Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli, the governor of Turkey's Ardahan province, was dismissed on July 17 after sharing social media content that included images and videos of himself wearing Lycra cycling tights. The decision followed criticism from fellow politicians and was enacted by a decree signed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Çiçekli had faced reprimands for reportedly "spending all day creating social media content" and for "wearing cycling tights all day." Images circulating on social media depicted the governor riding his bicycle while wearing tight black cycling tights and a red top. Critics argued that such attire and online activity were inconsistent with the dignity of his office.

İnan Akgün Alp, a Member of Parliament for the Republican People's Party, stated that a governor in leggings was unacceptable and that such officials should be removed or "at least issued a fig leaf." He accused Çiçekli of "abandoning the seriousness and dignity of state office."

Şamil Tayyar, a deputy from the ruling Justice and Development Party, echoed these sentiments, suggesting that frequent appearances in cycling gear undermined Çiçekli's authority. "Neither citizens nor his own civil servants will take a governor in leggings seriously," Tayyar said, adding, "He has no authority."

Çiçekli, who entered civil administration in 2004 and was appointed governor of Ardahan in January, had held the position until his dismissal. He was replaced by Ömer Hilmi Yamlı.

Following his dismissal, a petition has been launched to demand Çiçekli's reinstatement. The petition, which has garnered over 10,000 signatures, states that the decision to remove him has caused "sadness and concern among many citizens who care about the future of our province." It asserts that the petition has "no political aims" and highlights Çiçekli's contributions to sport and youth development during his tenure, noting an increase in sports activities and participation among young people.

Çiçekli himself has defended his clothing choices, stating, "The clothes I'm wearing are sports clothes." He added that it is important to remember one's humanity beyond titles and labels, and that activities like sports, cycling, and rowing are beneficial for people of all ages.