"Leggings Are Not Suitable for a Governor"... Turkish Governor Dismissed After Cycling Sportswear Photos Are Released

"A Governor in Tights Cannot Earn the Trust of Citizens," Critics Say

"I Was Wearing Cycling Gear, Not Leggings... I Intend to Pursue More Sporting Activities"

A controversy has erupted in Turkey after a provincial governor was dismissed following the public release of photos showing him wearing cycling sportswear.

According to the Associated Press and others on July 24 (local time), President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey dismissed Mehmet Fatih Cicekli, the governor overseeing Ardahan Province, on July 17. The specific reason for the dismissal was not made public. However, speculation has arisen that the controversy surrounding him posting photos on social media wearing form-fitting cycling tights during a cycling promotion event was a factor in his dismissal.

Mehmet Fatih Cicekli talking with residents dressed in bicycle sportswear. Instagram

Earlier, on July 2, Inan Akgun Alp, a lawmaker from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), showed a photo in parliament of former Governor Cicekli wearing a red t-shirt and black tights while talking to citizens. He criticized, "He is walking around in leggings, which is inappropriate for a governor." He then urged the Minister of the Interior to dismiss him.

Samil Tayyar, a former lawmaker from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), wrote on X (formerly Twitter) about the issue, "We should not rush to judgment," but also stated, "A governor in tights cannot gain the trust of citizens and public officials or establish state authority." He especially argued that such attire would not be accepted in Ardahan, a conservative and traditional region.

Immediately after his dismissal, former Governor Cicekli told local daily Birgun in an interview, "I only wore a cycling outfit, not leggings," and clarified, "I do not wear such clothes during work hours on weekdays." As for his future plans, he said, "I will keep pedaling," and added, "I do not play sports for image management. I will engage in even more sports activities." Regarding his dismissal, he expressed acceptance, calling it "the authority of a superior."

Meanwhile, former Governor Cicekli held a farewell ceremony as he left the city on July 22. On that day, some citizens expressed their support by riding bicycles alongside him. There has also been significant opposition to his dismissal, with more than 10,000 people participating in an online petition calling for his reinstatement.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.