08.08.2026 00:30
Former Ardahan Governor Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli, who was dismissed after coming to the forefront with the leggings he wore while cycling, has now appeared on the streets of Istanbul following his message 'Keep pedaling.' Spotted during a morning ride extending from the Galata Bridge to the Karaköy and Tophane line, Çiçekli pedaled through historic spots, saying, 'Istanbul is truly something else.'
Former Ardahan Governor Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli, who was dismissed after coming to the forefront with the tights he wore while cycling, did not give up his passion. Çiçekli, who frequently made headlines with sports and cycling events during his tenure, this time cycled through the streets of Istanbul.
PEDALED FROM GALATA TO KARAKÖY
Putting on his cycling tights and helmet in the early morning hours, Çiçekli toured Istanbul's historic landmarks. Passing over the Galata Bridge and pedaling accompanied by Istanbul's unique scenery, the former governor continued his ride along the Karaköy coastline, through Tophane and down Meclis-i Mebusan Avenue.
Çiçekli's energetic appearance as he advanced through Istanbul's streets with a cycling group drew attention. Speaking with a smile to the camera filming him during the ride, Çiçekli said about Istanbul, "Istanbul is truly beautiful, truly something else."
"ARDAHAN WAS ALSO VERY BEAUTIFUL"
While praising Istanbul, Çiçekli did not forget Ardahan, his former post. The former governor's words, "Ardahan was also very beautiful, but thanks to you, it was completely different," notably sent greetings to the people of Ardahan.
TIGHTS CONTROVERSY HAD REACHED PARLIAMENT
Çiçekli's cycling passion became a topic of debate due to the professional cycling tights he wore at a cycling event held in Ardahan. CHP Kars Deputy İnan Akgün Alp raised Çiçekli's tights-clad images in the Turkish Grand National Assembly General Assembly, criticizing the governor. Following the debate, Çiçekli defended his outfit as a normal sports garment used for cycling.
Stating that he is a sailor, rower, and cyclist, Çiçekli said, "The clothing on me is sports clothing. I do sports in sports clothing." When asked after his dismissal, "What will you do from now on?" he replied, "Keep pedaling."
HIS DISMISSAL INTENSIFIED THE DEBATE
Çiçekli was dismissed by a presidential decree dated July 17, 2026, with no reason stated in the decree text for his removal. Ömer Hilmi Yamlı was appointed in his place.
Çiçekli's dismissal, occurring right after the debate over his cycling attire, led to various interpretations among the public.
Bid farewell by cyclists as he left his post, Çiçekli's new ride in Istanbul once again showed that he continues his interest in sports, following his earlier message of "Keep pedaling."