The famed holiday town of Fethiye in Türkiye’s southwestern Muğla province gears up to enhance its point in the global cruise tourism market with the initiation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process for its upcoming cruise port, according to a report on Friday.

With rising interest in tourist ship travel, investments to boost Türkiye’s share in the global cruise tourism market have also gained momentum.

The number of cruise passengers hosted by Türkiye in the first 10 months of the year surpassed 1,393,000, showing a 51% spike compared to the same period last year, according to information obtained by Anadolu Agency (AA).

Tourism is a critical source of income for Türkiye, which, over the years, injected vast investments to ensure its ports can host luxury mega-sized ships as it’s seeking to become a premier destination for cruise enthusiasts and travelers alike.

As the Yenikapı Cruise Port progresses, poised to become Istanbul’s second port after Galataport, the EIA process is underway for the Fethiye Cruise Port Project.

According to the information in the EIA application file, the port planned to be built in Fethiye’s Babataşı neighborhood is set to have a usage area of ​​27,588 square meters (296,954 square feet).

The port will feature a 355-meter-long (1,164.67-foot-long), 50-meter-wide quay allowing ships to dock on both sides and a 136-meter-long and 50-meter-wide rear service area. The quay would be able to accommodate ships of 360 meters in length and 55 meters in width.

Hosting passengers equal to two-thirds of population

The cruise port planned for Fethiye, with a population of approximately 178,000, is expected to serve 120,000 passengers and 100 ships by 2030.

One of the most popular coastal resort cities in Türkiye, Fethiye is famous for its turquoise beaches, such as Ölüdeniz, and its historic ruins. It is also situated in close proximity to Dalaman Airport and is only a 2.5-hour drive from Antalya Airport.

By 2043, with an increase of 10 ships and 10,000 passengers a year, the target is to reach 250,000 passengers and 230 ships docking here.

The total cost of the project is set at TL 925.65 million (around $32 million) and the entire investment and operating costs will be covered by the investing company.

Source: Daily Sabah

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In celebration of World Vegan Day kicking off the month on Nov. 1, here are the best vegan dining spots in Istanbul. From plant-based takes on Turkish classics to comfort food classics and exotic dishes from all over the world, these innovative venues have animal lovers covered

Whether you are a full-on vegan, trying the lifestyle out or simply want to eat healthy, these seven exclusively vegan restaurants will satisfy any craving. Each of these restaurants listed has crafted menus filled with crave-worthy food for vegans and created by vegans.

Yuzu Taste of Nature

Istanbul is truly a blessed place for vegan diners due very much in part to the existence of Yuzu Taste of Nature, which is Türkiye’s sole vegan Asian cuisine restaurant. It offers sushi with ingredients such as vegan cream cheese, bao bun sandwiches, fried tofu, tempeh and seitan. With starters such as gyoza and baozi, and noodles and rice dishes that go way beyond the classics, this place makes being vegan easy and delicious. Located in Moda and open from noon to 9 p.m. (except on Mondays), this place is stylish with ample seating inside and out. However, they don’t take reservations, so it’s first-come first-served, but they do deliver via Yemeksepeti.com.

Sisters & Harvest

Located in Moda, Sisters & Harvest is a quaint and adorable bakery, cookery and florist that serves up sweet and savory vegan specialties. The perfect spot for breakfast or lunch, and an excellent option for takeaway and home delivery, Sisters & Harvest prepares gourmet sandwiches such as caprese with cashew mozzarella, focaccia sandwiches with vegan sucuk or pepperoni, and desserts such as tiramisu magnolia and Boston cream donuts. In addition to dining in, in which case their hours are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, they also cater. Their food can be ordered on @fuudyapp, @trendyolyemek, @getvego and @yemeksepeti, and in case you were wondering, the answer is “Yes!” this establishment is run by sisters.

Ethique Plant-based

Located in Göztepe, Ethique Plant-based is a 100% plant-based French patisserie, bakery and cafe that is a refreshing venue where you can stock up on fresh bread and pastries. It’s a great place to nosh on an elevated vegan breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack. They have seating indoors and out, and a large display case showcasing their artisan breads and desserts. Classics such as croque monsieur, mushroom crepes, quiche and even a sweet potato tartine are coupled with an exotic croissant. They also offer focaccia sandwiches filled with ingredients such as tofu, harissa, artichokes and asparagus doused in a hollandaise sauce.

They deliver via Yemeksepeti.com or you can order delightful desserts such as their Napoleon and Raffaelo directly from their website online. They also have a section devoted entirely to gluten-free vegan desserts and their bakery offers artisan sourdough bread in varieties such as Einkhorn, tomato and banana. While it may seem out of the way for some, this is a must-visit venue for any vegan in Istanbul. Open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, they don’t deliver on Sundays.

Bi Nevi Deli

Opened in 2014 and now serving in two locations, Karaköy and Etiler, Bi Nevi Deli continues to be one of the most popular vegan establishments in Istanbul. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner at both locations and have an extensive international menu of dishes such as Philly sandwiches, green curry zucchini noodles, pad Thai, Korean seitan buns and a variety of plant-based burgers, as well as so much more. The breakfast menu is also loaded with a wide array of scrumptious items.

Both venues are industrial-sleek and comfortable, but the Etiler restaurant is especially resplendent, boasting large glass windows and booth seating. They deliver, as well as cater to orders from their website where they also have a vegan shop with a plethora of nut butter, sauces, cashew creams, granola, seitan and tempeh, as well as apparel. The restaurants are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day of the week.

Veganarsist

If you ever want to try vegan versions of Turkish meat specialties then you must pay a visit to Veganarsist in Balat and Kadıköy. In Balat, this colorful and casual dining spot has a terrace overlooking the characteristic neighborhood next to the Golden Horn. This makes it a great stop to discover plant-based Türkish cuisine and from there to stroll around Balat. That said, the branch in Kadikoy is great, too, with street-side seating from which to try Türkish classics such as lahmacun, tantuni, içli köfte and even ayran. They have a selection of faux egg menemen dishes, as well as a long list of soups. They have catering options for delivery on their website. The Balat branch is open from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., while the Kadikoy branch serves from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. every day.

Vegan Food Cartel by Veganzza

Located in Beyoğlu, near where Cihangir and Taksim meet, Vegan Food Cartel by Veganzza has a huge menu of faux-meat dishes that are entirely plant-based. This meat restaurant for vegans has classic Turkish dishes such as Iskender döner, shish kebap and tantuni, as well as items such as Café de Paris steak and so much more. They even serve up a vegan “meat” platter. But if food reminiscent of meat isn’t your thing, they still have you covered, as there is an extensive pizza menu as well as a variety of international and Asian classics like General Tso’s “chicken” and peri peri. In addition to salads, zoodles (aka zucchini noodles), pasta and desserts, they even have a kid’s menu with stuff like tacos, felafel and veggie rice. They also serve desserts such as cheesecakes and tahini fudge, a number of which also double as gluten-free.

The space is simplistic yet stylish, and certainly comfortable with ample indoor seating and a balcony terrace with a couple of tables, too. They also have some hilarious T-shirts available which could make for the perfect gift for any vegan. Open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, their food is also available for home delivery by Getir and Yemeksepeti.

Vegan Dükkan Lokanta

Last but certainly not least is Vegan Dükkan Lokanta, an entirely vegan eatery that was opened by the purveyors of the city’s first-ever vegan shop. Set in Cihangir in a small and cozy space, the menu offers everything from breakfast to dinner with a wide range of delicious options such as Turkish mantı and their take on Adana Kebap, as well as a ravioli stuffed with smoked eggplant and a sauce of sage butter. They have an extensive menu that, in addition to some items also being gluten-free, includes a full-on breakfast spread, as well as plates like avocado and hummus toast. Their desserts, especially the carrot cake, are divine. While the restaurant has a sprinkling of tables, their shop has everything one could ask for. Open from Tuesday to Sunday between the hours of 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Source: Daily Sabah

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The great historical treasures, like 800,000-year-old underwater fairy chimneys formed by rock erosions from Yiğit Mountain’s volcanic eruption in eastern Van, known as the “Cappadocia of the East,” captivate a large number of tourists, particularly during the summer and fall seasons.

Once hidden in the lake’s depths, the marvel was unveiled last year due to the ongoing drought that negatively affected Türkiye’s Lake Van.

Lake Van has been affected by climate change and has continuously witnessed a decline in water levels, but it remains a popular destination for tourists and is home to a rich ecosystem.

A group of nature enthusiasts from the Van Valley Nature Sports Club, who visited the region, often referred to as “Vanadocia,” did not miss the opportunity to explore the fairy chimneys and capture the unforgettable scenery in photographs.

“Yavuzlar village’s fairy chimneys in Vanadocia offer a magnificent view. We toured these fairy chimneys and explored the castle. We also explored the carved rock rooms within the tunnels,” club head Ömer Demez said.

Demez stressed on the need to preserve the fairy chimneys in this eastern city, which has been a home to many civilizations for centuries, to ensure they are not destroyed and can be passed on to future generations.

Menduh Acar, who participated in the event, noted: “This place is extraordinary. Everyone should come and see it. It should be protected as it is currently being damaged and defaced. It has a high potential for visitors, boasting natural beauty that rivals Ürgüp and Cappadocia.”

The unique formations are especially visible in the village of Incekaya, located on the shore of Van Lake in Tatvan. The formations also come in hundreds of different sizes and can now be viewed nearby. The resultant images offer a beautiful scene, on the one hand, and reveal the scope of water withdrawal on the other.

Source: Daily Sabah

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Bodrum, Türkiye’s popular tourist destination, is grappling with water scarcity due to the closure of two dams caused by a severe drought. The Municipality of Bodrum has initiated water supply through tankers to meet the needs of its residents.

A significant reduction in precipitation, a consequence of the climate crisis and water distribution pipeline damages have led to a drastic decrease in the water levels of Mumcular Dam and Geyik Dam. The Mumcular Dam, with a water level as low as 8%, was closed to water intake two weeks ago.

Similarly, water intake from Geyik Dam, which was at a critical 13% capacity, was also halted last week.

To address this issue, the Bodrum Municipality has added four more vehicles to its fleet for water transportation in addition to the three vehicles already in use. This totals seven vehicles for planned water supply services.

Between August and October, these tankers delivered 2,432 tons of water to 915 households across various neighborhoods in Bodrum.

Baki Ülgen, a senior official from the Muğla Municipality, explained water conservation is essential for Bodrum. He suggested drawing water from the lower levels of dams to partially meet the water demand and recommended reserving water solely for essential consumption.

The drought has highlighted the need for efficient water management and water conservation practices in regions affected by water scarcity.

Source: Daily Sabah

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Türkiye’s Mediterranean gem, visited by more than 10 million tourists a year, has become a hub for foreigners seeking business opportunities and a hot spot for real estate purchases. This trend gained unprecedented momentum after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Antalya is at a level where it trails just behind the metropolis of Istanbul as the second most favored destination for business investments, boasting a total of 6,108 foreign-owned companies.

In real estate, it stands at the forefront, having seen more than 10,370 properties sold to foreign buyers this year alone.

Russian citizens lead the way among nations, reflecting their trend of seeking a financial haven after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 triggered waves of Western sanctions.

More than 1,220 firms are founded by Russians, constituting 20% of all foreign-owned companies in Antalya. Germany, Iran, Azerbaijan and Ukraine follow suit, with 751, 676, 302 and 270 companies, respectively.

The majority, namely 495 companies, operate in the wholesale and retail food marketing sector. Real estate follows with 478 firms, construction with 451 companies, travel agencies, tour operators, and other booking services with 410 companies, and trade of agricultural products with 355 companies.

The trend shows no signs of slowing down.

Some 666 new companies have been founded from January through October this year, out of which Russians accounted for 238. In contrast, they had set up some 222 firms a year ago.

Germans follow with 59 companies, while Iranians, Ukrainians and Azerbaijanis set up 57, 44 and 36 firms, respectively, in the first nine months of this year.

Despite the fall in overhouse sales this year, Russian citizens still top the list among foreign buyers, who bought some 10,372 properties in Antalya from January through September, compared to 14,656 units a year ago.

Source: Daily Sabah

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It offers plenty for tourists, but the legend of Santa Claus may be something of a surprise.

Experts in the country say they have uncovered the tomb of St Nicholas, who is believed to be the inspiration for Santa.

A Christian bishop of Greek origin who was known for giving to the poor, he lived between the years 270 and 343 and the legends are believed to have inspired the Christmas tales we tell today that Santa Claus will bring presents if you’ve been good. St Nicholas’ tomb was found in St Nicholas Church in Demre, in the Antalya district of southern Turkey.

Antalya is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey, known as the Turkish Riviera. One of its top resorts is Alanya, where there are miles of sandy blue flag beaches on both sides of the town. They offer a range of watersports, including jet skiing and windsurfing with plenty of bars and cafes nearby.

We stayed in a small hotel near a less crowded beach, where you can peacefully enjoy a seascape with the Taurus mountains as its backdrop.

But it’s much more than sun, sea and sand. For those who want to split their time between sunbathing and absorbing the region’s culture and history, there are fewer finer places.

That is where the Turkish tourism board helped us with a couple of guided tours, led by travel professional Volkan Asli, a man with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the region.

Before becoming modern-day Turkey, a state founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1923, the Antolyan region was colonised and conquered by many races, from the early Hittites, through to the Greeks, the Romans, Seljuks, Byzantines and the Ottoman Empire.

Their legacies are written large across the Turkish landscape. Alanya Castle, which dates back to the 13th century was built on the ruins of a former Hellenistic fortress by Seljuk Turk leader Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat with the aim of keeping marauding pirates at bay.

Sitting high above the town on a rocky outcrop, its surrounding defensive walls are six kilometres long and outside are ruins of mosques, a caravanserai and a covered bazaar.

Within the walls can be found a ruined cistern and a Byzantine church and the usual medieval artefacts you would expect to see together with modern bazaars and cafes.

Getting up and down can be challenging so it is worth taking the cable car which will take you more than halfway to the top and offers stunning views on the way back down to the city.

Before the cable car, stop off at the Gardenia restaurant and enjoy the panoramic view across the miles-long Cleopatra Beach while enjoying a meal or just a drink.

Named after the ancient Egyptian queen, legend has it that Cleopatra fell in love with this beach after swimming in its azure waters and sunbathing on its golden sands.

Nearby is the equally spectacular Damlataş Cave, a 15,000 year-old ancient wonder underneath the castle that was discovered during the construction of a ferry pier in 1948. It has a startling array of stalactites and stalagmites, some as big as 15 metres, and lit up with a kaleidoscope of colours.

The air composition with a significant increase in carbon dioxide is said to have healing properties, and particularly helpful for those with breathing problems.

The city of Alanya itself is a vibrant, bustling mini-metropolis of chic stores, bars and bazaars. Try the Güverte and Kaleichi Meyhanesi restaurants that overlook the harbour, where pleasure cruisers disguised as ancient galleons are moored alongside the yachts of the super rich.

Perhaps one of the best ways to see the surrounding areas are the various jeep tours, which can range from half a day to a full day and cover most other touristic sites as well as excursions up into the Taurus mountains which overlook the city.

Our trip with local firm Timtur Alanya took us into the mountains to the Dimchay river with its huge imposing dam, which provides water for the irrigation of the area and a hydroelectric power plant. A brilliant way to see inland Turkey, but be prepared with sensible clothing though.

The ancient city of Side is worth the couple of hours drive from Alanya. Founded by Greek settlers around the seventh century BC, it lived for centuries under Greek and then Roman rule.

It features an ancient Greek amphitheatre with the centrepiece the Temple of Apollo and Athena. With its five imposing columns, it’s a monument to a glorious and chequered past.

As well as the walk through ancient history, the site had a bustling array of designer outlets as the road swoops down to a central square at the ancient harbour, dominated by a statue of Ataturk.

A four-hour flight from Birmingham, for those worried about security issues, don’t be, as airport measures are strict with visitors having to go through an initial security check before even getting into the airport proper. Then they go through the usual check-in process.

Like many countries, its tourism has been badly hit by the coronavirus pandemic, and then Turkey suffered the devastating blow of the giant earthquakes in the east of the country, leaving tens of thousands dead. But it is a country with so much to offer and an influx of tourists will have a major beneficial effect on its economy after such disasters.

Source: Shropshire Star

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Turkey has decided to change its name this year in order to stop people from associating it with the bird that’s popular during the festive season as well as the negative connotations linked to the word.

In June this year, the United Nations accepted a formal request by the country’s government to rebrand as “Türkiye,” pronounced “toor-kee-yeh.”

Türkiye was first used after the country’s declaration of independence in 1923, so this is the way Turks already spell and pronounce the name of their country but the anglicised version “Turkey” is also used too.

“Together with our Directorate of Communications, we have been successful in preparing a good ground for this,” Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu wrote in the letter request.

The push for the name change began last December where Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan requested people in every language to refer to the country as “Türkiye.”

“We have made it possible for the UN and other international organisations, countries to see this change to using Türkiye,” Erdogan said at the time.

“Türkiye is the best representation and expression of the Turkish people’s culture, civilisation, and values.”

Türkiye’s English-language state broadcaster TRT World has made the change, and say Turks prefer “Türkiye” in “keeping with the country’s aims of determining how others should identify it.”

(Though there are some occasional slip-ups from journalists who say Turkey while adjusting to the change).

The broadcaster explained in an article the decision to use Türkiye, as “Turkey” conjures up “a muddled set of images, articles, and dictionary definitions that conflate the country with Meleagris – otherwise known as the turkey, a large bird native to North America – which is famous for being served on Christmas menus or Thanksgiving dinners.”

It also noted another unfortunate meaning for the word “turkey.”

“Flip through the Cambridge Dictionary and ‘turkey’ is defined as ‘something that fails badly’ or ‘a stupid or silly person,’ the article read.

Exported products will also be branded with “Made in Türkiye,” while there’s a tourism campaign surrounding the country’s new pronunciation where an advert has tourists from across the globe say “Hello Türkiye.”

Source : indy100 News

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As of December 4, 2022, Ibrahim Erdemoglu was the wealthiest man in Turkey, with an estimated net worth of 5.8 billion U.S. dollars, followed by Ali Erdemoglu  (No. 2, $5.1 billion),  Murat Ulker (No. 3, $5.0 billion); and Nihat Ozdemir  (No. 4, $2.6 billion).

Sezai Bacaksiz is the fifth-richest person in Turkey, with a whopping $2.6 billion. Ferit Faik sahenk ranked 6th with a personal wealth of $2.5 billion, followed by Filiz Sahenk with $2.3 billion. Erman Ilicak is placed 8th with a net worth of $2.3 billion. Semahat Sevim Arsel ($2.2 billion) occupied the 9th position among the top 10 wealthiest people in Turkey.

   TURKEY  BILLIONAIRES LIST  2022

1. Ibrahim Erdemoglu: $5.8 billion
2. Ali Erdemoglu: $5.1 billion
3. Murat Ulker: $5.0 billion
4. Nihat Ozdemir: $2.6 billion
5. Sezai Bacaksiz: $2.6 billion
6. Ferit Faik sahenk: $2.5 billion
7. Filiz Sahenk: $2.3 billion
8. Erman Ilicak: $2.3 billion
9. Semahat Sevim Arsel: $2.2 billion
10. Hamidi Ulukaya: $2.1 billion
11. Mustafa Rahmi Koc: $2.0 billion
12. Bulent Eczacibasi: $2.0 billion
13. Faruk Eczacibasi: $1.9 billion
14. Ipek Kirac: $1.7 billion
15. Hamdi Akin & family: $1.6 billion
16. Mehmet Sinan Tara: $1.5 billion
17. Ahmet calik: $1.5 billion
18. Deniz Sahenk: $1.4 billion
19. Mehmet Aydinlar: $1.2 billion
20. Aydin Dogan: $1.2 billion

Source : CeoworldMagazine

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