Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
Turkey Commemorates Third Anniversary of Devastating 2023 Earthquakes
Turkey – Turkey on Friday reflected on the third anniversary of the Feb. 6, 2023 earthquakes, holding nationwide ceremonies to honour tens of thousands of victims while reconstruction efforts continue. The twin quakes, measuring 7.7 and 7.6 and centered in Kahramanmaraş, struck 11 provinces in the early hours, destroying neighborhoods, collapsing critical infrastructure, displacing millions, and also affecting northern Syria.
At 4:17 a.m., the exact time the first tremor struck, sirens sounded across affected regions and residents observed moments of silence, many holding photos of loved ones. In Adıyaman, officials, opposition leaders, and survivors participated in a silent walk from the governor’s office to the city’s clock tower, laying carnations, releasing balloons, and reciting prayers. Emotional scenes were witnessed as families remembered those lost in Turkey’s deadliest modern disaster.
Similar ceremonies were held in Kahramanmaraş, where crowds gathered near damaged sites and temporary memorials. In the Pazarcık district, ground zero of the first quake, residents placed flowers and stood in silence as Quranic verses were recited.
In Hatay province, where entire districts were flattened, Muslim, Christian and Jewish religious leaders offered prayers together during a ceremony in the provincial center. Attendees later threw red carnations into the Asi River in memory of those who died. Many survivors said the pain of the disaster remains raw, despite ongoing reconstruction efforts.
In Gaziantep, Adana, and Osmaniye, memorial services were held at the sites of collapsed apartment buildings where dozens lost their lives. Clerics read prayers, and families gathered near rubble-cleared plots that have since become informal memorial grounds.
Commemorations also took place far beyond the disaster zone. In Van, emergency responders observed a moment of silence at the provincial disaster management office, while mountaineers unfurled a Turkish flag at the summit of Mount Erek in tribute. In Zonguldak, civil society groups held a memorial at the city’s miners’ monument, laying flowers and calling for stronger disaster preparedness.
People also paid tribute at the grave of Anadolu Agency correspondent Burak Milli, who was killed along with his wife and 5-month-old baby when their home collapsed in the earthquakes.
Schools across Turkey marked the anniversary with brief ceremonies and lessons focused on earthquake awareness and disaster readiness.
Officials attending the events reiterated pledges to rebuild affected regions and strengthen Turkey’s resilience to future disasters, highlighting safer construction practices and scientific planning. Reconstruction projects have been underway for over two years, with tens of thousands of housing units completed.
For families who lost loved ones, the anniversary served as a poignant reminder that while physical rebuilding continues, the emotional scars endure. “Time passes, but the absence does not,” said one attendee at a memorial in Hatay, standing silently as candles flickered in the early morning darkness.
Source: Daily Sabah
Floods Destroy Bridge over Seki Stream, Road Closed to Traffic
Seki, SEYDIKEMER – Heavy rainfall and flooding in the Seydikemer district have severely disrupted transportation between the Seki and Dont neighbourhoods after a key bridge was destroyed.
The bridge over the Seki Stream in the Çukur Ceylan area was damaged and swept away by floodwaters, forcing the road to be closed to all traffic. The collapse has cut an important local route, affecting residents and drivers travelling between the two areas.
Authorities have placed safety barriers around the site and issued warnings to motorists to avoid the area. Drivers are being advised to use alternative routes and to proceed with caution due to ongoing risks from high water levels and unstable ground.
Local teams are continuing safety and assessment work in the area as officials evaluate the extent of the damage and plan for repairs.
Source: Fethiye TV
Heavy Rain Triggers Flooding Across Bodrum
Bodrum, MUĞLA – Heavy rainfall across Bodrum turned into widespread flooding, with streets and roads becoming lakes and causing major disruption to daily life in many neighbourhoods. Floodwaters entered homes and businesses, while transportation was severely affected in several parts of the district.
The main road between Konacık and Bitez, which was closed due to flooding, was later reopened to traffic following intensive and continuous work by municipal teams. However, Şah Street in Bitez remained closed as floodwaters continued to cover the road.
Municipal police teams rescued citizens who were trapped inside a building, while two people stuck in a vehicle in the Çamlık neighbourhood were also safely rescued by emergency teams.
In Torba, Yalıkavak, Ortakent and Gümüşlük, gravel and sand carried by floodwaters spread across the roads, forcing traffic to be controlled for safety reasons. Many homes and workplaces in these areas were flooded, and residents worked alongside municipal teams to drain the water and limit further damage.
Street animals were also affected by the disaster, with some dogs seen struggling in the fast-moving water. In Bitez, a retaining wall collapsed due to the strength of the flood.
Well-known comedian Mustafa Karadeniz was among those impacted. Caught in the flood while asleep at home, he said: “Suddenly the house was flooded and we threw ourselves outside. We are trying to get the water out with shovels. We cut off the electricity and are waiting for the floodwaters to recede.” Karadeniz was later taken to a safe area with the help of emergency services.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as clean-up and safety operations remain ongoing across Bodrum.
Fethiye and Seydikemer Stands Draw Major Interest at EMITT Tourism Fair
Istanbul, TURKEY – The EMITT Tourism Fair, one of the world’s leading tourism gatherings, proved a major success for Fethiye and Seydikemer, whose stands attracted strong interest from both domestic and international tourism professionals.
Located together under the Muğla umbrella, the Fethiye and Seydikemer stands sent a clear message of unity and cooperation. The Muğla stand became one of the focal points of the fair, drawing the attention of travel agency representatives, tour operators and key sector stakeholders throughout the event.
The fair was attended by Muğla Governor İdris Akbıyık, Muğla Member of Parliament Kadem Mete, Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Aras, Fethiye Mayor Alim Karaca, Seydikemer Mayor Önder Akdenizli, as well as representatives of chambers of commerce, civil society organisations and many other guests. A well-attended cocktail reception on the opening day further underlined the strong interest in the Muğla region, with Governor Akbıyık, MP Mete and Mayor Aras all highlighting the importance of unity and solidarity in tourism promotion.
Speaking at the fair, Fethiye Mayor Alim Karaca said they received very positive feedback during meetings with travel agency owners and tourism professionals. He noted that booking trends were encouraging and that, despite rising costs, Fethiye closed the previous season with a positive balance.
Mayor Karaca also highlighted Fethiye’s strong infrastructure, stating that with the support of relevant institutions there were no problems with essential services such as drinking water, electricity and internet. “Fethiye is a city that attracts visitors with its culture, nature and people. Thanks to its solid infrastructure, it offers a sustainable structure in tourism,” he said.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Karaca added: “I am quite hopeful for 2026. I believe we will close the season with a significant increase.”
Seydikemer Mayor Önder Akdenizli underlined the importance of promotion for his district, saying: “Seydikemer is a very special place with its tourism, agriculture, sea and history. We need to take part in fairs like this to introduce it properly.”
Fethiye Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Osman Çıralı also stressed the value of EMITT and similar international fairs in raising the profile of the region. He said that alongside digital promotion efforts, such events make a major contribution to tourism, adding that work is ongoing to develop alternative tourism areas in Fethiye. Çıralı said he too was optimistic about the 2026 tourism season.
Overall, the strong presence and interest at EMITT reinforced confidence in Fethiye and Seydikemer’s growing appeal, setting a positive tone for the years ahead in Turkey’s tourism sector.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/emitt-turizm-fuari-coskulu-gecti
Seydikemer Municipality Fulfils Young Student’s Dream with Surprise Snowfall
Seydikemer, MUĞLA – A heartfelt message from a young student in Seydikemer has turned into an unforgettable moment after municipal teams brought truckloads of snow to a schoolyard, allowing children to experience the joy of playing in winter conditions they could only dream of.
Mesut Emir Işıklı, a fourth-grade student at Şehit Gürcan Akan Primary School, who lost his father at a young age, moved many with his words. “If my father were alive, he would take me to play in the snow when it snows. But instead of my father, I have my Uncle Önder. Maybe he can’t take me to play in the snow, but he brings the snow here,” Mesut Emir said, touching hearts across the district.
After hearing Mesut Emir’s message, Seydikemer Mayor B. Önder Akdenizli instructed municipal Public Works Department teams to collect snow from the high-altitude areas of the district and transport it by truck to the schoolyard. Within hours, the playground was covered in white, turning it into a winter scene.
Mesut Emir and his classmates were overjoyed by the surprise. The children enjoyed snowball fights and played happily alongside Mayor Akdenizli, creating memories that will stay with them for years to come.
Speaking during the event, Mayor Akdenizli said Mesut Emir’s words had deeply affected everyone. “Seeing a smile on our children’s faces is worth everything to us. We want to touch their dreams and help them create beautiful memories. Today, we didn’t just bring snow; we nurtured our children’s happiness, brotherhood and hope. We will always be there for all our children,” he said.
The gesture was widely praised by parents and residents, who said it showed the caring and human side of local government in Seydikemer.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/mesut-emirin-mesaji-karsilik-buldu-okul-bahcesine-kar-getirildi
New Speed Detection System Goes Live on Fethiye–Karaçulha Road
Fethiye, MUĞLA – The automatic speed detection system (EDS) installed in the Çalıca area on the Fethiye–Karaçulha road has officially started operating. The system measures not only a vehicle’s instant speed but also its average speed over a set distance, meaning drivers who slow down only near cameras may still face penalties.
Authorities have shared key details drivers should pay close attention to:
- Monitoring distance: Average speed is measured over a 2,324-metre corridor along this section of the road.
- Speed limit: A strict 50 km/h limit applies to all vehicle types, including cars, vans, minibuses and heavy vehicles.
- 24/7 monitoring: Cameras marked with the EDS (Electronic Surveillance System) logo operate day and night, automatically recording and logging any violations.
The introduction of the EDS aims to improve road safety and reduce accidents along one of Fethiye’s busy routes. Drivers are advised to maintain a steady speed within the limit for the entire monitored section to avoid fines.
Source: Fethiye TV
Over 1.1 Million Turkish Travelers Cross to Greek Islands by Ferry in 2025
Bodrum, MUĞLA – More than 1.1 million passengers traveled from Turkey to nearby Greek islands via ferries operating from major Aegean ports last year, highlighting the growing popularity of short cross-border sea trips.
Ferries departed from Bodrum in Muğla, Çeşme in İzmir, Kuşadası in Aydın, and Ayvalık in Balıkesir, linking travelers to Greek islands including Kos, Chios, Rhodes, Samos, Lesbos, and Kastellorizo. Thousands of ferry trips were operated throughout 2025, carrying passengers in both directions.
According to the Transport and Infrastructure Ministry, travel demand peaked in the summer months, with 280,693 passengers in August, 233,044 in July, and 188,515 in September. Kos was the most popular destination, largely due to its proximity to Bodrum and frequent ferry connections, while Chios and Rhodes were also among the top choices for Turkish travelers.
Officials noted that the steady rise in passenger numbers reflects easier travel conditions and strong tourism demand. The visa-on-arrival scheme, which allows Turkish citizens to obtain short-term visas at select Greek islands, has made spontaneous and short holiday trips more accessible.
Ferry routes across the Aegean continue to serve as an important tourism bridge between Turkey and Greece, offering fast and convenient access to popular islands, particularly during the peak holiday season.
Source: Hürriyet Daily News
SPORT
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor update.
Ziraat Turkish Cup
Fethiyespor lost their third Group A Ziraat Cup match away against Trabzonspor on Tuesday. The final score was 3-0.
Match Result
Fethiyespor’s scheduled opponent this weekend, Mersin İdman Yurdu, has been relegated from the TFF 2. Lig by the Turkish Football Federation. The decision came after Yeni Mersin İdman Yurdu failed to field a team for two consecutive league matches, in violation of the Futbol Müsabaka Talimatı rules. As a result, the club has been officially dropped to the 3. Lig for the 2026 season.
Under the federation’s ruling, all remaining fixtures involving Mersin İdman Yurdu will be recorded as 3–0 forfeits in favour of their opponents. This means Fethiyespor will be awarded a 3–0 victory this weekend without the match being played. against Yeni Mersin İy. Kick-off will be at 15:00.
Following recent matches, Fethiyespor moves up to 12th place in the league table.
League Matches
The team’s next league match is on Sunday 15 February, at home against Arnavutköy Belediyespor. 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 59.36 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 59.55 TL.
The US Dollar bought 43.61 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 43.48 TL.
The Euro bought 51.53 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 50.55 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
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