28.07.2026 12:01
Following the political transfers in the past, a massive participation is now taking place in the megacity. It is being discussed that the CHP mayors of Çekmeköy, Tuzla, Şile, and Eyüpsultan will switch to the AK Party during a ceremony at the Haliç Congress Center on Saturday, and President Erdoğan will pin their party badges.
A new instance of political transfers and affiliations to the AK Party, previously seen in Ankara and local governments, is now taking place in Istanbul. Four CHP district mayors in Istanbul are expected to join the AK Party ranks with a grand ceremony to be held on Saturday.
PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN WILL PIN THE BADGES
According to claims that have stirred political circles, the badge-pinning ceremony for the transitioning figures will be held in Istanbul. At the ceremony to take place at the Halic Congress Center, the badges of the mayors joining the AK Party will be pinned personally by President and AK Party Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
HERE ARE THE 4 MAYORS EXPECTED TO SWITCH TO THE AK PARTY
While recent affiliations of deputies and mayors from opposition parties to the AK Party have gained momentum, this collective transition on the Istanbul scale is expected to change the balance.
The 4 CHP mayors stated to be joining the AK Party are listed as follows:
- Çekmeköy Mayor: Orhan Çerkez
- Tuzla Mayor: Ali Eren Bingöl
- Şile Mayor: Sacit Terzi
- Eyüpsultan Mayor: Dr. Mithat Bülent Özmen