Fethiye is a district located in the province of Muğla, Turkey. This city stands out particularly in terms of historical and seaside tourism, attracting both domestic and foreign tourists. Fethiye has been an important settlement throughout history. In ancient times, it was known as Telmessos, a city that translates to “the land of light’s people.” Telmessos hosted the Lycians, Persians, Alexander the Great, and Egypt. It later gained significance under Roman occupation. Today, Fethiye’s historical background, combined with its natural beauty, makes it a popular destination.
To take a closer look at Fethiye’s history, you can follow the headings below:
- Fethiye’s history
- Fethiye’s geographical location
- Prominent historical sites in Fethiye
- Natural beauties of Fethiye
Fethiye’s History
When we look at the sources, Fethiye first hosted the Lycians in the 5th century BC. The city takes its name from Telmessos, the son of Apollo. Telmessos was a city known for its ancient theaters and stonework craftsmanship. After hosting Lycia, the city came under Persian rule. From the 6th century BC to the 3rd century BC, it was known as a city belonging to both the Persians and the Lycians.
Following this period, the city came under the rule of Egypt due to wars and invasions. It hosted both the Romans and the Byzantines at different times. In 1424, it became part of the Ottoman territories. The city, which had long been referred to as Telmessos, was renamed Fethiye in 1914, in honor of Fethi Bey, one of the first aviators to die in combat.
Fethiye’s Geographical Location
Fethiye is located in the western part of the Mediterranean Region, within the province of Muğla. Among the districts of Muğla, Fethiye has the largest surface area, covering 3,059 square kilometers. It is close to other provinces such as Denizli and Burdur. Geographically, Fethiye is situated on fault lines and has witnessed many earthquakes throughout history. In recent years, it has experienced earthquakes of varying intensity, causing property damage but no loss of life.
Prominent Historical Sites in Fethiye
Due to its rich cultural heritage and hosting various civilizations, Fethiye is a district that stands out in terms of cultural significance. Some of the historical sites that are worth visiting in Fethiye include:
- Ancient city of Tlos
- Fethiye Old Town
- Fethiye Royal Tombs
- Fethiye Harbor
- Ancient city of Pınara
- Abandoned village of Kayaköy
- Kadyanda
- Afkule Monastery
- Letoon
- Ancient city of Telmessos
- Kibyra
- Fethiye Castle
- Ancient city of Sidyma
- Telmessos Ancient Theatre
- Ancient city of Araxa
Natural Beauties of Fethiye
Fethiye’s natural beauties make it an attractive tourism destination. Some of these natural attractions can be considered as must-visit places in Fethiye, including:
- Saklıkent National Park
- Ölüdeniz (Blue Lagoon)
- Butterfly Valley
- Göcek Islands
- Küçük Samanlı Beach
- Gemile Bay
- Küçük Boncuklu Bay
Fethiye attracts the attention of many visitors with its historical and natural beauty. There are many routes for visitors to explore in this beautiful region. This creates an important motivation for people to come and discover Fethiye repeatedly.
