Turkish governor dismissed after cycling shorts photos go viral, sparking public support

A Turkish governor found himself at the centre of an unexpected political storm and was subsequently dismissed, after photographs of him in snug cycling shorts went viral.

Mehmet Fatih Cicekli, the governor of Ardahan province in eastern Turkey, has since become the focus of a campaign pressing for his return to office amid an outpouring of public affection.

The dismissal, enacted by presidential decree on 17 July and signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, offered no official explanation. However, it followed widespread criticism from some Turkish politicians regarding Mr Cicekli’s choice of attire during a public event promoting cycling, and his subsequent social media posts.

Critics swiftly emerged, with Inan Akgun Alp, a member of the main opposition Republican People’s Party, accusing Mr Cicekli of prioritising social media over his official duties, deeming the tight clothing inappropriate for a governor.

"He goes around in tights, spends all day cycling, with bodyguards in front of him, cycling in tights until the evening," the T-24 news website quoted Mr Alp as saying during a parliamentary debate. "A governor cannot wander around the city centre like this."

Samil Tayyar, a former legislator from Mr Erdogan’s ruling party, which has roots in Turkey’s Islamic movement, echoed these sentiments, arguing the attire clashed with cultural norms, particularly in a conservative region like Ardahan. He noted that other politicians opted for sweatpants when cycling.

"People can wear whatever they want in their private lives, but a governor cannot visit the public in tights while on duty; it does not align with the seriousness of the state. In a traditional social setting like Ardahan, it is completely unacceptable," Mr Tayyar wrote on X.

Mr Cicekli, appointed by Mr Erdogan in January, defended his choice, stating: "(We will) keep pedaling. I am an athlete who practices sailing, rowing and cycling. The clothes I’m wearing are sportswear."

A burgeoning campaign for his reinstatement has since garnered over 10,000 signatures, with supporters highlighting the governor’s efforts in Ardahan to promote sports, youth activities, and bicycle tourism, according to opposition-leaning Halk TV.

In an emotional farewell to supporters in Ardahan on Wednesday, Mr Cicekli remarked: "I believe that I have not let down those who vouched for me and stood by me throughout my journey until now. I believe that this is the greatest honor of all." As he departed Ardahan, a province bordering Armenia and Georgia, local cyclists accompanied his vehicle in a show of solidarity, Halk TV reported.

Nacho Sánchez Amor, a Spanish MEP and rapporteur on Turkey, voiced his support for Mr Cicekli, suggesting Mr Alp’s comments promoted the ruling party’s "Islamist conservative agenda."