03.01.2026 12:10
The images displayed by Bekir Sargın, the President of the Derince Tradesmen and Craftsmen Chamber, before the chamber elections to be held on January 11, have sparked a significant public backlash. The controversy arose from Sargın, who has been in office for 16 years, posing in a luxurious office created with chamber resources and wearing outfits reminiscent of Ottoman sultans.
Bekir Sargın has been serving as the President of the Derince Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen in Kocaeli's Derince district for 16 years. Sargın, who is running for re-election in the elections to be held on Sunday, January 11, is facing a strong opponent this time. Hüsamettin Soylu has emerged as a challenger to Sargın, who previously ran unopposed in past elections.
THE OFFICE AGENDA
According to allegations, a chamber building was purchased on Çeşme Street in Çenedağ Neighborhood with the dues collected from tradesmen in Derince. While the interior of the building was renovated, the most talked-about section became the office designed specifically for President Sargın. It was stated that the room, furnished with luxury furniture, has drawn criticism among tradesmen facing economic difficulties.
DOOR THAT CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE
According to a report in Özgür Kocaeli newspaper, it was claimed that the door of Sargın's office does not have a handle on the outside and can only be opened from the inside. This situation has brought criticisms of "inaccessibility" and "show of power," while some tradesmen argued that it is inconsistent with the understanding of chamber management.
PHOTO IN SULTAN'S OUTFIT
Another topic at the center of the reactions was the claims that Sargın took photos in his office wearing garments similar to those of Ottoman sultans and welcomed some members in this manner. It was noted that these images have resonated widely among tradesmen before the elections.
TRADESMEN ARE STRUGGLING TO MAKE ENDS MEET BUT...
The tradesmen, who are struggling with rising living costs and decreasing purchasing power, argued that the priority of the chamber management should be support and solution-oriented rather than "show." Some tradesmen commented that the chamber president has distanced himself from the seriousness of the position he represents.
EYES TURNED TO THE BALLOT BOX BEFORE THE ELECTION
Before the elections on January 11, it became a matter of curiosity how these claims would be received and how the public perception would reflect in the ballot box.