Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli, the governor of Ardahan province in eastern Turkey, has been dismissed following the circulation of photographs showing him dressed in cycling tights. The dismissal on July 17, issued by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has stirred significant political backlash and led to a campaign for his reinstatement, according to reports.
The reasons for Çiçekli’s dismissal were not officially stated, but it followed criticism from various Turkish politicians regarding his choice of attire during a public cycling promotion event, which he also shared on social media.
Political Backlash from All Sides
İnan Akgün Alp, a member of the main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party, criticized Çiçekli for prioritizing social media presence over his official duties, claiming that his tight clothing was inappropriate for a governor. “He walks around in tights, spends all day cycling with bodyguards in front of him, pedaling in tights until evening,” Alp said during a parliamentary debate, asserting, “A governor cannot roam the city center like that.”
Former parliamentarian Şamil Tayyar, from Erdogan’s ruling party with roots in Turkey’s Islamic movement, argued that Çiçekli’s attire violated cultural norms, especially in a conservative province like Ardahan. He stated that while individuals can wear whatever they want in private life, a governor should not appear in public dressed in tights during official duties, as it undermines the seriousness of the role.
Support from Local Cyclists
Çiçekli, who was appointed governor in January by Erdogan, defended his attire as standard cycling gear, stating, “We will continue to pedal. I am an athlete who practices navigation, rowing, and cycling. The clothes I wear are sportswear.”
A petition to reinstate him has garnered over 10,000 signatures, with supporters claiming that Çiçekli was performing vital activities in Ardahan, promoting sports, youth engagement, and bicycle tourism, as reported by opposition-affiliated Halk TV.
In an emotional farewell to his supporters in Ardahan, Çiçekli expressed his gratitude, saying, “I believe I have not let down those who trusted me and have stood by me throughout my journey. I consider this the greatest honor of all.” As he departed Ardahan, a province bordering Armenia and Georgia, local cyclists accompanied his vehicle to bid him farewell, demonstrating their support.
