Highlights from Fethiye: A Week of Environmental Awareness and Local Events

Fethiye Hosts Sea Life Awareness Event for Turkey Environment Week

During Turkey Environment Week, Fethiye was abuzz with an event focused on raising awareness about marine life and the importance of environmental conservation.

This gathering showcased a talk titled “Fethiye’s Sea Turtles and Their Importance,” delivered by Dr. Doğan Sözbilen from Pamukkale University. His presentation shed light on the significant role sea turtles play in balancing marine ecosystems and outlined ongoing initiatives aimed at their protection.

Furthermore, Dr. Kerem Gökdağ from the Mediterranean Conservation Society spoke on current research dedicated to safeguarding endangered marine species, including dusky groupers, sandbar sharks, seagrasses, and the rare Mediterranean monk seal.

Selver Hatice Kabak, the Climate Change and Zero Waste Manager, added urgency to the dialogue by emphasizing the ecological value of sea turtles while encouraging the community to engage actively in conserving marine habitats.

To leave a lasting impact, an informative sign regarding dusky groupers, developed in collaboration with the Mediterranean Conservation Society, was installed on Çalış Public Beach, aiming to educate both residents and visitors alike.

Children Celebrate Kite Festival During Environment Week at Şehit Fethi Bey Park

Environment Week festivities also included a Kite Festival for children, hosted at Şehit Fethi Bey Park in Fethiye.

This event brought families together, with vibrant kites dancing in the sky and creating a delightful atmosphere. Children were not only indulging in fun but were also briefed about the significance of environmental cleanliness and nature conservation.

The Kite Festival bridged enjoyment with education, promoting awareness of environmental responsibilities among the young participants in a lively setting.

Renowned Author Louis de Bernières Holds Book Signing and Interview in Fethiye

This week, celebrated British author Louis de Bernières, famed for his novel Birds Without Wings, graced Fethiye while on holiday, engaging with readers during a book signing and interview at the historic Paspatur Bazaar. The event enjoyed the support of Cumhur Durmaz, a local secondhand bookseller, attracting a diverse audience of both Turkish and British literature enthusiasts.

A Tribute to Kayaköy and Turkish History

In his novel, Bernières intricately weaves the tale of Kayaköy, the erstwhile Greek town of Levissi, showcasing its serene coexistence between Muslim and Christian communities before the population exchange. The narrative also touches upon the formative years of the Turkish Republic and the vision of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, alongside the personal tribulations caused by war and love.

During the interaction with his audience, Bernières elucidated the thematic depth, historical references, and emotional resonance of his book. He delved into the secret loves, cultural clashes, and the two clergymen of different faiths featured prominently against a backdrop marked by beauty and transformation.

Louis de Bernières first introduced Birds Without Wings in Kayaköy back in 2011 and has returned to Fethiye numerous times since. He pointed out that while he typically writes essays and short stories in England during winter, there could be a new, unpublished book in the works, sparking intrigue among his fans.

Shared Memories in Paspatur

Bookseller Cumhur Durmaz commented on the event, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to host Bernières. “Our author is here with us. We held our event in Paspatur Bazaar, where he shared tales of Kayaköy and signed books for his admirers,” noted Durmaz.

This day served as a tribute to literature, history, and the shared cultural memory enveloped within the heart of Fethiye.

Crackdown on Illegal Villas in Fethiye: 5 Million 757 Thousand 200 TL in Fines

In Fethiye, authorities rolled out a stringent enforcement action, imposing a substantial fine totaling 5,757,200 TL on 40 villas operating illegally without the necessary tourism rental licenses. This initiative is part of a broader effort to regulate the short-term rental market while ensuring compliance with tourism laws.

Each of the fined properties received a penalty of 143,930 TL. Officials made clear this was merely the initial phase of inspections:

• A second offense incurs a fine of 719,650 TL per villa.

• A third violation escalates to a staggering 1,930,000 TL per property.

Some property owners attempted to evade regulations by fabricating long-term rental contracts for properties rented out on short-term bases. Authorities cautioned that such practices would not be tolerated and will carry swift penalties.

Officials reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing inspections aimed at fostering fair competition, preventing unregistered operations, and promoting a sustainable tourism industry in the region.

Fethiye’s Growing Reputation in Sports Tourism

Fethiye is rapidly establishing its position as a significant player in the realm of sports tourism, attracting various national and international sporting events. Its unique geographical features and investments in sporting facilities contribute to its burgeoning reputation.

Harun Reşit Yiğit, the Youth and Sports District Manager, emphasized the region’s potential for alternative tourism while highlighting that over 4,000 athletes attended school sports events during the 2024-2025 academic year alone, drawing in accompanying families and contributing substantially to overnight stays which benefit the local economy.

Yiğit shared that Fethiye’s appealing nature renders it a favored destination among sports federations. “Our district stands as one of the most stunning geographical areas in the world. This natural beauty, among other factors, makes Fethiye a popular spot for many sports organizations,” he remarked.

The ongoing collaboration between local authorities, sports institutions, and governorates ensures that Fethiye continues to flourish as a year-round hub for sports and adventure tourism.

Introduced Touristic Karaelmas Express Launches Journey Between Ankara and Zonguldak

The newly launched Touristic Karaelmas Express aims to promote the cultural and natural wealth of the Western Black Sea region. This service commenced its inaugural journey, offering a unique adventure that showcases the richness of the regional landscape.

The Karaelmas Express boasts a passenger capacity of 120 and comprises various amenities, including dining and sleeper cars, departing from Ankara and making several sightseeing stops.

• Two hours in Çerkeş,

• Five hours in Çankırı,

• Two hours and 30 minutes in Kalecik, concluding its journey by returning to Ankara.

Scheduled to operate additional journeys in the upcoming months, this touristic route is set to enhance regional tourism and bolster local economies.

Fethiyespor: New Beginnings in Local Sports

Fethiyespor Club has commenced its registration process, welcoming new talent at its Sports School. With expert coaches at the helm, children are invited to step forward and embark on a journey towards professional sports through various training programs, including football, gymnastics, swimming, and tennis.

In a recent assembly, Esat Bakırcı was re-elected as president of Fethiyespor, continuing his leadership into the new season. The atmosphere during the meeting was filled with camaraderie as discussions covered the club’s future, financial strategies, and the ambition to rise to greater heights.

Fethiyespor now looks ahead with enthusiasm, community support, and promising plans for growth both on and off the field.

In conclusion, the week in Fethiye proves that the blending of environmental initiatives, literary events, and sports engagements make for a rich tapestry of experiences. This vibrant approach not only enhances local tourism but enriches community life. It’s clear that engaging with such unique offerings reveals the region’s dynamic spirit that keeps visitors coming back for more. Ultimately, visiting Fethiye is not just about exploring; it’s about experiencing, learning, and cherishing memories that linger long after a journey has ended. For the finest selection of tours and experiences tailored to your preferences, book now a címen. GetExperience.com.