She had been expelled from her party: She made AKP history

A new milestone was witnessed during the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) held at the Capital Millet Garden. Türkan Kayır, who was previously elected Mayor of İdil from the DEM Party and had continued her duties as an independent, has joined the ranks of the AKP. The joining ceremony took place with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan pinning the party badge on Kayır.

SHE HAD RECEIVED A HIGH VOTE COUNT IN THE ELECTION

In the March 31, 2024 Local Administration Elections, Türkan Kayır achieved significant success as the DEM Party candidate in the İdil district. Securing 7,909 votes, which amounted to 71.27 percent, Kayır was elected mayor by a wide margin. In that same election, the AKP candidate, İkbalhan Haznedar, remained at 19.96 percent of the vote.

SHE HAD BEEN EXPELLED FROM HER PARTY

In December 2024, the DEM Party administration decided to expel Kayır and Municipal Council Member Ekrem Şimşek on the grounds of an "anti-party stance." Following this expulsion, Kayır did not resign from her mayoral post and continued her path as an independent mayor.

Reflecting the multicultural structure of İdil, the joining of Kayır, who is known to be of Syriac descent, to the AKP has opened a new chapter in the party's history. By being personally honored with an AKP badge by President Erdoğan, Türkan Kayır has also earned the title of the party's first Syriac mayor in Turkey.

News Source: 12punto