Local News

Author Maximilian Sam publishes new book “Stories From A Stray”

AWARD-WINNING Didim author, Maximilian Sam, has published his new book, “Stories From A Stray”. It comprises 21 short stories from the original “stray”, incorporating a range of genres. In the book you’ll meet characters ranging from a chef to a spy, from a rugby player to a man called Dave. You’ll win and lose the…

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After 117 years at Apollo Temple, is it Auf Wiedersehen?

It was an immense pleasure to welcome a friend of many years back to Didyma last weekend, wrote Glenn Maffia. His absence had been necessitated by the pandemic and then work commitments, but after four long years his arrival was most welcomed and the conversation flowed as if there had been no pause. Diminishing returns…

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Cementing Ancient Truths in 3-D

Native archaeologists appear to possess a particular predilection in rebuilding ancient sites, writes Glenn Maffia. Probably at the behest of transient politicians whose belligerent insistence in procuring touristic revenues are in stark contrast to historical enquiry. I have absolutely no qualms about visitors arriving in this historically wealthy land, the crossroads of a multitude of…

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Maya Breaks Records, Wins Golds in National Swim Event

Didim student Maya Gördüemel has returned with a medal haul and several broken records following a national swimming trials event, held in Nazili, last weekend. Maya competed in seven races for the age nine category – shocking not only parents, but coaches with her overall record-breaking performance. She would have gained four golds in the…

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First Tango Festival at Apollo Venue: Mar 10-12

On March 10-11-12, the first of Didim Medusa Mini Tango Festival will be held with the support of private entrepreneurs. Cem Beşe, owner of Olivia Restaurant in Apollon, and Alev Deniz, a culture and art entrepreneur, came together to create a centre for artistic activities in Didim. Alev Deniz, who has a culture and art…

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UK pet transportation charity brings earthquake aid for animals to Turkey

A kind-hearted Southampton-based pet transportation charity has come to the aid of many animals affected by the recent earthquakes in Turkey. Helen, from Paws Pet Transport, an animal charity in the UK, started collecting blankets, toys, travel cots, Moses baskets, as well as pet beds, pet bowls and sacks of dry cat and dog food…

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Exposing a gap in Didim’s history

As recently reported by Mavi Didim newspaper, writes Glenn Maffia, the mosque sitting beside Didyma’s Temple of Apollo has been closed due to structural fallibility, namely a crack appearing within its masonry. One may well recall this important focus of the village’s religious and communal life was, less than a year and a half afar,…

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Voices donates 25,000TL to earthquake relief effort

As full-scale domestic and international efforts continue across earthquake-stricken Southeastern Turkey, Voices Newspaper has stepped up and donated 25,000 TL to help the people affected by the disaster. Hasan Bayrak, the founder of Voices and its sister company Realty World, said he and his staff had been moved by the many images and videos and…

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Historic Mosque remains closed after cracks appear

The 200-year-old Hisar Mosque, located within the boundaries of Hisar Mahallesi and opposite the Apollo Temple, remains closed several months after cracks appeared within its structure. The building, belonging to the General Directorate of Foundations, was restored in 2020 at a cost of 588,820 TL. The project, which took one year to complete, included works…

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Animal lover offers home for late owner’s dog

Hamdi Tuncer, one of the residents of Didim Nursing Home, passed away by entrusting his beloved dog friend to Şehnaz Kasaplar. When the benefactor Şehnaz Kasaplar from Didim went to Didim Nursing Home to work as a volunteer 4.5 years ago, she heard that Hamdi Tuncer, who lived there, was depressed. She learned from the…

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