18.07.2026 11:10
Ardahan Governor Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli, who made headlines in Parliament for his attire while cycling, has been removed from office. What remains of Çiçekli are the words he spoke about the city at an event he attended.
Ardahan Governor Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli, who made headlines in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) with his tight-clad images while cycling, was dismissed by a decree signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Ömer Hilmi Yamlı, the District Governor of Gaziantep's Şehitkamil district, was appointed to the vacant Ardahan Governor position.
"I WANT US TO GET TO KNOW THESE BEAUTIES TOGETHER"
Following this news, which caused an earthquake-like effect in the city, Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli's remarks at an event he attended resurfaced. Starting his speech with, "From the moment I came to this city, from the moment I saw this beauty, I said you are magnificent, Ardahan," Çiçekli said, "We want to get to know these beauties together. Not just learn about them. Look, this city, I always say it. Hasn't it always been an agriculture and livestock city? We have 350,000 cattle and around 200,000 small livestock. This could be increased even more, we need to push forward."
"DOES TOURISM FILL YOUR STOMACH?"
Continuing his remarks, Çiçekli stated that the region also needs to develop in terms of tourism, saying, "Tourism, which we call smokeless industry, must also be added to this economy. Because there is tremendous potential here. Is tourism a fantasy? Is tourism just entertainment? Does tourism fill your stomach? It absolutely does. There are many examples of this around us, in our region, in our country, and even in the world. Shall I give you a few examples? For instance, Mardin—how did Mardin make a living forty years ago? Today, we all know how Mardin has become a tourism city. Take the Eastern Black Sea region. Until very recently, its greenery didn't put much food on the table. Today, it is at a very ideal point thanks to tourism. Take Safranbolu. Take Cappadocia," he said.
THE DEBATE WAS TAKEN TO PARLIAMENT
Meanwhile, images of Ardahan Governor Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli wearing tights while engaging in cycling sport had recently become one of the most talked-about topics in politics and social media. After the images spread, CHP Kars Deputy İnan Akgün Alp made a speech in the TBMM, using harsh words against the governor and calling for his resignation. Deputy Alp said about Governor Çiçekli, who is known for his passion for cycling, "Either remove these governors or send them vine leaves to wear. They cannot wander around like this in the middle of the city. The Ministry of Interior should immediately intervene in this situation and either immediately dismiss these administrators, who cast a shadow over the dignity of the state office, or issue the necessary warnings."