A public official has been dismissed following the circulation of images showing him in tight cycling apparel while riding his bike, leading to outcry from fellow cyclists.
Mehmet Fatih Cicekli, the governor of Ardahan province in eastern Turkey, was removed from his position on July 17 through a decree signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The decision came after criticism from some Turkish politicians who disapproved of Cicekli wearing cycling tights during a public event aimed at promoting the sport and sharing the photos on social media.
Inan Akgun Alp, a member of the main opposition Republican People’s Party, accused Cicekli of focusing more on social media than his official responsibilities and deemed the attire unsuitable for a governor. During a televised debate in Turkey, Alp remarked that Cicekli’s choice of clothing and spending the day cycling with bodyguards did not align with the expectations of a governor’s conduct.
Samil Tayyar, a member of Erdogan’s ruling party, criticized Cicekli’s outfit as breaching cultural norms, especially in a conservative province like Ardahan. Tayyar highlighted that other politicians opted for more casual attire like jogging bottoms while cycling, emphasizing that the governor’s choice was inappropriate for the setting.
Cicekli defended himself by asserting that his clothing was standard cycling gear, stating that he participates in various sports like sailing, rowing, and cycling. Despite the controversy, a petition seeking his reinstatement garnered over 10,000 signatures, with supporters praising his efforts in promoting sports, youth activities, and bicycle tourism.
In a heartfelt farewell to his backers in Ardahan, Cicekli expressed gratitude for their support throughout his tenure. As he departed the province, he was surrounded by local cyclists who showed their solidarity, as reported by Halk TV.
Nacho Sanchez Amor, a Spanish member of the European Parliament overseeing Turkey, voiced support for Cicekli and suggested that Alp’s criticisms were influenced by the ruling party’s conservative agenda.
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