22.07.2026 16:00
A farewell ceremony was held in the garden of the Governorship for Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli, who was removed from his post as Ardahan Governor by a presidential decree. During the ceremony, Çiçekli made sincere confessions, drawing attention to the burden of administration, and bid farewell to Ardahan with the words: "I had prayed a lot to become a district governor and civil administrator. Once I entered the profession, I saw that I had been greatly mistaken. Administration is truly a shirt of fire."
An emotional farewell ceremony was held in the garden of the Governorship for Governor Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli, who was removed from his post as Governor of Ardahan by a presidential decree. During the ceremony, Governor Çiçekli, who both sought forgiveness and made sincere statements, said, "I had prayed a lot to become a civil administrator. Being an administrator is truly a shirt of fire. It was great ignorance to shoulder the responsibility of a city, a district, and many people."
HE ATTENDED THE CEREMONY WITH HIS WIFE
A farewell ceremony was held for Governor Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli, whose term in Ardahan ended in accordance with the presidential decree. Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli, who attended the ceremony held in the garden of the Governorship together with his wife Esengül Korkmaz Çiçekli, a deputy governor and fellow civil administrator, addressed the people of Ardahan who came to see him off. During the ceremony, which saw emotional moments from time to time, Governor Çiçekli thanked everyone who supported him throughout his tenure.
"I DID NOT DISGRACE MY ELDERS"
Addressing the people of Ardahan at the farewell ceremony, Governor Çiçekli stated that he was honored to serve the city and said: "I extend my gratitude to everyone who has been with us throughout this process, who has shouldered the burden to elevate and uplift this city together, who has shown effort, and who has called and asked since the day our decree was issued, from the very first moment. If we were able to accomplish anything, it is with their support, your support, and the prayers of truth-loving friends.
"I DID NOT DISGRACE MY ELDERS"
We had made it our path to do the work given to us, placed before us, with passion and sincerity, and to consider it a matter of honor and faith. Here too, thank God, we tried to serve this city as much as we could, just as we did in previous places. I remember with respect and gratitude all my elders who trusted us, who brought us into the profession from the beginning, advanced us in our careers, and entrusted us with public duties in these and previous places. I believe I have not disgraced those who stood behind me, who referred me and supported me up to this point in my career. I believe that this is the greatest honor."
"I WAS GREATLY IGNORANT"
Drawing attention to the difficulties and responsibilities of the administrative profession, Governor Çiçekli continued his words with these striking statements: "In the past, I had prayed a lot to become a district governor. I promised, 'O Lord, if you grant me a district governorship, I will be as you command.' Then, upon entering the profession, I observed that I was greatly ignorant. Being an administrator is truly a shirt of fire. It was great ignorance to shoulder the responsibility of a city, a district, and many people. I had prayed a lot to become a civil administrator. The verse says: 'Man prays for evil as he prays for good.' That's what I did, actually. I prayed a lot to become a civil administrator."
HE BADE FAREWELL ACCOMPANIED BY CYCLIST ATHLETES
After his speech, Governor Çiçekli, who bid farewell and sought forgiveness one by one from the citizens and protocol members present at the send-off area, got into his official car with the words, "You are magnificent, Ardahan. Farewell, Ardahan." As Governor Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli left Ardahan, cyclist athletes accompanied his vehicle until the city exit.