Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
Firefighting Plane Crashes in Yatağan, Pilot Safe
Yatağan, Muğla– A firefighting aircraft belonging to the General Directorate of Forestry crashed during an emergency landing in Hacıbayramlar Village, Yatağan district of Muğla, on Friday.
According to Muğla Governor İdris Akbıyık, the aircraft experienced a technical malfunction and was forced to make an emergency landing in the Sepetçi area of the village.
“A firefighting aircraft belonging to our General Directorate of Forestry made an emergency landing on a vacant lot in the Sepetçi area of Hacıbayramlar due to a malfunction. Our pilot was transported to Muğla Training and Research Hospital for medical checks, and according to initial reports, his life is not in danger. The impact of the hard landing also caused damage to the aircraft,” Governor Akbıyık said in a written statement.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene immediately. The pilot’s condition is reported to be stable, and authorities confirmed that there is no threat to his life.
Governor Akbıyık extended his support, stating: “We extend our condolences to our Forestry Department and our nation.”
27 Million Liters of Waste Collected from 42,000 Boats
Muğla – The Muğla Metropolitan Municipality continues its environmental protection efforts with eight waste collection boats operating in Gökova Bay, Göcek, and Dalaman bays. To date, a total of 27,605,462 liters of wastewater has been collected from 42,932 boats, along with waste oil, bilge water, and solid waste.
According to official data, the Municipality’s waste collection boats have so far collected:
- 21,959 liters of waste oil
- 69,043 liters of bilge water
- 27,605,462 liters of wastewater
- 17,794,185 kilograms of solid waste
Since January 1, 2025, the Municipality’s waste collection boats have served 5,039 boats across Gökova, Göcek, and Dalaman bays. In the first eight months of the year, they collected 426 liters of waste oil, 2,427 liters of bilge water, 4,458 liters of wastewater, and 458,520 kilograms of solid waste.
“Protecting the seas is a responsibility”
Ahmet Aras, Mayor of Muğla Metropolitan Municipality and the Coastal Aegean Municipalities Union, underlined the importance of safeguarding the region’s marine environment:
“The blue waters of Gökova, Göcek, and Dalaman must be preserved not only for today but also for future generations. Our eight waste collection boats are clearing the bays and seas of waste. Clean seas are not only vital for tourism but also for fish and marine life. Protecting the seas is not just a duty, but a responsibility.”
The Muğla Metropolitan Municipality has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the region’s coasts, ensuring both the sustainability of marine ecosystems and the cleanliness of seas that are central to the area’s tourism economy.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/42-bin-tekneden-27-milyon-litre-atik-toplandi
Caretta Caretta Hatchlings Meet the Sea
Fethiye, Muğla – As part of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change’s General Directorate of Natural Assets Protection efforts, monitoring and protection activities continue in the Fethiye-Göcek Special Environmental Protection Area, which includes Çalış, Yanıklar, and Karaot (Akgöl) beaches. This season, loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) hatchlings have begun reaching the sea from protected nests in the region.
Officials reported that while the number of nests has decreased this year compared to last, due to issues such as businesses using white lighting and waste left behind by picnickers, more than 100 loggerhead nests have been secured and monitored. Hatchlings from these nests have already been released into the sea.
Dr. Doğukan Mutlu, a member of the project team, said that volunteers from various universities have joined the work and made significant contributions to field studies. He shared the season’s results:
“We have identified over 100 loggerhead nests so far. The Ministry, together with volunteers, has been intensively monitoring and protecting loggerhead sea turtles in Fethiye’s Çalış, Yanıklar, and Karaot areas. Nests are protected with cages, and hatchlings are being safely guided to the sea.”
Dr. Mutlu warned, however, that Çalış Beach remains a critical problem area:
“This area experiences intense human activity, especially during summer months. Waste left by day visitors poses a serious risk to the nests. More importantly, the white lights used by businesses are harmful. We observed a significant decrease in the number of nests in Çalış compared to previous years. During the nesting season, turtles can become disoriented and stressed due to large crowds and bright lighting.”
He stressed that solutions require collaboration with local stakeholders and added:
“The Ministry’s work is carried out with the support of researchers and volunteers, but locals also need to take greater ownership. The same sensitivity should be shown by businesses operating on the beaches.”
Loggerhead turtles, a vulnerable species, continue to be a vital part of the marine ecosystem in Muğla’s Fethiye district, where protection projects are crucial for their survival.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/caretta-caretta-yavrulari-denizle-bulustu
Cost Crisis at Producers’ Market: Farmers and Buyers Both Suffer
Fethiye, Muğla –The producers’ market held every Friday in the Fethiye district of Muğla has become the centre of growing frustration, with both farmers and consumers voicing complaints about rising costs and low sales prices.
Local producer Mevlüt Sarıçlı said they are struggling to sell their harvest at even the cost price, despite bringing produce from the highlands.
“We are currently bringing our produce from the highlands, but the market is not very cheerful. We can’t sell our produce, and the market isn’t saving our labour. The products we sell wholesale have sold out. We are now stuck in the ground. We want the government to find a solution as soon as possible. If they don’t support the producers, we’re in dire straits,” Sarıçlı said.
He underlined the burden of agricultural input costs, particularly fertiliser and transport:
“When we go to buy fertiliser, one sack costs 4,000 TL. My one ton of tomatoes costs 10,000 TL, and two sacks of fertiliser cost another 10,000 TL. It’s not even worth the cost of the produce we bring here. Right now, it sells for 25 TL. How are we going to produce under these conditions?”
Consumers, meanwhile, expressed sympathy for farmers while acknowledging the rising cost of living. Local resident Gülgün Doğan, who came to shop at the market, said farmers’ struggles are visible in every stage of production:
“Farmers will plough, produce, and spray… How much will all of this cost? How will they ultimately sell? There’s also the transportation cost. Prices seem reasonable to consumers right now, but actually, 25 lira is cheap compared to these costs. I’m a buyer, so I should complain, but…”
In Fethiye, producers are calling for urgent government support, citing fertiliser prices, transport expenses, and low purchase rates as obstacles to sustaining agriculture, while residents acknowledge that farmers’ labour is not being rewarded despite higher living costs.
Mayor Karaca Responds Strongly to Claims He Will Switch to AK Party
Fethiye, Muğla – Fethiye Mayor Alim Karaca has issued a firm denial of claims circulating in some media outlets and on social media that he intends to “switch to the AK Party.” Emphasising his commitment to the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the citizens who elected him, Karaca said:
“I would not betray the votes of the 45,600 citizens who voted for me. I am loyal to this party founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. I am in my place; no one should worry.”
Karaca criticised those spreading the rumours, claiming they were doing so to attract attention:
“I am not someone who would betray the 45,600 votes given to me. I would not betray my party, which nominated me as a mayoral candidate in Fethiye, the most beautiful city in the world. This party is the party that founded the republic. I am loyal to this party founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.”
The mayor also addressed ongoing speculation that has followed him since taking office:
“Rumours such as ‘a trustee will be appointed to the municipality’ or ‘the mayor will be removed from office’ have been circulating since I took office. I am absolutely against transfers between political parties. I have been mayor for three terms; I have never discriminated against anyone based on political views. But let everyone know this: Alim Karaca has a stance, and he will never compromise on it. I will stand firm, no matter the cost.”
Highlighting his record in office, Karaca said he has faced no legal investigations and underlined the municipality’s financial health:
“I’ve been in office for three terms, and there isn’t a single legal case against me. Dozens of state inspectors and the Court of Accounts have reviewed all our documents, and we haven’t found the slightest deficiency. We are the only municipality in Turkey with no debt. We provide uninterrupted service in 41 neighbourhoods. We serve as mayor with honour and dignity, and we will continue to protect every penny of our citizens.”
Reaffirming his political stance, Karaca concluded:
“I will continue to serve as mayor of the Republican People’s Party, no matter the cost. I will not betray the votes of the 45,600 citizens who voted for me; I will protect them to the very end.”
Turkey Welcomes Chinese Influencers to Iconic Destinations
Istanbul / Cappadocia – Turkey is stepping up efforts to attract Chinese travelers by promoting its cultural and historical heritage to a vast digital audience. The Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), in collaboration with Turkish Airlines, recently hosted a promotional program under its Far East Projects, welcoming 29 prominent Chinese digital content creators to Istanbul and Cappadocia.
In Istanbul, the influencers toured world-famous landmarks including Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, and Topkapı Palace. They also explored İstiklal Avenue’s cultural highlights such as St. Anthony of Padua Church, Çiçek Pasajı, and Narmanlı Han, visited Galataport, enjoyed a private Bosphorus boat tour, and took part in a mosaic lamp workshop.
The group then travelled to Cappadocia, where they visited the Kaymaklı Underground City and Göreme Open-Air Museum, joined pottery workshops, experienced horseback riding in Love Valley at sunset, and watched the sunrise from a hot air balloon before enjoying a traditional Turkish breakfast.
The trip also coincided with the Nevşehir Culture Route Festival, where the guests attended the opening of the Chinese Folk Arts Exhibition and met with China’s Ambassador to Turkey.
Their travel experiences were widely shared across leading Chinese platforms such as Douyin, Bilibili, RED, Weibo, and WeChat, reaching millions of potential travelers. Engagement results from the campaign will be reported by TGA as part of Turkey’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the Chinese tourism market.
Source: Hürriyet Daily News
SPORT
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor weekly update.
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has now introduced online ticket purchasing. Tickets are available to purchase at biletinial.com.
Fethiyespor’s qualifying game for the Ziraat Cup (Turkey’s equivalent of the FA Cup) takes place on Wednesday 3rd September, with kick-off at 19:00.
The next league match is scheduled for Sunday 7th September, with the kick-off time yet to be confirmed.
Match Result – 30th August
Fethiyespor drew their home match on 30th August against Soma Spor. The final score was 1-1.
Following the recent matches, Fethiyespor remains in 14th place in the league tables.
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Turkish Lira (TL) exchange rates
The British Pound bought 55.51 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 55.36 TL.
The US Dollar bought 41.10 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 40.96 TL.
The Euro bought 48.02 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 47.99 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
