Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Türkiye.
Curated from various news sources.
🧿 LOCAL NEWS
Mayor Aras’s Message for International Women’s Day
Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Aras marked March 8, International Women’s Day, with a powerful message highlighting the historical struggle and resistance of women for equality and justice.
In his statement, Mayor Aras emphasised that the fight for women’s rights has been ongoing for centuries, referencing the 1857 strike of women workers advocating for their rights. He noted that this struggle continues today, with millions of women seeking justice, equality, and freedom.
“Women’s struggle is also the struggle of a democratic, secular, and contemporary Turkey”
Mayor Aras underlined that the rights women have today were not granted as favours but were won through persistent resistance. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting women’s struggle, stating:
“The fight for women’s rights is also the fight for a democratic, secular, and contemporary Turkey. Women’s determination to step beyond societal constraints continues despite all obstacles. As the Mayor of Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, I will always stand with women in this struggle. I am honoured to be part of a movement that aims for a revolutionary transformation in local government policies.”
“As women’s voices rise, the world will be a fairer, freer place”
Mayor Aras also addressed the ongoing challenges women face, including inequality, violence, and discrimination. He stressed that true freedom and safety for all can only be achieved in a society where women are free and equal.
“We manage our city together with women to ensure that Muğla is a place where everyone can live with dignity and equality. Our policies are rooted in equality, empowering women economically and increasing their role in decision-making. Inspired by our nation’s great leader, Atatürk, we are committed to building a city and a future where women are at the heart of life. Because women’s struggle for rights is a collective struggle for all of us. As women’s voices rise, the world will be a fairer, freer place.”
Concluding his message, Mayor Aras congratulated all women on International Women’s Day, recognising their ongoing fight for justice and equality.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/baskan-arastan-dunya-kadinlar-gunu-mesaji
Women in Fethiye Celebrate International Women’s Day with Bicycle Tour
On March 8th, a group of women in Fethiye celebrated International Women’s Day with a symbolic bicycle tour along the coastline.
Gathering at Beşkaza Square, the women decorated their bicycles and, accompanied by their children, set off on a ride filled with music and joy. Their journey took them to the Özgecan Monument, where they were met with applause from spectators along the route.
The event was also attended by CHP Fethiye Deputy Mayor Gülümser Oymak and other local officials, showing their support for the meaningful celebration.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiyede-kadinlar-gunlerinde-bisiklet-ile-tur-attilar
“On the Trail of Women” Painting Exhibition Opened at Erasta AVM
Fethiye Municipality Science High School inaugurated the “On the Trail of Women” painting exhibition at Erasta AVM, celebrating March 8th, International Women’s Day. The exhibition, showcasing portraits of influential women throughout history, was created through the collaborative efforts of students and teachers.
Visitors to the exhibition were treated to more than just visual art, as students also performed piano and violin pieces, adding a musical dimension to the event. The exhibition will remain open until Monday, offering art enthusiasts the opportunity to witness the tribute to pioneering women.
Portraits of Pioneering Women at the Exhibition
Fethiye Municipality Science High School Visual Arts Teacher Ayşe Onur shared insights into the inspiration behind the exhibition:
“Today is March 8th, International Women’s Day. We wanted to paint women, but how? We chose pioneering women who contributed, worked, and left their mark on history. We started with the mother goddess Cybele, a significant figure in Anatolian culture, symbolising our journey from a matriarchal to a patriarchal society. Then, we depicted women who made history in various fields such as opera, painting, music, sports, and literature, particularly during the Republic period. Additionally, we reinterpreted some iconic female portraits from world art history. This exhibition is a special project that brings together both my own works and those of my students. Our students have been preparing for the past month, while my own works date back even further.”
A Young Artist’s Perspective
İdil Perçin, a 9th-grade student at Fethiye Municipality Science High School, expressed her excitement about contributing to the exhibition:
“I chose to paint a portrait of Afet İnan, the first Turkish sociologist, historian, and academician, who was also Atatürk’s adopted daughter. I have been passionate about painting since I was four years old, and I also study painting at the Science and Art Center. Although my future career plans are in a different direction, painting will always be a part of my life.”
The “On the Trail of Women” exhibition stands as a powerful artistic tribute to women who have shaped history, celebrating their achievements and inspiring future generations.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/kadinlarin-izinde-resim-sergisi-erasta-avmde-acildi
In other news, women took to the streets of cities across Europe, Africa, South America and elsewhere to mark International Women’s Day with demands for ending inequality and gender-based violence.
On the Asian side of Istanbul, Türkiye’s biggest city, a rally in Kadıkoy saw members of dozens of women’s groups listen to speeches, dance and sing in the spring sunshine. The colourful protest was overseen by a large police presence, including officers in riot gear and a water cannon truck.
The government of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared 2025 the Year of the Family. Protesters pushed back against the idea of women’s role being confined to marriage and motherhood, carrying banners reading “Family will not bind us to life” and “We will not be sacrificed to the family.”
Critics have accused the government of overseeing restrictions on women’s rights and not doing enough to tackle violence against women
🧿 NEWS FROM AROUND TÜRKIYE
Adana Nominated for UNESCO Creative Cities Network in Gastronomy
Adana has officially been placed on the candidate list for the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the field of gastronomy, marking a significant step in the city’s efforts to gain international recognition for its rich culinary heritage. Adana Mayor Zeydan Karalar announced the development, highlighting the cultural and historical importance of the city’s cuisine.
Strengthening Adana’s UNESCO Application
Mayor Karalar stated that Adana, known for its commercial, agricultural, industrial, historical, and artistic significance, is also home to one of the world’s most distinctive culinary traditions. Despite previous attempts, the city had not yet been included in the UCCN gastronomy category.
“While preparing the application, we collaborated with various institutions and organizations in the city to strengthen our file. We had been included in the national list twice before, but now, with significant contributions from our governor and other stakeholders, we have submitted a stronger application. Our file was voted on last Friday and was accepted for Paris on Monday, leading to Adana’s official nomination,” Karalar explained.
Potential Impact on Tourism
The nomination is expected to have a positive impact on Adana’s tourism sector, particularly in the area of gastronomic tourism, which has become a major trend worldwide. Karalar emphasized that the city’s history, art, and natural beauty, combined with its renowned cuisine, could position Adana as a top destination for food tourism.
“This is a major step in establishing Adana as a recognized gastronomic city. We aim to turn Adana into a tourism hub, and we believe that gastronomy will be a key driver in achieving this goal. We hope to create a strong gastronomic tourism trio alongside Hatay and Gaziantep,” he said.
Looking Ahead: The UNESCO Decision
The next stage in Adana’s UNESCO bid involves a voting process in Paris. If successful, Adana will officially join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in gastronomy, which could lead to a significant increase in tourism.
Karalar pointed to the steady rise in visitor numbers, stating that domestic tourism in Adana has grown from almost nonexistent to nearly 1 million visitors, while international tourist numbers have risen from 60,000-65,000 to over 300,000. He noted that these figures could have been even higher if not for challenges such as the pandemic and recent earthquakes.
Adana’s Cultural and Gastronomic Events
Karalar also highlighted major cultural and food-related events that have contributed to tourism growth, including the Orange Blossom Carnival, the Taste of Adana Festival, and the International Adana Golden Boll Film Festival. He reaffirmed his commitment to promoting the city’s rich cultural and culinary heritage.
“Since I took office, we have made significant efforts to showcase Adana’s beauty and culture. I have personally overseen promotional activities that had not been done before, and I will continue to do so. For us, Adana comes first,” Karalar concluded.
Source: Daily Sabah
Air pollution exceeds safe limits for 204 days in Türkiye’s Antalya
In Antalya, southwestern Türkiye, air pollution levels surpassed safe limits for 204 days in 2024, significantly exceeding the annual threshold of 35 days, according to air quality measurements taken throughout the year.
Associate Professor Güray Doğan from Akdeniz University warned that air pollution in the city is becoming increasingly severe, with traffic congestion being the main contributing factor.
“Unfortunately, the situation is worsening day by day. The primary cause is traffic, and pollution levels exceeded the limit for more than half the year,” Doğan stated.
Traffic and Environmental Factors Worsening Air Quality
Antalya, known as a major tourism hub, has also been affected by reduced rainfall and the decline of transitional seasons, exacerbating pollution levels. Data from an air quality monitoring station in the city center revealed that air pollution was above acceptable levels for most of the year.
The study identified that:
• Traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, is the leading source of pollution.
• Vehicle emissions from highways and main roads significantly worsen air quality.
• Residential heating, especially coal usage, also contributes to pollution due to insufficient fuel quality regulations.
Doğan emphasised the seriousness of the situation:
“Motor vehicle emissions are a year-round problem. In addition, we have yet to solve issues related to residential heating. The quality of coal used by households is not properly regulated, further aggravating air pollution.”
Rising Vehicle Numbers and Lack of Public Transport Initiatives
Doğan also pointed out that excessive reliance on private vehicles rather than public transport is a major factor in worsening air pollution.
“There are no effective initiatives to encourage public transportation. The existing efforts have been insufficient, and public transport routes need to be reconsidered. Without concrete action, the city’s air quality will deteriorate even further,” he warned.
According to Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) data, the number of registered vehicles in Antalya has increased by over half a million in the past six years.
• In 2024, there were 1,466,017 vehicles registered in the city.
• By January 2025, this number had risen to 1,578,360.
As the city continues to grow, experts stress the urgent need for traffic management strategies, improved public transport, and stricter emissions regulations to prevent further deterioration of air quality.
Source: Daily Sabah
Türkiye and Surrounding Regions Record Nearly 110,000 Earthquakes Since 2023 Disaster
Türkiye and its surrounding regions have experienced nearly 110,000 earthquakes since the devastating Feb. 6, 2023, earthquakes, according to a statement from the country’s Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD).
In a social media post, AFAD shared a video visualising earthquake activity from Feb. 6, 2023, to Feb. 6, 2025. The agency noted that while Türkiye typically experiences around 24,000 earthquakes per year, seismic activity surged significantly following the 2023 disaster, leading to an unprecedented number of tremors in just two years.
Seismic Trends and Risk Factors
According to AFAD, Türkiye’s earthquake patterns generally follow these trends:
• A magnitude 6 earthquake occurs every three years.
• A magnitude 6+ earthquake happens approximately every five years.
• A magnitude 7+ earthquake strikes about once per decade.
The increased number of earthquakes in the past two years has raised concerns over seismic activity in the region, reinforcing the importance of earthquake preparedness.
Impact of the Feb. 6, 2023, Earthquakes
The twin earthquakes that struck Kahramanmaraş on Feb. 6, 2023, caused massive destruction across 11 southern provinces, resulting in the deaths of over 50,000 people and the displacement of millions. The disaster remains one of the deadliest in Türkiye’s history.
Recent Earthquake Swarm in the Aegean Region
More recently, seismic activity near the Greek island of Santorini triggered panic along Türkiye’s Aegean coastline, affecting the provinces of Muğla, İzmir, and Aydın. Greek media have reported that the earthquake swarm in the region is gradually declining, though tremors continue to be felt in Türkiye.
As the country remains one of the most earthquake-prone regions in the world, authorities continue to emphasise seismic monitoring, disaster preparedness, and urban resilience as key priorities for the future.
Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Turkish inflation drops for ninth consecutive month
Türkiye’s annual inflation rate dropped for the ninth month in a row to 39.1% in February, easing from 42.1% in the previous month, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute.
This was below market estimates of 39.9%, as well as being the lowest figure since June 2023.
The total also marks the first time inflation has fallen below 40% in 20 months.
February’s lower figure was primarily due to easing price pressures for clothing and healthcare.
February’s inflation print could be a sign of Türkiye starting to recover somewhat from its recent economic problems, although significant challenges remain.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Friday that the central bank’s decision to cut its key interest rate by 250 basis points to 42.5% on Thursday was a step in the right direction.
Speaking at a Ramadan fast-breaking dinner with tradesmen in Istanbul, Erdoğan also said vendors and tradesmen must not allow those imposing “exorbitant price hikes” on citizens.
Sources: euronews/anews
🧿 SPORT
Fethiyespor
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor update.
Match Results
Fethiyespor won their home match against Altınordu F.K on Sunday. The final score was 1-0.
Fethiyespor move up to 9th position in the league table.
League Matches
Sunday 16 March away against Sarıyer. The kick-off time is at 14:00.
For more information about Fethiyespor please visit:
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 47.05 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 45.77 TL.
The US Dollar bought 36.44 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 36.40 TL.
The Euro bought 39.49 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 37.78 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
