On 18th July 2019, FETAV (Fethiye Tourism, Promotion, Education, Culture and Environment Foundation) celebrated 25 years since the foundation of the organisation..
On the evening of the anniversary, FETAV held an event at Girida Port Restaurant to share and celebrate their acheivements and honour their beginnings and the people who have made FETAV what it is today.
FETAV (Fethiye Tourism, Promotion, Education, Culture and Environment Foundation)
The corner stone of FETAV was laid in 1994 when 103 Fethiye lovers got together and founded FETÇEV (Fethiye Tourism, Culture and Environmental Education Foundation).
The aim of the foundation was to instigate and carry out significant projects to retain the Fethiye culture, nature, agriculture and sustainable tourism for future generations.
FETÇEV were involved in various projects including: moving the Aksazlar Gas Cylinder Filling Plant to a new location for the safety of the area; stopping the export of chromium; carrying out scientific analysis on problem areas in the Gulf of Fethiye; aid for people in the Marmara earthquake; contributing to the excavation of the Telmessos Ampitheatre.
In 1999, the Foundation was restructured and became FETAV, adopting a stronger and more active approach.
Here’s a summary of the things FETAV organise, support and are (or have been) involved in.
FETAV
- has taken part in many National/and International fairs.
- has successfully organised the Fethiye Cultural and Art Festival.
- has contributed to Fethiye Documentary Film Days
- initiated the Benyamin Sönmez Classic Music Festival and has ensured continuity
- has been organising the International Children’s Day Festival on 23rd April for the last seven years
- Çalış Natural Park and Bird Sanctuary has been recognised as a Nature Preservation Area as a result of the efforts of FETAV and the Municipality.
Completed and ongoing projects include:
- Solid Waste Recovery Project
- Sustainable Life, Sustainable Agriculture Project
- Kadyanda-Üzümlü Hand Woven Products to the Economy
- Land of Light Project (EU-Turkey Cross Cultural Dialogue)
- Filming Democracy Youth Project
- Taste of Fethiye Project
- Carved in Stone Project
- Flavours From the Fields Project (Travel Foundation-TUI Care Foundation)
- Coast cleaning campaigns
FETAV hosts a number of local charities and charitable events that you will more than likely be familiar with.
FETAV and FIG (Fethiye International Group) provided the Thalassemia Room at Fethiye Devlet State Hospital and have contributed to the educational needs of local schools.
FETAV and 3C’s (Çalış Children’s Charity) have supported many disabled children’s treatments, and have contributed to the educational needs and have given scholarships. They set up the English Learning School in Günlükbaşı providing free English lessons for children.
FETAV and EMBRACE children’s health charity supported eye screening at all primary schools.
FETAV and The Uzumlu Group support schools in Üzümlü, İncirköy and Nif and have provided children’s play parks.
FETAV, Animal Aid and FHDD (Fethiye Friends of Animals Association) worked together for many years for the street animals.
FETAV bought a bilirubinometry device, which reduces the need for blood sampling in neonates with visible jaundice, for the Pediatric Department at the Fethiye Devlet State Hospital.
They built a house for a family with an ill child.
They have arranged (and continue to arrange) carnivals, festivals, and Christmas bazaars to fund their activities.
FETAV hosts Yaşam İçin Yarış (Race For Life Turkey) which was founded by Chris and George Rimmer and is now in its fifth year. Yaşam İçin Yarış raises money to support the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in Fethiye and has provided equipment to the Oncology Department at the Fethiye Devlet State Hospital and support patients needing life-saving treatment.
FETAV support the Nursing home, Rehabilitation Center, Reformatory and Woman’s Shelter in the area.
Cultural activities and events
FETAV Children’s Choir was formed under the leadership of Esra ASLANTÜRK, a national artist at Antalya State Opera and Ballet.
The FETAV Culture Commission works on new festival and event ideas
Every year, FETAV organise Traditional Poem Day on 21 March with many popular Turkish poets like.
FETAV have supported publishing of books of Fethiye memories and poems.
They arrange painting and photograph contests, book signing days and conversation clubs, cultural excursions and trekking days.
New for this year is the Creative Drama course which is very popular with families and children.
A message from FETAV
“From the very first day, despite challenges, FETAV has been working hard for Fethiye in every area and we will continue to work with our volunteers.”
“Everything we do is for a better Fethiye.”
FETAV are justifiably proud of what they have achieved for Fethiye in their first 25 years. Here’s to the next 25 years …
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