Çekmeköy Mayor Orhan Çerkez Joins Ruling AKP Party

Orhan Çerkez, the current Mayor of Çekmeköy, has officially joined the Justice and Development Party (AKP). The announcement came as Tuzla Mayor Eren Ali Bingöl and Şile Deputy Mayor Sacit Terzi, who recently resigned from the Republican People's Party (CHP), also switched their allegiance to the AKP. This move marks a significant political shift for Çerkez, who was elected to lead Çekmeköy on a CHP ticket in the 2024 local elections.

Orhan Çerkez, born in Ardahan in 1962, has a long career in public service and municipal administration. He completed his primary, secondary, and high school education in Ardahan before pursuing a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Anadolu University. He later obtained a master's degree in Public Administration and Urbanism from Istanbul Medeniyet University. Çerkez settled in Çekmeköy in 1980, gaining intimate knowledge of the district's development and challenges.

His municipal career began in 1985 as a civil servant at the Kadıköy Municipality's Public Order Directorate, where he served as a responsible supervisor until 2009. He continued his municipal experience at Ataşehir Municipality, holding positions such as Administrative Affairs Manager and Head of Transportation Services for four years. From 2016 to 2023, Çerkez served as the Deputy Mayor of Ataşehir Municipality. Beyond his official roles, he has been actively involved in various foundations, federations, and NGOs, focusing on public benefit and community solidarity.

Çerkez is married and has two children. His political transition follows that of other CHP-elected officials, highlighting shifts in local political allegiances. The article also notes that Şile Mayor Özgür Kabadayı was also mentioned in relation to the event, though Terzi is identified as the deputy mayor who joined the AKP meeting.