Çeşme

Two mastic manufacturers in the western province of İzmir's Çeşme district are actively promoting the cultivation of the rare mastic tree, which grows exclusively in this touristic area and on the Greek island of Chios.

The fast-track visa program from Çeşme in Türkiye's İzmir province to the Greek Island of Chios, which allows Turkish citizens to obtain a visa without the need to apply in advance, will see a two-day suspension between Oct. 12 and 13.

The Greek authorities raising the cost of port security for international ships from 0.50 cents to 5 euros per passenger underpins this decision.

Preferences have changed during this summer vacation due to both high hotel prices and climate conditions.

Sector representatives said those who cannot go to popular vacation destinations such as Çeşme and Bodrum due to high prices this year prefer cultural tours, which provide price advantages.

A life raft carrying migrants crashed into rocks off Turkey's Aegean coastal town of Cesme on Tuesday, killing seven people on board, the Turkish coast guard said.

One person was rescued from the sea by a fishing boat which then alerted the coast guard. Eighteen others, including children, were rescued from the small island of Karaada near Cesme.

Türkiye is grappling with blistering heat waves as temperatures soar above seasonal norms, heightening the risk of forest fires especially in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions.

While the increasing temperatures and persistent strong winds are contributing factors, the recent fires in the region indicate that human activity is the primary cause.

The first day of Eid al-Adha has witnessed a mass exodus from urban centers as vacationers flocked to coastal resorts to relish their holidays.

Turkish security teams have rescued 75 irregular immigrants, including 12 children, who were pushed back by Greek forces off the country's western coast, media reports said on May 26.

The 13th Alaçatı Herb Festival, held in the western province of İzmir's Çeşme district this year, has witnessed vibrant scenes with the participation of hundreds of thousands of people.

Inspired by the "Towel Movement" in Greece, which aims to protest paid services on public beaches, activists in the Turkish Aegean holiday spot of Çeşme have thrown their towels on the shores of private beaches to demand full access.

Turkish composer and singer Karsu, who brings jazz, blues, pop, funk and electronic music together with modern tones, will give a special concert on the 100th anniversary of The Turkish Republic. Hosted by the Turkish Education Foundation (TEV), the concert will take place at the Çeşme Open Air Theater on July 20.