22.02.2026 21:45
Ali Çelik, who was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Interior by Presidential Decree, met with citizens and protocol members in the districts of Çukurca and Yüksekova as part of his farewell visits. Stating that he sees himself as a person from Hakkari, Çelik said, "I have been with you in the halay, I have shared your pain. When I fell ill, dozens of people called and prayed for me. Now we are physically parting ways. But our bond is here. I will continue to work for Hakkari and Yüksekova in my new position."
Deputy Minister of Interior Ali Çelik, who was appointed as the Governor of Hakkari and Acting Mayor with the decree published by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, paid farewell visits to the districts of Çukurca and Yüksekova.
"WE HAVE ESTABLISHED A STRONG BOND WITH THE PEOPLE"
Çelik, who made his first farewell visit to Çukurca, then came to Yüksekova. Governor Çelik met with District Governor Mustafa Akın, institution heads, and neighborhood muhtars in front of the district governor's office. He was accompanied by Provincial Police Chief Atilla Ayata and AK Party Provincial Chairman Zeydin Kaya. Saying goodbye to those waiting in front of the governor's office, Governor Çelik stated that they had established a strong bond with the people during his time in Hakkari.
"I HAVE VISITED YÜKSEKOVA 78 TIMES"
Governor Çelik said, "My muhtars are here with me. We kissed the hands of our elders living in those villages. Please send my regards to my brothers whom I couldn't greet or make peace with. During my term, I visited Yüksekova 78 times. I visited the villages and neighborhoods connected to the district. Everywhere I visited, I saw kindness and sincerity in my interactions with the citizens. Whenever we shook hands and looked into each other's eyes, I always saw goodness. May my Lord protect this geography, this city, our Yüksekova, our Hakkari, Şemdinli, Çukurca, and Derecik from evils," he said.
"OUR SPIRITUAL BOND IS HERE"
Çelik, who stated that he sees himself as a person from Hakkari, said, "I was with you in the halay, I was with you in your pain. When I fell ill, dozens of people called and prayed. Now we are physically parting. But our spiritual bond is here. I will continue to work for Hakkari and Yüksekova in my new position. Under the leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, I will follow up on every request regarding the city in Ankara. You have a home and a brother in Ankara. My door, my heart, and my phone are open 24 hours. If you send a message, I will definitely respond," he said.