Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
Fethiye Opens New Animal Shelter
Fethiye, Muğla — A new animal shelter has officially opened in Fethiye, providing improved facilities designed to offer safer, healthier and more modern living conditions for animals.
The new facility is located on a 37-decare site and includes 1,950 square metres of indoor space across 21 separate blocks.
Facilities at the shelter include:
- A reception building
- Administrative units
- A fully equipped operating room
- Dedicated living areas for cats and dogs
- Paddock areas for horses
The opening marks the fulfilment of a commitment to improve conditions for Fethiye’s animal population.
In a statement marking the opening, thanks were extended to local residents, colleagues and everyone who contributed to the project, as well as officials and citizens who travelled from near and far to attend the ceremony and show their support.
The new shelter is intended to provide a safer and more suitable environment for animals in the Fethiye area.
Source: Fethiye Belediye
Fethiye Deputy Mayors Visit Fire Station During Firefighters’ Week
Fethiye, Muğla — Deputy Mayors Veli Uysal and Oğuz Bolelli visited the Fethiye Fire Station as part of Firefighters’ Week, meeting with firefighters and young people aspiring to join the profession.
During the visit, the deputy mayors spoke with fire service personnel and young aspiring firefighters, recognising the dedication and courage required in their work.
The Fethiye Municipality also paid tribute to the entire fire department, which responds to emergencies ranging from fires to natural disasters.
The municipality extended its best wishes for continued success to firefighters in their demanding and selfless work.
Source: Fethiye Belediye
Traditional sesame harvest begins in Dalyan
DALYAN, ORTACA — The annual sesame harvest has begun in the Dalyan neighbourhood of Ortaca, although the crop was harvested somewhat later than usual this year.
Traditionally, sesame plants are cut in September and arranged in upright bundles to dry. In October, the dried bundles are collected by hand and placed on tarpaulins spread across the ground.
The bundles are then beaten with sticks, allowing the sesame seeds to fall from their pods. The seeds are subsequently cleaned using a sieve to separate them from stalks and other debris.
The traditional process highlights the considerable manual labour involved in sesame production and reflects a longstanding agricultural practice in Dalyan.
News: Dalyanlı
Photo: Maria Jonker
Nif Cherry Reaches Key Milestone Towards Geographical Indication Registration
Fethiye, Muğla — The Nif Cherry has taken an important step towards gaining official geographical indication status after the application submitted by the Fethiye Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FTSO) was published in the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office’s Official Geographical Indication and Traditional Product Name Bulletin on October 1, 2026.
The application, submitted by FTSO on December 29, 2023, seeks to register Nif Cherry as a geographical indication, specifically an indication of source. Following the completion of the public review period, the cherry is expected to receive official registration.
A tradition dating back to the 1950s
Cherry cultivation in Nif, Fethiye, dates back to the 1950s, with the region’s climate and natural conditions providing favourable conditions for production.
Nif Cherries are known for their large size, deep red colour and round or heart-shaped appearance. Their firm flesh, juicy and sweet flavour and resistance to cracking also help the fruit maintain its quality after harvesting.
The cherries are particularly valued for their export potential, with their substantial fruit weight and quality making them a sought-after agricultural product.
FTSO Chairman of the Board Osman Çıralı welcomed the latest development, highlighting the importance of protecting both producers and the agricultural heritage of Nif.
“The Nif Cherry is a valuable asset born from Nif’s soil, climate, and a long-standing production tradition.”
Çıralı noted that cherry cultivation is more than an economic activity for the area, forming an important part of Nif’s agricultural and cultural identity. The long-running Nif Cherry Festival is also a reflection of this tradition.
He said the geographical indication would help protect producers’ efforts, raise awareness of the product and increase its economic value.
Çıralı also highlighted the cherry’s potential in wider markets, saying the aim is for its distinctive quality to become better recognised and for producers to receive greater value for their work.
Eight regional products with geographical indication status
With the addition of Nif Cherry, the number of products from the region holding geographical indication status will reach eight, once registration is completed.
FTSO says geographical indications play an important role in protecting local production, strengthening regional brands and helping traditional products reach new markets.
The latest development also highlights the wider economic potential of Fethiye and Seydikemer, where agriculture continues to complement the region’s internationally recognised tourism sector.
Source: Fethiye TV
6,000 juvenile fish released at Bodrum Fish Festival
Bodrum, Muğla —The second International Bodrum Fish Festival (BoBaFest 2026) has opened in Akyarlar’s Karaincir Bay, bringing together Bodrum’s maritime heritage, fishing traditions, gastronomy, art and music.
The three-day festival began with an opening ceremony attended by local officials, public institutions, professional organisations and festival stakeholders. Speakers highlighted the importance of protecting Bodrum’s marine ecosystem, supporting traditional fishing, promoting local producers and extending tourism beyond the summer season.
A key moment of the opening day saw 6,000 juvenile fish released into the sea at Karaincir Beach, highlighting the importance of sustainable fishing and protecting marine life.
Bodrum Mayor Tamer Mandalinci said the sea represents the city’s very existence and stressed the need to continue efforts to protect the marine environment.
Muğla Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Aras also highlighted Bodrum’s growing programme of maritime events in October, including the Bodrum Cup and Fish Festival.
Following more than 30,000 visitors in a single day last year, the festival has expanded to three days this year. The programme includes gastronomy workshops, academic talks, concerts, dance performances, documentary screenings, exhibitions, book signings and activities for children.
International participants include chefs and artists from Corsica, while Russian chefs Igor Bukharov and Sergey Biksaleev will take part in a session exploring fish in Russian cuisine.
The festival aims to celebrate Bodrum’s long-standing relationship with the sea while raising awareness of marine conservation, sustainable fishing and the importance of keeping the district’s maritime culture alive for future generations.
Source: Gerçek Fethiye
International scientists study Lake Van microbialites for clues about Mars
VAN, TURKEY — An international team of scientists has conducted underwater dives in Lake Van in eastern Turkey to collect microbialite samples as part of research into carbonate formations that could provide clues about similar environments on Mars.
The study, led by Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, focuses on tiny carbonate structures known as nanospheres found within biofilms developing on active microbialites. These formations develop through interactions between microorganisms and minerals in the water.
Researchers dived near Altınsaç in Gevaş district, collecting samples from different depths and recording measurements including pH, temperature and dissolved oxygen levels.
Project coordinator Çetin Yeşilova said the samples were preserved with glutaraldehyde before being sent to laboratories in several countries for further analysis. The researchers aim to determine the origin of the nanospheres and compare the findings with samples from Lake Salda in Burdur.
The project brings together researchers from Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Pamukkale University, the University of Warsaw in Poland, the University of Calabria in Italy and the China University of Geosciences.
Scientists say Lake Van and Lake Salda are particularly valuable for research because both have highly alkaline waters, with pH levels close to 10, creating extreme environments where life is difficult.
The team hopes eventually to compare the Lake Van findings with material collected from Jezero Crater on Mars. Martian samples are expected to arrive in 2029, allowing researchers to make direct comparisons.
The project is supported by Van Yüzüncü Yıl University’s Scientific Research Projects Coordination Office and focuses on understanding how microbialites and their carbonate structures form in extreme environments.
Source: Daily Sabah
Five miners killed in Soma mine collapse
SOMA, MANİSA — Five workers have died following a collapse at the İmbat Mining operation in the Soma district of western Turkey.
The collapse occurred at around 1:15 p.m. on October 1, trapping seven workers underground. Rescue teams initially reached four miners, but two were pronounced dead and two others were injured and taken to hospital.
Rescue operations continued throughout the night for the three workers who remained trapped. Their bodies were recovered in the early hours of October 2, bringing the death toll to five.
The cause of the collapse remains under investigation. Three prosecutors have been appointed to oversee the investigation, while the Labor and Social Security Ministry has also assigned a chief labor inspector to examine the accident.
Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş said psychosocial support teams had been deployed to assist the miners’ families and others affected by the incident.
The accident occurred in Soma, the same district where a mine disaster in May 2014 claimed the lives of 301 workers, making it Turkey’s deadliest mining disaster.
Source: Hürriyet Daily News
SPORT
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor update.
Match Results
Fethiyespor lost their home game against Karacabey Bld on Saturday. The final score was 0-1
Fethiyespor remain at 14th position in the league table.
Ziraat Turkish Cup
Fethiyespor will play a Ziraat Turkish Cup 2nd Qualifying Round match away against Gaziemir GOG on Wednesday 7th October . Kick off time is 15:00.
League Matches
Fethiyespor will play away against İnegölspor on Sunday 11 October. Kick-off time is 15:30.
Stay connected with all things Fethiyespor — join the Fethiyespor Yabancilar Facebook group for breaking news, new signings, matchday updates, and community discussions.
You can also follow Fethiyespor on Twitter and Instagram
Turkish Lira (TL) exchange rates
The British Pound bought 65.04 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 64.84 TL.
The US Dollar bought 49.12 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 48.95 TL.
The Euro bought 55.28 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 56.64 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
