'I visit Turkey every year - new curfew rules will be the end'
'I visit Turkey every year - new curfew rules will be the end'
Rebecca Kitchener, from South Wales, says it will 'ruin' the popular destination
Rebecca Kitchener
(Image: Rebecca Kitchener/SWNS )
A Brit holidaymaker said new curfew rules in Turkey - involving early bar closures and no late music - will "ruin" the region as more than 25 venues have been forced to close. Tourist Rebecca Kitchener, 38, goes to Marmaris every year - but reckons this year could see "the end" of the popular holiday destination.
Previously, Brits have flocked to the area to enjoy the late-night entertainment and vibrant nightlife. But after this year's introduction of new rules - including no late music and venues empty by 12.30am - Rebecca said this could be its downfall.
In addition, tabletop dance performances and sparklers are banned. The crackdown is thought to be to reduce harassment and inappropriate behaviour in the area as well as show greater respect to residents.
But Rebecca - who posts on TikTok as @rebeccaeliza86 - visited Armutalan earlier this month for a fortnight-long holiday with her children and some friends, as the restrictions kicked in, and reckons "it's had it".
Rebecca, a medical secretary from the Valleys, said: "I think it's really sad, I love all of that. When I went in June, we still had a good two weeks but the rules did put a dampener on it.
"The sparklers, the bar dancing - that's Marmaris. You couldn't be out in a bar much later than 12am in the UK, but you expect different when you're on holiday.
Article continues below
"One minute you're having an amazing time, then 12am hits and it's boom, music off, lights out, your night is over."
Police patrolling the streets in Marmaris, Turkey
(Image: Rebecca Kitchener/SWNS )
There is now just one street in Marmaris - Bar Street - which can remain open until 4am, while most other venues have to be empty by 12.30am, which is enforced by the authorities.
However Rebecca's favourite region has always been Armutalan - which has been hit heavily by the restrictions. According to Turkish news outlet Marmaris TV, 25 businesses have been closed - temporarily or permanently - across Marmaris for not complying with rules.
The report, translated, reads: "Sanctions continue to be applied against rule violations starting from three days [enforced closure] and repeatedly leading up to license cancellation."
Rebecca said: "When I went, at 12am you hear this siren thing and the police were driving along warning people. They were handing out fines."
While Rebecca reckons she'll still return to the area, she said it's "completely different".
Rebecca Kitchener
(Image: Rebecca Kitchener/SWNS )
She added: "It's dead compared to what it was. You used to have to book a seat to get to sit down in a bar - now they're empty.
Article continues below
"People go for the atmosphere and the good vibe - everyone sings and dances and makes friends. It's ruined Marmaris for the young people and I think the area will lose a lot of money."
According to Turkiye Today, Marmaris District Governor's Office has confirmed that inspections will continue throughout the summer to ensure all establishments operate within legal and ethical guidelines.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Smiling Emma Raducanu & Carlos Alcaraz grow closer as pair spotted with arms round each other in pics for water brand
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SMILING tennis aces Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz grow closer on and off court — and seem destined for a love match. Brit Emma, 22, put her arm around the world No.2 as he joined her as a global brand ambassador for bottled water Wimbledon sponsor Evian. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz grow closer on and off court — and seem destined for a love match Credit: Getty 2 Emma put her arm around Carlos as he joined her as a global brand ambassador for bottled water Wimbledon sponsor Evian Credit: Getty In another snap, the pair — due to partner at the US Open Mixed Doubles Championship in August — laughed on court and have a clear 'spark', insiders say. World No.38 Emma set tongues wagging when she was seen cheering on Wimbledon favourite Carlos, 22, at Queen's Club earlier this month. She tried to play down rumours of a blossoming relationship at a press conference yesterday, grinning as she insisted that she and Spaniard Carlos are 'just good friends'. The pair will team up at the Billie Jean King Tennis Centre in August as they both look to add a doubles success to their US Open singles titles. SunSport exclusively revealed earlier this week that the duo's relationship goes further than the court, but Raducanu insists there's no romance. When asked about it in her pre-Wimbledon press conference, the British star said while giggling: "We're just good friends". Raducanu is jumping at the idea of teaming up with the World No2, who is hot off the heels of winning the French Open earlier this month. Recalling when Alcaraz asked her to join forces, Raducanu said: "I mean, of course, I had to ask my team if they wanted me to play. "But for me, when he asked me, I was going to say yes, I just had to kind of go through the formality of asking my coach, so I didn't just make the decision." On how they became friends, Raducanu added: "I've known him for years. Emma Raducanu opens up on relationship with Carlos Alcaraz and when they first grew close as they enjoy cosy days out "And actually in Wimbledon 2021 it was like kind of the first time I started getting to know him, and I had a good run there and then also again in the US Open in 2021." Brit No.2 Katie Boulter, 28, said yesterday she feels 'safe' at Wimbledon after revealing she and her family have had death threats.
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
The Spanish region undiscovered by Brits despite seaside views and ancient Roman cities
TREKKING up a steep ski slope wasn't on my radar for a summer mini-break in Spain. And the hike at an altitude of 2,300ft in the Pyrenees was leaving me a little breathless. 5 Vallter 2000 ski resort in the Pyrenees of Girona, Catalonia Credit: Alamy 5 Ryan and Scarlett at summit Credit: Supplied 5 Ryan, Kelly, Scarlett and Savannah soak up Girona Credit: Supplied But I was determined to keep up with my children, Savannah, 13, and Scarlett, 11, who had left me trailing. My wife Kelly and I had been promised the effort would be worth it for the spectacular views and, when we finally reached the peak, we were not disappointed. From our incredible viewpoint, our guide Xavi revealed the delights of the northern Spanish region of Catalonia, with the Mediterranean Sea in one direction, the French border in another. Many Brits may picture sun, sea and sangria when they think of Spain, but the lush green pastures, thick pine forests and tinkling cow bells give this area a truly peaceful Alpine appeal. READ MORE TRAVEL NEWS HIGH FRY Premier Inn takes on McDonald's with new burger menu - we tried the whole list While Spanish tourists flock here all year round for hiking in the summer and snow sports over winter, the area remains relatively undiscovered for us. And with blue skies and milder temperatures, it could make for a much more temperate option for families keen to avoid the scorching south. After our three-hour trek at the Vallter 2000 ski resort, we were ready for a hearty meal and soon discovered the area is a secret foodie paradise, boasting a constellation of 20 Michelin stars. At the rustic Can Jepet, a family restaurant set in the picturesque mountain village of Setcases, we were treated to a memorable five-course tasting menu. The highlights included organic eggs with asparagus, fresh river trout and a warm cookie cake served with ice cream made from the local Birba biscuits. With bellies full, we checked into Hotel Grevol, our home for the next three nights. Martin Lewis warns about strict passport rule that could see you board your flight - only to get sent home on arrival This charming hotel's wooden decor evoked a Swiss ski lodge and its wellness centre was the perfect place to soothe aching limbs. The next day took us to nearby animal park Mollo Parc, where we wandered through a river valley, admiring native rabbits, baby goats, birds of prey and huge brown bears. Scarlett was especially delighted when the zookeeper invited her to help feed the marmots — a friendly meerkat-type creature — their healthy breakfast of carrots and courgettes. All-time top pudding Just next door is the Mollo adventure park, which offers Go Ape-style activities. I was more than happy to be the designated photographer, while my fearless daughters flew through the fir forests on zip wires. That afternoon there were more gastronomic delights on offer at Restaurant Can Calixto, where we feasted on seasonal dishes and local produce, including salmon with leek cream and juicy pork ribs. Our next stop was the small town of Camprodon, another hidden gem oozing history and situated idyllically beside the Ter River. Our culinary adventure concluded at Pont 9 restaurant, a favourite with locals and featuring an adventurous menu including pig's trotters and cuttlefish. It was here my daughter Savannah discovered her new all-time 'top pudding' — a warm, sugar-coated croissant-style pastry filled with Catalan cream. They are called xuixos, and we hope they make their way to the UK soon! 5 Scarlett feeds the marmots Credit: Supplied 5 I hope a warm, sugar-coated croissant-style pastry filled with Catalan cream called xuixos make their way to the UK soon Credit: Alamy We also visited Girona, a beautiful and lively city in Catalonia, half an hour from the coast and often overshadowed by its coastal neighbour Barcelona. Girona has become a magnet for both professional and amateur cyclists, resulting in a buzzy and stylish cafe and restaurant scene. A walking tour took us up to the spectacular city walls, first built by the Romans in the 1st century BC, where we admired panoramic views. Winding our way back to our hotel through the city's cobbled alleyways, we spotted locations featured in smash hit TV series Game Of Thrones and walked across a striking red bridge. Our guide informed us it was designed by one Gustave Eiffel before he turned his attention to a certain tower in Paris. Our sumptuous lunch was at Fonda cal Ros, which offers Catalonian twists on classic tapas and made us vow to return to this wonderful city. If you're looking for a family-friendly culinary adventure, combined with exhilarating activities in natural surroundings, book your ticket pronto for this stunning corner of Spain.
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Daily Record
Models lured to sick 'Porta-Potty' Dubai parties by men lavishing them with gifts
Dubai is known for its glitzy lifestyle that draws hundreds of social media influencers and reality TV stars - but inside, there's a dark secret that has sparked concern for the welfare of women travelling to the popular tourism hotspot. Models have been lured to sick 'Porta-Potty' parties by men lavishing them with gifts as we look at inside Dubai's dark underbelly. These twisted gatherings - reportedly organised by wealthy men - lure young models and influencers with promises of tens of thousands of pounds, luxury gifts, and lavish hotel stays, reports the Mirror. But behind the glitz lies a horrifying truth, including acts of extreme sexual degradation, physical abuse, and potential legal peril for the women involved. An influencer sparked concern on TikTok after sharing extravagant gifts bought for her by a stranger she met at the gym on Wednesday. Jade, who goes by @outplayedbyjade online, is originally from France but travelled to Dubai as she documented her trip online. In her video, she explained how she had been leaving the gym when workers approached her with a gift from someone she had met on the treadmill. "I didn't think much of it," she explained in the video. A worker handed her a bouquet of flowers and chocolate from the man she had struck up a conversation with. Flattered, she texted the number he had left with the gift to thank him, after which she then received a call from a shop assistant at the luxury jewellery designer store Van Cleef & Arpels. "I'm a very curious girl, so I make my way over to the shop," she explained. "This assistant pulls out a beautiful bracelet and a matching necklace." All together, the gifts were worth around £3,000. And while Jade was over the moon with her gifts, fans were quick to warn the influencer that he was a "professional" and to "be careful" amid reports of men recruiting women for " Porta-Parties" in Dubai. There was no information to confirm the intentions of the man spoiling Jade. Maria Kovalchuk, a 20-year-old Ukrainian adult model, who was reportedly left for dead after attending one of the Porta-Potty parties. Maria vanished after telling her mother she'd been invited to stay overnight with two men claiming to be modelling agents. She never made her flight to Thailand. Ten days later, on March 19, she was found dumped at the roadside in Dubai, suffering from a shattered spine, broken limbs, and severe internal injuries. Maria has undergone multiple surgeries, and her family, now at her bedside, are desperate for answers. It's thought she is still recovering from her injuries. Dubai Police confirmed that Maria is receiving medical care, but claimed she 'entered a restricted construction site alone and fell from a height'. A statement many find hard to accept, given the disturbing rumours swirling around her disappearance. Russian lawyer Katya Gordon, who has followed the case closely, bluntly alleged: "Model Maria Kovalchuk was found dying on the side of the road in the UAE after a party. The scandal with the Porta Potty parties has been raging for over a year." Gordon and others allege that Maria may have been forced to take part in a sex act involving human faeces - a central theme of these "Porta-Potty" events, where humiliation and abuse are part of the package. These parties reportedly involve women being paid vast sums of money to perform grotesque acts involving bodily fluids, degradation and pain. Viral videos have helped expose this shadowy world, but the abuse is largely hidden by Dubai's shiny reputation and strict censorship laws. And the women involved in these parties could even find themselves prosecuted. Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, has warned that women involved in these parties - even against their will - could face charges of adultery or indecency, especially if married men are present. "Sex outside marriage has been legalised in Dubai, but organisers have exploited this. Women think they're attending a private party - instead, they're thrown into horrific, dangerous situations with real legal risk," Stirling said. Maria's mother told Ukrainian media: "She has no documents, no phone, nothing. She's had three operations. She can't speak. We were told she went to a party, but the promoter claims he never saw her. We're terrified of what really happened." If you've been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via or by calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999 Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
