Ömer Hilmi Yamlı, the new governor of Ardahan, has assumed office.

23.07.2026 16:20

Ömer Hilmi Yamlı, appointed as the Governor of Ardahan by a decree signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and published in the Official Gazette, has assumed office. Yamlı replaced Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli, who was dismissed after facing criticism in the Turkish Parliament for wearing cycling attire while riding a bicycle.

With the signature of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the decision published in the Official Gazette appointed Ömer Hilmi Yamlı as the Governor of Ardahan, and he has assumed office. Yamlı was welcomed at the governorate building by deputy governors, district governors, mayors, institution directors, and citizens, with a young girl presenting him with flowers.

Upon taking his seat and starting his duties, Yamlı expressed his gratitude to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Minister of Interior Mustafa Çiftçi for being deemed worthy of the position in his statement to the press.

FIRST STATEMENT FROM THE NEW GOVERNOR

Stating that he sees the governorship as a trust of loyalty to the state, service to the nation, and responsibility towards the people of Ardahan, Yamlı noted the following:

"With the strength we draw from our state's deep-rooted administrative tradition, we will strive to fulfill our duties in the best possible way, based on the rule of law, fairness, and impartiality. Our primary priority and most important duty will be to preserve the peace and security climate of this ancient city, to utilize its potential most efficiently, to increase the welfare of our citizens, and by further enhancing the quality of public service, to carry Ardahan to a stronger future in every field. I believe that when we act in unity and solidarity, our Ardahan will confidently progress towards much stronger tomorrows in line with the goals of the Turkey Century through common sense and strong cooperation."

IMPRINTED IN TURKEY'S MEMORY AS THE "TIGHTS GOVERNOR"

Meanwhile, the repercussions of the dismissal of former Governor Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli, who came to the parliamentary agenda due to his attire while cycling, continue. Çiçekli had successfully promoted the city nationwide through cycling and canoe sporting events which he organized and personally participated in. 

CHP Kars Deputy İnan Akgün Alp had brought Çiçekli to the agenda in the Turkish Grand National Assembly by calling him the "TikTok Governor" over his cycling outfit, targeting him. Following Çiçekli's dismissal, CHP's Alp became the focal point of reactions and harsh criticism.