13.08.2026 11:20
The new duty station and responsibilities of Esengül Korkmaz Çiçekli, wife of Ardahan Governor Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli, who was appointed to the central office on July 18, 2026, after becoming a subject of political debate due to her clothing while cycling, have been determined. Çiçekli, who was appointed from the Ardahan Deputy Governorship to the Istanbul Deputy Governorship, will be responsible for three critical districts and the functioning of two ministries.
The Governor of Ardahan, Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli, who caused controversy due to the outfit he wore while cycling, was dismissed and recalled to the center on July 18. Following this decision, his wife, who served as the Deputy Governor of Ardahan, was appointed as the Deputy Governor of Istanbul. The job description and the three districts under Esengül Korkmaz Çiçekli's responsibility have been determined.
RECALLED TO THE CENTER AFTER THE 'CYCLING OUTFIT' CONTROVERSY
Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli, who is engaged in professional-level cycling, became the target of criticism from CHP Kars Deputy İnan Akgün Alp due to the athletic outfit he wore during his training. In the debates that grew first in the Turkish Grand National Assembly and then on social media, millions of citizens from different political views supported Çiçekli, standing by sports and the athlete. However, despite this widespread support, Governor Çiçekli was dismissed and recalled to the center as a result of the appointment decisions published in the Official Gazette dated July 18, 2026, with the signature of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
ESENGÜL KORKMAZ ÇİÇEKLİ'S DUTIES IN ISTANBUL
After Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli was recalled to the center, his wife, Ardahan Deputy Governor Esengül Korkmaz Çiçekli, whom he met and married during his years as a district governor, also bid farewell to Ardahan. The details of the duties that Esengül Korkmaz Çiçekli, who was appointed to Istanbul following her husband's recall to the central organization, will undertake as the Deputy Governor of Istanbul have become clear.
HERE ARE THE 3 DISTRICTS UNDER HER RESPONSIBILITY
According to the announced new duty distribution scheme, Esengül Korkmaz Çiçekli will be responsible for the coordination and functioning of the Ministry of Treasury and Finance and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure in Istanbul. Esengül Korkmaz Çiçekli will also be responsible for the districts of Eyüpsultan, Kağıthane, and Güngören.