Is Fethiye Becoming a Province? Attention-Grabbing List for the 82nd Province

As the question of whether the number of provinces in Turkey will increase to 82 comes back on the agenda, Fethiye, Muğla's popular tourism center, was also shown among the districts close to becoming a province. Fethiye, which stands out with its population, economic power, tourism potential, and regional influence, was included in a list of 24 districts.

Can Fethiye be the 82nd province?

The topic of "districts that will become new provinces" which has long been debated in Turkey has come back on the agenda once again. While many districts have expectations of becoming provinces, some districts that meet criteria such as population size, economic development, transportation facilities, infrastructure, and distance from provincial centers have come to the fore.

Among these districts is Muğla's Fethiye district. Fethiye, one of Turkey's strongest centers in tourism, frequently comes up in discussions about "becoming a province" due to its increasing population during summer months, economic activity, and regional attraction power.

Fethiye's population draws attention

Fethiye, which is among the districts expected to become a province, was listed with a population of 187,332. This figure indicates that Fethiye has become a strong center not only in tourism but also in terms of settled population.

Hosting world-known tourism destinations like Ölüdeniz, Çalış, Göcek, Kayaköy, Faralya, and Kabak, Fethiye ranks among the most vibrant districts of Muğla's economy. The district’s tourism potential, transportation connections, and service load are among the main points increasing expectations for it to become a province.

What criteria are sought to become a province?

It is stated that some fundamental criteria come to the fore for a district to gain provincial status in Turkey. Among these criteria, having at least 100,000 population and being located at a certain distance from the central province come first.

Besides, economic development, level of urbanization, transportation facilities, infrastructure capacity, education status, healthcare services, and influence on neighboring settlements are also among the evaluation factors.

Fethiye stands out especially in these discussions with its population, tourism economy, the multiplied human density in summer, and being a regional center.

Fethiye from Muğla is on the list

Fethiye's inclusion among 24 districts nationwide said to be close to becoming provinces has aroused curiosity in Muğla. Although there is no official finalized decision on whether the district will become a province, Fethiye’s name continues to appear frequently in such lists.

If Fethiye becomes a province, restructuring of public services in the region, decentralization of administrative services, and formation of a new management model together with neighboring districts may be brought to the agenda.

24 districts shown as close to becoming provinces

The 24 districts that have come on the agenda with expectations of becoming provinces and their populations are listed as follows:

• Yüksekova Hakkari: 121,314
• Midyat Mardin: 125,791
• Polatlı Ankara: 131,894
• Elbistan Kahramanmaraş: 132,036
• Kahta Adıyaman: 136,769
• Kozan Adana: 132,572
• Ünye Ordu: 135,914
• Ergani Diyarbakır: 141,098
• Konya Ereğli Konya: 158,010
• Lüleburgaz Kırklareli: 157,136
• Nazilli Aydın: 162,156
• Cizre Şırnak: 166,290
• Bandırma Balıkesir: 169,476
• Erciş Van: 170,209
• Zonguldak Ereğli Zonguldak: 173,000
• Edremit Balıkesir: 176,251
• Fethiye Muğla: 187,332
• İskenderun Hatay: 228,149
• Manavgat Antalya: 266,480
• Siverek Şanlıurfa: 277,399
• İnegöl Bursa: 306,004
• Çorlu Tekirdağ: 306,939
• Tarsus Mersin: 358,510
• Alanya Antalya: 371,547

An official process is required for a decision

There is currently no finalized decision on whether Fethiye will become a province. Official procedures and legal regulations must be carried out for the change of provincial status.

However, as the discussions about new provinces in Turkey come back on the agenda, Fethiye continues to be among the districts highlighted from Muğla. All eyes are now on whether the number of provinces will be increased to 82 and what position Fethiye will hold in this process.

Reporter: Mukaddes Yelin