Ardahan Governor Dismissed After Cycling Tights Controversy

Ardahan Governor Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli has been removed from his position following a controversy over his attire. A presidential decree published in the Official Gazette on July 18, 2026, announced Çiçekli's dismissal and the appointment of Ömer Hilmi Yamlı, previously the district governor of Şehitkamil in Gaziantep, as the new governor.

The controversy began when images of Governor Çiçekli cycling in tights were shared on social media, sparking public debate. The issue escalated to the Turkish Grand National Assembly, where İnan Akgün Alp, a Member of Parliament from Kars representing the Republican People's Party (CHP), criticized the governor. Alp displayed a photograph of Çiçekli, stating, "He walks around in tights among the people with four bodyguards in front and behind. This is not how a governor should be. I call on the Minister of Interior; either remove these governors or send them fig leaves."

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He walks around in tights among the people with four bodyguards in front and behind. This is not how a governor should be. I call on the Minister of Interior; either remove these governors or send them fig leaves.

Alp further amplified his criticism on social media, posting a video titled "TikTok Governors Have Emerged." He claimed to have seen governors wearing tights among the public, suggesting this was done for engagement. The criticism over Çiçekli's clothing also led to heated exchanges between ruling AK Party and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) lawmakers in the parliament. The Deputy Speaker had to call for calm during the session.

Governor Çiçekli had previously responded to the criticism by sharing supportive messages he received on social media. However, the recent presidential decree marks the end of his tenure as governor of Ardahan.

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TikTok Governors Have Emerged