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| Fethiye
is located in South-West Turkey, with the Mediterranean
lapping its shoreline. The whole region excluding Fethiye
and the Esen lowlands is covered with high mountains forming the
south western spurs of the Taurus Range. These mountains exceed
2000 meters extend to the coastline. The Mediterranean climate
with its hot, dry summers and warm, wet winters prevails in the
region where temperatures are approximately 30°C in the summer
and usually not less than 12°C in winters. Seawater temperature
rarely drops below 17°C all year round. |
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The
seaport of Fethiye with its natural sheltered bay is a popular
stop for yachts and Gullets. A new marina project is planned for
a large number of yachts at the other end at the bay.
Agriculture is of major importance in Fethiye, with its abundance
of fertile land. Therefore life in Fethiye carries on throughout
the year. The climatic conditions allow all kinds of vegetables
and fruit to be grown. Vegetables and industrial plants such as
cotton, sesame, tobacco, and aniseed are the major sources of agricultural
income. About 250.000 tons of tomatoes are produced and exported
every year.
There is the town market on Tuesdays and Souvenir shops are located
around the Turkish bath and the old Mosque. In the peak season one
can buy leather-goods, carpets, rugs, jewellery and other souvenirs.
When you walk around, have a break for a cup of Turkish coffee or
apple tea. |
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HISTORY
Fethiye,
located on the Lycian and Carian border, was called Telmessos
in ancient times. The city was a very prominent centre of prophecy,
pledged to Apollon. The city life was rich and highly cultured
during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, as is evident from the
existing monuments. Today the majority of ancient ruins in Telmessos
are rock-tombs, Lycian-type sarcophagi, the fortress and the Roman
Theatre.
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The
peninsula between Fethiye and Antalya was known as Lycia
in the ancient times. Lycians were natives of Anatolia and sea-faring
people as mentioned in Homer's Iliad and the Kadesh War Peace Agreement
document. The tomb of Amyntas, which are considered as the insignia
of Fethiye, strikes the eye with its grandeur on the slope
as you enter the bay. This tomb, whose façade was built as
an Ionic temple based on the plan of in antis, belonged to Amyntas
who is believed to have been a king or a governor of Telmessos during
the Hellenistic period.
Within the city there are quite a number of Lycian-type sarcophagi.
On these there are epitaphs written in Lycian scripture. The sarcophagus
near the government house is worthy of inspection, with it's relieves
depicting warriors.
The fortress stands where the city was first founded and the remaining
walls are from the 11th Century. In some places, remains of walls
from the Roman period can be seen. The fortress was repaired by
the Rhodesian Knights during the 15th Century and used as a naval
base.
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The
Telmessos Ancient Theatre stands opposite the commercial quay at
Fethiye town centre. The site was excavated by the Fethiye
Archaeology Museum in 1993 and a restoration project implemented
to renovate the theatre's cavea and stage.
The Archaeology Museum exhibits numerous Archaeological finds from
the Lycian, Hellenistic, Roman and Ottoman periods. A new project
in 2001-2002 created an "open-air Museum complex within the
ancient theatre". Fethiye Municipality and the Director
of the Museum are leading this project to reform the centre of town
with the idea of protecting the natural and cultural environments
of Fethiye.
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| The
Teke Peninsula of the modern era, lying between Fethiye and
Antalya was known as LYCIA in ancient times. In fact the Lycians
participated in the Kadesh War together with the Hittites. This
indicates that they were one of the oldest tribes of Anatolia. All
through history, Lycia was invaded by the Persians, Alexander The
Great, Romans and Byzantines but was never evacuated. Fethiye
is an appropriate centre for excursions into Lycia. |
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How
to get Fethiye
By Road
Fethiye can easily be reached by road from all cities in
Turkey.
By Air
The nearest airports are Dalaman Airport (50 km) and Bodrum Airport
(255 km). Besides the flights of Turkish Airlines both in summer
and winter, it is also possible to get flights from Europe during
the tourist season. There is also Antalya Airport, at a distance
of three hours from Fethiye.
By Sea
Naturally sheltered Fethiye harbour is a frequent stopping
off point for all yacht owners. The ships belonging to Turkish Maritime
Lines also stop by Fethiye.
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