# Tufan Erhürman AI photo controversy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tufan-erhrman-ai-photo-controversy
> Updated: 2026-09-23T09:44:00.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 2.

President Tufan Erhürman issued a formal denial regarding social media allegations that a photograph of him was generated by artificial intelligence. The disputed image shows Erhürman embracing former Transport Minister Erhan Arıklı at Girne Port following a fatal accident.

Erhürman stated the photograph was authentic and taken while he was offering condolences. He rejected claims of manipulation, asserting, “I am neither ashamed of hugging people to offer my condolences, nor would I descend to such a low state as to resort to lies to claim a photo is artificial intelligence.” The President maintained that his focus is on supporting the public and ensuring accountability regarding the accident.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-23: Ankara man arrested for using AI to fake ties to Erdoğan

Mehmet Çakmak was arrested in Ankara after using AI to create fake photos of himself with President Erdoğan and Justice Minister Akın Gürlek to falsely claim high-level government influence.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ankara-man-arrested-for-sharing-ai-generated-images-with-president-erdoan

### 2026-09-02: Tufan Erhürman denies AI-generated photo allegations

President Tufan Erhürman denied allegations that a photo of him offering condolences at Girne Port was AI-generated, calling the claims manipulative and reaffirming his commitment to investigating the recent's'

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tufan-erhrman-denies-ai-generated-photo-allegations-1

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Cite as: Tufan Erhürman AI photo controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tufan-erhrman-ai-photo-controversy