Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
“Temiz Fethiye” Campaign Continues to Gather Momentum
Fethiye, Muğla — The Temiz Fethiye (Clean Fethiye) campaign continues to gain momentum, reaching an ever-wider audience as efforts to protect and preserve the district’s natural beauty intensify.
A large-scale cleanup operation was recently carried out on Çalış Beach, with the participation of officials and employees from international tour operators, chamber presidents, and local citizens. Together, they joined forces to collect litter and raise awareness about the importance of keeping the coastline clean.
Fethiye Municipality teams are working day and night to maintain cleanliness across the region. Strict measures are also being enforced — individuals caught littering or throwing cigarette butts from vehicles are subject to penalties, supported by camera monitoring and citizen reports.
Mayor Karaca called on everyone to take responsibility for protecting the local environment:
“If we all work together, we can leave our paradise of Fethiye a cleaner and more livable place for future generations. I invite everyone to be mindful and take part in keeping our city clean.”
The Temiz Fethiye campaign continues to inspire residents, businesses, and visitors alike to contribute to a more sustainable and beautiful future for Fethiye.
Source: Fethiye Belediyesi
Torrential Rain Paralyses Fethiye
Fethiye, Muğla — Summer came to an abrupt and dramatic end in Fethiye as torrential rain battered the district, bringing 130 kilograms of rain per square meter in just two hours. The sudden downpour paralysed daily life, flooding homes and businesses, stranding tourists in Ölüdeniz, and turning the area’s iconic turquoise waters into murky brown.
Fethiye Mayor Alim Karaca described the situation as a major disaster, saying, “We are combating disasters in every corner of Fethiye.”
One of the areas worst affected by the storm was the world-famous Ölüdeniz neighborhood, where manholes overflowed, streets turned into lakes, and the ground floors of several hotels were flooded. Tourists trapped by the rising water were safely evacuated to higher ground with the help of hotel staff. The normally dazzling blue of the Ölüdeniz Lagoon was replaced by muddy waters as rain and runoff poured down from the surrounding hills.
As the rain subsided, AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency), the fire department, and municipal teams launched extensive cleanup and drainage operations. Water pumps were deployed to clear flooded streets and alleyways, while emergency crews worked tirelessly to restore access and provide assistance to residents and businesses affected by the storm.
In a statement following the floods, Mayor Karaca emphasized the scale of the disaster and the coordinated response:
“We are facing a major disaster. For two days, we, the Meteorological Service, the Governor’s Office, the District Governor’s Office, and ourselves have been warning our people. However, 130 kilograms of rain fell per square meter in just two hours. We are currently combating the disaster in every corner of Fethiye with the full staff of AFAD, MUSKİ, and the Fethiye Municipality.”
Karaca also drew attention to Fethiye’s ongoing infrastructure challenges, noting that the heavy rains once again highlighted the need for improvement:
“We have placed great importance on infrastructure for the past five years. However, there were those who opposed this. Today, we are proving how right we were. We must undertake further infrastructure work in Fethiye. In the coming period, we will work together with the State Hydraulic Works, Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, MUSKİ, and the Fethiye Municipality to find lasting solutions.”
Cleanup efforts are continuing across the district as authorities assess the damage and work to prevent further disruption.
After the day of relentless rain in Fethiye, the skies finally cleared, giving way to sunshine and a spectacular rainbow stretching across the horizon.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiyeye-2-saatte-130-kilogram-yagis-dustu-ilce-felc-oldu
Seydikemer Mayor Akdenizli Inspects Infrastructure After Heavy Rainfall
Seydikemer, Muğla — Following the recent heavy rainfall that affected the region, Seydikemer Mayor Bayram Önder Akdenizli carried out inspections in several neighborhoods to assess the condition of local infrastructure and address issues caused by the downpour.
Mayor Akdenizli emphasized that the municipality is taking swift and proactive measures to minimize the impact of severe weather on daily life.
“We are taking precautions against potential problems and quickly addressing infrastructure and transportation disruptions. Our teams are on the ground 24/7, on high alert,” he said.
Municipal teams continue to monitor vulnerable areas, focusing on road maintenance, drainage improvements, and rapid response to reports from residents. The inspections aim to ensure that Seydikemer remains prepared for further adverse weather conditions and that recovery efforts proceed efficiently.
Source: Fethiye TV
Saklıkent Gorge Closed Due to Rising Water Levels After Heavy Rain
Fethiye, Muğla — Due to the heavy rainfall affecting Fethiye and Seydikemer, water levels in Saklıkent Gorge have risen significantly, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures.
For safety reasons, Saklıkent Gorge has been temporarily closed to visitors until the water level returns to normal. Officials have urged residents and tourists to avoid the area and warned that conditions may remain hazardous until the situation stabilizes.
Municipal teams continue to monitor the gorge closely, ensuring that all safety measures are in place and ready to reopen the site once it is safe for the public.
Source: Fethiye TV
New Procedure Coming for Radars Provoking Citizen Outcry
Ankara, Turkey — The General Assembly of Parliament is set to begin discussions next week on radical changes to the Highway Traffic Law, sparking public debate and concern.
Under the proposed regulations, drivers would receive warnings before approaching radar points through a government-developed app called “Radar Var” (Radar Available). The move aims to improve road safety by alerting motorists in advance, but it has also drawn criticism from citizens who fear it could encourage speeding and reduce the effectiveness of enforcement.
In addition to the app, the new law is expected to bring significant changes to speed limits, radar enforcement, and traffic fines, potentially impacting drivers nationwide. Lawmakers and traffic authorities will discuss the full scope of the changes in the coming sessions, while the public continues to voice mixed reactions.
The debate over the proposal highlights the ongoing tension between road safety measures and drivers’ concerns over enforcement and fines.
Source: Fethiye TV
World Animal Protection Day Event in Fethiye Raises Funds for Stray Animals
Fethiye, Muğla — A special event was held in Fethiye to commemorate World Animal Protection Day, with all proceeds dedicated to the treatment and veterinary expenses of stray animals. The event saw participation from all local animal associations, and stands were set up to raise awareness about loggerhead sea turtles and local bird species.
Sponsored by the Doğa Dostu (DODO) Association and the Fethiye Tourism, Promotion, Education, Culture and Environment Foundation (FETAV), the event featured handcrafted items, souvenirs, books, jewelry, and homemade food for sale, with all proceeds going toward supporting stray animals.
DODO Association President Gökçen Gökmen Bayram highlighted the significance of the day:
“World Animal Protection Day is celebrated worldwide, but we consider it a day of remembrance. We are here for the lives we lost. We are waiting for the law to be amended, and we are not giving up. We will continue to feed and treat them peacefully.”
She also emphasized that a special stand had been set up to raise awareness about loggerhead sea turtles.
Loggerhead and birdwatcher Ali İhsan Emre added:
“Today is both World Animal Protection Day and World Birdwatching Day. In the morning, we went birdwatching with a group of 25 nature lovers from Burdur and Bodrum. We observed the Terek Sandpiper, a bird seen for the first time in Muğla. Many people don’t know that the Çalış region is a bird sanctuary. We ask that our citizens support our nature, our birds, and our loggerheads.”
FETAV Director Dilek Dinçer noted that the event will continue for two days:
“We embarked on this meaningful journey with the DODO Association. The participation was very positive. Proceeds will be used entirely for veterinary expenses for stray animals.”
The event successfully combined awareness, fundraising, and community engagement, highlighting Fethiye’s commitment to protecting its wildlife and caring for stray animals.
Baby Born in Taxi During Emergency Ride in Adana
Adana, Turkey — A routine taxi ride in Adana turned into an unforgettable moment when a pregnant woman gave birth inside the vehicle on her way to the hospital. Both mother and baby are reported to be in good health.
The incident occurred in the Sümer neighborhood of Seyhan district when taxi driver Samet Aygün (30) responded to an emergency call from a taxi rank. He picked up the Syrian Yesen family and set off toward the hospital. During the ride, the mother’s labor intensified, and she gave birth to a baby boy inside the taxi. The umbilical cord was cut by a medical team outside the hospital before mother and child were safely taken inside.
Describing the experience to İHA, Aygün said:
“I was sitting at the bus stop having tea when I received an emergency call. I immediately went to the address and picked up the family. While on the road, the woman suddenly gave birth in my car. I heard the baby’s cry, which was overwhelming. We got her to the hospital, and the nurse cut the umbilical cord in the taxi. Both mother and baby are in good health.”
As a special gesture, Aygün announced that his taxi company, Evren Taxi, will provide free transportation for baby Yesen and her family in the future.
“We will no longer charge taxi fares for baby Yesen and her family,” he said.
The story has touched many in the community, marking a remarkable and heartwarming moment for both the family and the taxi driver.
SPORT
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor weekly update.
Ziraat Turkish Cup 3rd Qualifying Round Schedule Announced
The schedule for the Ziraat Turkish Cup 3rd Qualifying Round has been officially announced. According to the fixtures, Fethiyespor will face Dersimspor in an away match on Wednesday, October 29th at 1:30 PM.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the encounter as Fethiyespor looks to advance further in the prestigious national cup competition.
Match Result:
Fethiyespor lost their away match against Arnavutköy Bld on Sunday with a final score of 2-0. Following recent matches, Fethiyespor moves down to 12th place in the league tables.
League Match
Fethiyespor will play their next match at home against Adanaspor on Sunday October 12, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00.
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Turkish Lira (TL) exchange rates
The British Pound bought 56.13 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 55.38 TL.
The US Dollar bought 41.65 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 41.32 TL.
The Euro bought 48.91 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 48.35 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
