Fethiye

[HW Jan.C]

Some information on the area, Again given by our friends at www.hisaronu.co.uk.
Previously know as Telmessos dating back to the third century BC. Name changed to Fethiye after one of the first Turkish pilots called Fethi Bey crashed on his way back from Damascus. There are 84 residential districts in Fethiye with a central administration, 12 towns and 77 villages and it covers an area of 3059 square kilometres. Once a minor market town and fishing village, in recent years it has become a thriving tourist centre due to the growing popularity of nearby olu Deniz. The whole town is surrounded by the toros mountain range. The town was once a great Lycian city and traces of the ancient settlement can be seen about the town. These include the awesome rock tombs on the face of the cliff, Tomb of Amyntas and several sarcophagi such as the one next to the town hall. The remains of a castle which it is believed to have been built by the Knights of St John occupy the hill at the back of the town.

The area itself has witnessed two major earthquakes one in 1857 and one in 1957. The town took a battering and destroyed all buildings bar two. The Turkish Bath (Hamam) and the old mosque (cami) both of which are situated in the centre of the old town and well worth a visit.

Since the main source of income is from tourism, there are no significant industrial undertakings in this area however since 54 percent of the whole region is covered with forests there is sufficient flora to produce pine honey and at any one time there are 75 - 80 thousand beehives in the region with a yearly production of 1596 tons of honey (THATS ALOT OF BEES!!) There are also over 210 licensed fishing boats and 395 licensed fishermen in Fethiye producing approximately 120 tons of seafoods per annum. There are also 22,000 cattle and 100,000 sheep and goats in the region, which produce an annual yield of 70,000 tons of milk, 450 tons of meat and 25 million eggs!!!! The economy of Fethiye is dependent on agriculture and tourism in that order.

Local dishes to try - Keskek, Bulgur Pilavi, Etli kuru fasulye, Etli nohut and hosaf.

Fethiye is an ideal touristic centre with its natural resources of extraordinary beauty as well as with its historical sites of prominent archaeological wealth. The length of the shoreline is 167 kms and there are 180 bays within the boundaries of the town. We also have many monuments dotted around the town however clearly the one most admired is the memorial monument for soldiers from Fethiye lost in combat. It was erected in 2001 and is dedicated to all the Fethiye people. While the main theme of the monument is all those who lost their lives in combat, the emphasis is on the terrorist events of 1980 and subsequent years. It is 18 meters high and can be seen from every point in the city as well as from the bay.

Along with all the shops restaurants and cafes in the main tourist town we would advise you to visit some of the sites we have mentioned above

[popit]

hi do you know if its worth going to fethiye in march we have the chance to go to the litere fethiye relax hotel at easter we are a family of 3 is this area open all year thanks poppit

[HW Jan.C]

Hiya
Fethiye is a busy place during the summer months and also a thriving fishing town. I cant honestly say if it will be busy in March as the main tourist season only starts April/May time, but I should imagine lots of places open year round in this area with the climate being mild. It is a beautiful area just to relax and enjoy the fantastic countryside and views. If I had the chance I would go in march in fact I would go at any time of the year.
Hope this helps
Jan