Mehmet Fatih Cicekli, the governor of Ardahan province in eastern Turkey, was removed from his post on July 17 by a presidential decree signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to the Associated Press. The dismissal followed a public controversy over photos and videos of Cicekli wearing snug cycling tights during public events promoting sports and bicycle tourism. While no official reason was given for his removal, the decision came after mounting political pressure and parliamentary criticism regarding his attire and social media activity.
President Erdogan Dismisses Ardahan Governor Following Cycling Shorts Row
In the months leading up to his dismissal, Cicekli shared footage of cycling groups and rowing activities on Lake Cildir to emphasize sports and tourism.
Political Backlash in Parliament and Conservative Criticism
The governor’s social media presence and choice of athletic apparel drew sharp rebukes from opposition figures and conservative commentators. In early July, Republican People’s Party (CHP) MP Inan Agun Alp raised the issue during a parliamentary debate in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), criticizing Cicekli for allegedly spending his time creating online content instead of attending to official duties.
Samil Tayyar, a former legislator from Erdogan’s ruling party, also supported the dismissal, arguing that tight athletic wear did not align with state seriousness or traditional social norms in a conservative border province like Ardahan. Taytlı valiyi vatandaş da yönettiği kamu personeli de ciddiye almaz, devlet otoritesi tesis edilemez,
Tayyar stated, according to [T-24](https://t24.com.tr/politika/samil-tayyardan-bisiklet-kiyafeti-giyen-valinin-gorevden-alinmasina-destek-vatandas-da-personel-de-ciddiye-almaz,1336973), arguing that citizens and staff would not take a governor in tights seriously.
Governor Defends Sportswear as Supporters Launch Petition
Defending his outfit choices, Cicekli maintained that he was wearing standard athletic gear for his athletic pursuits. We will keep pedaling. I am an athlete who practices sailing, rowing and cycling. The clothes I’m wearing are sportswear,
Cicekli said, as reported by [the Associated Press](https://apnews.com/article/turkey-cycling-enthusiast-governor-sacked-tight-shorts-f48c0c5277abe73d4290997369a1878e).
Following his removal, an online petition was launched on Change.org under the title Ardahan Governor Mehmet Fatih Cicekli Should Remain in Office
, gathering more than 9,400 signatures by 17:00 BST on July 21, with total signatures eventually surpassing 10,000 according to [Halk TV coverage cited by AP](https://apnews.com/article/turkey-cycling-enthusiast-governor-sacked-tight-shorts-f48c0c5277abe73d4290997369a1878e). Supporters praised his work promoting youth activities, bicycle tourism, and local sports.
In an emotional farewell in Ardahan, Cicekli stated: I believe that I have not let down those who vouched for me and stood by me throughout my journey until now.
New Appointments and Broader Administrative Fallout
Following Cicekli’s removal, Gaziantep Sehitkamil District Governor Omer Hilmi Yamli was appointed as the new governor of Ardahan by the presidential decree published in the Official Gazette on July 18, according to [Haberler.com](https://www.haberler.com/haberler/gorevden-alinan-ardahan-valisi-bisiklet-tayti-20063285-haberi/).
Additionally, because of Interior Ministry regulations regarding bureaucrat spouses serving in the same city, Cicekli’s transfer to the central administration led to changes for his wife, Ardahan Deputy Governor Esengül Korkmaz Cicekli. According to reports cited by [BirGun](https://www.birgun.net/haber/kiyafeti-nedeniyle-gorevinden-alinan-valinin-esine-surpriz-gorev-725037), she was reassigned to the role of Istanbul Deputy Governor.
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