A Turkish Governor Is Sacked over Photos in Snug Cycling Shorts. Many Want Him Reinstated
A Change.org petition has gathered more than 9,400 signatures after Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli was removed from office over criticism of his cycling attire.
- On 17 July, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan signed a decree dismissing Ardahan Governor Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli following criticism of his cycling attire and social media activity promoting sports.
- Çiçekli's dismissal followed months of social media videos showcasing his cycling and rowing, which he framed as demonstrating 'the unifying power of sport,' prompting Republican People's Party MP Onan Akgün Alp to accuse him in early July of 'abandoning the seriousness and dignity of state office'.
- Defending his outfit as standard cycling gear, Çiçekli said 'I do sports in sports clothes' and argued that sports activities 'aren't bad things,' stating 'sometimes you need to forget' about titles and remember 'you're a human being'.
- Within days, an online petition titled 'Ardahan Governor Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli Should Remain in Office' gathered more than 9,400 signatures by 21 July, with supporters crediting him for accomplishing 'significant work' in sport and youth development.
- When asked about his future, Çiçekli pledged to 'keep pedaling,' suggesting his commitment to sports advocacy may continue despite dismissal from the north-eastern province of less than 100,000 residents.
48 Articles
48 Articles
A Turkish provincial governor with a passion for cycling unexpectedly faced a political storm after photos of him cycling in tight-fitting shorts went viral online, leading to his dismissal from his position.
Thousands sign petition supporting Turkish governor after cycling tights photos go viral - The Tribune
A cycling-enthusiast governor rode into an unexpected political storm in Turkey when he found himself sacked after photos of him in snug cycling shorts went viral. He has since also become the centre of a campaign pressing for his return to office amid an outpouring of affection. Mehmet Fatih Cicekli, the governor of Ardahan province […]
Turkish Governor Dismissed for Riding a Bicycle in Leggings Faces Backlash, Calls to Send Residents Back; Cycling Enthusiast Tsiczekli Suddenly Dismissed Without Specific Reason; Controversy Spreads Over Conservative Islamic Culture; Successor Known as a Motorcycle Enthusiast, Praised for Strong Sportsmanship and Dedication to Promoting the Value of This Beautiful Region
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