antalya come alive each summer with a vibrant mosaic of handwoven carpets and kilims, laid out across harvested fields in a centuries-old tradition that is slowly fading.
From June to September, the Döşemealtı district becomes an open-air carpet aging ground, as merchants from across the country bring thousands of wool rugs to be treated under the Mediterranean sun. The natural process—used to soften dyes, eliminate moisture and odours, and enhance colour tones—transforms empty farmlands into what looks like a vast patchwork quilt.
The tradition is carried on by a dwindling number of practitioners. Among them is Hasan Topkara, a veteran carpet dealer who now oversees the care of some 15,000 carpets spread across a 40-hectare (100-acre) site. In past decades, he says, as many as 60,000 carpets would be processed in a single season.
Each rug is meticulously washed, inspected, and laid out to sun-dry for up to three months. A team of 50 workers continuously turns and monitors them, while another 100 villagers remain on alert to help quickly gather the carpets at the first sign of rain. The entire collection must be sheltered within 45 minutes to prevent water damage—then laid out again once the weather clears.
The wool, dyed with natural vegetable colours, responds to the sun’s intensity and the rhythm of the day—fading into soft, pastel tones that signal readiness. Once aged, many of the rugs are shipped to Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and exported to international buyers.
Over time, the drying fields have also become an unexpected tourist attraction. The site gained national attention in 2018 when Turkish pop artist Mabel Matiz filmed his music video “Sarmaşık” among the carpets, drawing interest from visitors intrigued by the blend of craftsmanship and landscape.
“This work is not just trade, it’s tradition,” said Topkara. “It’s part of our culture and our history.”
As the number of carpet processors continues to decline, the colourful fields of Döşemealtı stand as a rare and fading symbol of Turkey’s rich textile heritage, where artistry meets the elements in one of the country’s most vivid and enduring summer scenes.
Source: Daily Sabah
SPORT
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the update.
Fethiyespor Prepares for New Season with Training, Friendlies, and New Signings
Fethiyespor continue their preparations for the upcoming season at their boot camp training base, where the squad remains focused on fitness, tactics, and team development.
Fethiyespor remain in full swing at their pre-season training camp in Kartepe, where the team is continuing intensive preparations ahead of the 2025–26 campaign.
As part of their training programme, Fethiyespor have played two pre-season friendlies:
A 2–1 loss to Qatari side Mesaimeer Sports Club
A 1–1 draw against Söke 1970 Spor
Meanwhile, the 2025–2026 Season 1st to 17th Weekly Fixture Schedule for the Nesine.com 2nd League Red Group has been officially announced.
Key: Hafta = Week/D = Away Game/E = Home Game
In transfer news, Fethiyespor has reached an agreement with Alanyaspor for 20-year-old midfielder Bera Çeken, a German-born talent who came through the youth academy of Bundesliga side SV Sandhausen. The promising player is expected to strengthen the squad’s midfield options going into the new season.
Season Tickets Now On Sale
Fethiyespor’s 2025–2026 season tickets are now available for purchase online only via the Biletinial website. Fans who hold a Biletinial Digital Card can secure their place at every home match this season.
Season Ticket Prices:
- MARATHON BLOCK C – 5,000 TL
- VIP BLOCK A – 10,000 TL
Fethiyespor will kick off the new season with an away match, and the kick-off time has now been confirmed as 16:30.
Stay tuned for further updates as the team continues its build-up to the season opener.
Join the Fethiyespor Yabancilar group on Facebook for more news and updates
You can also follow Fethiyespor on Twitter and Instagram
Turkish Lira (TL) exchange rates
The British Pound bought 53.97 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 54.48 TL.
The US Dollar bought 40.63 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 40.55 TL.
The Euro bought 46.65 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 47.63 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
2 responses
It is great to see the article on advertising Fethiye in the UK. My husband and I have enjoyed many holidays in the Calis/Fethiye. We have introduced the area to friends and have English friends living in the area.
Thank you for your comment. It’s great to hear that you and your husband have enjoyed holidays in Çalış and Fethiye, and that you’ve introduced the area to friends. It’s always nice to hear from people who know and appreciate the region.