14.09.2025 12:30
Samsun Atakum Mayor Serhat Türkel strongly reacted to claims that he would switch to the AK Party. Stating that the news reports are unfounded, Türkel said, "We will not allow any perception operation carried out by the media aimed at damaging our party. As Pir Sultan Abdal said, 'Let those who turn turn, if I do not turn, I will stay on my path.'"
Atakum Mayor Serhat Türkel criticized the claims that he would switch to the AK Party.
In his statement, Mayor Türkel said, "The news about my supposed transition to the AK Party that occasionally appears in various media and press outlets is completely unfounded and does not reflect the truth. Since my first step in the youth branches in 2007, I have proudly served at every level of my party. Today, with the trust of my fellow citizens, I had the honor of being elected mayor in the local elections on March 31 with a difference of 22 thousand votes in the district where I have spent my entire life.
"OUR PARTY IS OUR FATHER'S HOME"
I express clearly from here. Serhat Türkel is a true child of the Republican People's Party; our party is our father's home. During my tenure as mayor, I will not abandon my path, my companions, or the Republican People's Party, which is entrusted to us by our Great Leader Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk," he stated.
"WE WILL NOT TURN BACK UNTIL WE BRING LIGHT TO OUR COUNTRY"
Mayor Türkel emphasized that the claims were deliberately made and created a false perception in the public, stating, "With the brave leadership of our Chairman Mr. Özgür Özel, and the determined struggle of our presidential candidate Mr. Ekrem İmamoğlu, who is unjustly and unlawfully held in prisons, we will not turn back from our path until we bring light to our country. We will not allow any perception operation conducted by the media aimed at damaging our party. As Pir Sultan Abdal said, 'Let those who turn turn, I will not turn from my path,'" he said.
WHO IS SERHAT TÜRKEL?
Born in Germany in 1983, Serhat Türkel settled in Atakum when his family returned to Turkey when he was just one year old. Türkel started his education here and completed his primary, secondary, and high school education in Atakum.
Having been interested in politics from a young age and actively participating, Serhat Türkel served in the Republican People's Party (CHP) Atakum Youth Branch from 2008 to 2015. Türkel continued his work as a member of the management board of CHP Atakum District Presidency from 2015 to 2019. His commitment to his party and the people of Atakum led to his election as the CHP Atakum District President with great support at the 38th Ordinary Congress.
Serhat Türkel entered the advertising sector at a young age in 2009, starting his business life. As of 2014, he turned to the tourism sector and ventured into hotel management. Türkel was elected Mayor of Atakum as a result of the Local Elections held on March 31, 2024.