- Mehmet Fatih Cicekli, the governor of Ardahan province in eastern Turkey, was removed from his post on July 17 by a presidential decree signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
- The dismissal followed criticism from some Turkish politicians regarding Cicekli's choice to wear cycling tights during a public event promoting the sport.
- A petition campaign to reinstate Cicekli has gathered over 10,000 signatures, with supporters arguing he was engaged in important work promoting sports and youth activities.
- In an emotional farewell to his supporters, Cicekli expressed gratitude, stating he had not let down those who supported him.
- Cicekli was appointed governor of Ardahan in January by President Erdogan, and his dismissal has sparked significant public interest.
- Opposition lawmaker Inan Akgun Alp criticized Cicekli for prioritizing social media over official duties, claiming his attire was inappropriate for a governor.
- Samil Tayyar, a former legislator, stated that Cicekli's attire was contrary to cultural norms, especially in a conservative province like Ardahan.
- Cicekli defended his choice of clothing, stating it was normal sportswear and emphasized his identity as an athlete.
- European Parliament rapporteur Nacho Sánchez Amor expressed support for Cicekli, suggesting the criticism was part of a conservative agenda.
Mehmet Fatih Cicekli, the governor of Ardahan, Turkey, was sacked on July 17 by a decree from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after wearing tight cycling shorts at a public event promoting cycling. The dismissal followed criticism from politicians who deemed his attire inappropriate for a governor.12
Cicekli defended his choice, stating, “I am an athlete who practices sailing, rowing and cycling. The clothes I’m wearing are sportswear.” Despite the backlash, a petition titled ‘Ardahan Governor Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli Should Remain in Office’ has gained over 10,000 signatures, with supporters highlighting his contributions to sports and youth activities in the province.3
Critics, including Inan Akgun Alp from the Republican People’s Party, argued that Cicekli prioritized social media over his duties, stating, “He goes around in tights, spends all day cycling... A governor cannot wander around the city centre like this.” Former legislator Samil Tayyar echoed these sentiments, asserting that such attire does not align with the seriousness expected of a governor in a conservative region.67
In an emotional farewell, Cicekli expressed gratitude to his supporters, saying, “I believe that I have not let down those who vouched for me.” The controversy has drawn international attention, with Nacho Sánchez Amor, a member of the European Parliament, defending Cicekli and criticizing the backlash as an endorsement of an “Islamist conservative agenda.”4
“Opposition lawmaker Inan Akgun Alp criticized Cicekli for prioritizing social media and wearing inappropriate attire, while former legislator Samil Tayyar said the tights contradict cultural norms in conservative Ardahan. Cicekli defended his sportswear, stating, "I am an athlete who practices sailing, rowing and cycling."”
AP News
