Turkish governor dismissed after wearing tight cycling gear

A Turkish provincial governor has been dismissed from his post following criticism over his attire, specifically for wearing tight-fitting cycling gear during a public event. Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli, the governor of the eastern Ardahan province, was removed by a presidential decree signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on July 17, 2026.

While the decree did not state a reason for the dismissal, it followed public criticism from politicians across the political spectrum regarding Çiçekli's choice of clothing. The controversy stemmed from photos and videos that circulated online showing the governor in cycling tights and a fitted top while participating in and promoting cycling activities. Çiçekli, an avid athlete appointed to the role in January, frequently shared such content related to the Ardahan Cycling Festival.

Opposition lawmaker İnan Akgün Alp of the Republican People's Party criticized Çiçekli during a parliamentary debate, accusing him of prioritizing social media and cycling over his official duties. Alp stated that a governor in leggings was unacceptable and that such officials should be removed. Similarly, Şamil Tayyar, a former legislator from Erdogan's ruling...