22.07.2026 15:50
Governor Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli, who became a subject of controversy for wearing tights and was dismissed by a presidential decree, was seen off with a ceremony in Ardahan. As Çiçekli left the city, a group of cyclists accompanied him by forming a convoy.
Governor Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli, who became the center of controversy due to the sportswear he wore at a cycling festival he attended in Ardahan and was reassigned to the central office by Presidential Decree, was bid farewell in the city with a ceremony. At the farewell ceremony attended by many citizens, cyclists also accompanied the former governor by pedaling.
"I DID NOT DISAPPOINT THOSE WHO TRUSTED ME"
Speaking at the farewell ceremony held in front of the governor's office building, Çiçekli thanked everyone who supported him during his tenure. Stating that he tried to serve Ardahan with great dedication, Çiçekli expressed that he made it his principle to carry out every duty given to him with passion and loyalty, and that he saw public service as a matter of honor. Expressing his gratitude to the state leaders who deemed him worthy of this position, Çiçekli emphasized that he believed he did not disappoint those who trusted him and that this was his greatest honor.
FAREWELL WITH A CYCLING CONVOY
Before getting into his official vehicle, Çiçekli bid farewell to the citizens with the words, "You are magnificent Ardahan, farewell Ardahan." During his departure from the city, a group of cyclists accompanied him by forming a convoy.
The process leading to Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli's removal from office began when his tight sportswear worn while cycling became a topic on social media. Following criticisms by CHP Ardahan Deputy İnan Akgün Alp, who said, "He is wandering around in tights, such a governor is not acceptable," the growing controversy resulted in Çiçekli's reassignment to the central office.
"THE DECISION IS THE ELDERS' PREROGATIVE, I WILL KEEP PEDALING"
Responding to the criticisms after the removal decision, Çiçekli stated that he practices cycling at a near-professional level and that his clothing was entirely for sports purposes. Noting that he trains on weekends and early mornings, Çiçekli said they engage in sports with attire suitable for its nature, expressed that the decision was the prerogative of the state leaders, and shared the message: "Long live our state and our nation. I will keep pedaling."