# Turkish political party provincial leadership changes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-political-party-provincial-leadership-changes
> Updated: 2026-09-11T14:06:00.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 2.

Political parties in Turkey have been implementing leadership changes at the provincial level.

In late August, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) saw leadership transitions in Diyarbakır, where Hasan Özcoşkun replaced Miktat Arslan, and in Muğla, where İlker Koçar took over the TÜRKAV provincial branch from Murat Atayeter. 

By mid-September, these restructuring efforts expanded to other major parties. The AK Parti appointed new provincial chairpersons for Tunceli, Ardahan, Karaman, and Afyonkarahisar, with appointments approved by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Simultaneously, the CHP saw management changes in Zonguldak under Olcay Can, while the CHP General Headquarters removed the Bursa provincial leadership following evaluations of local election strategies.

On September 11, 2026, the political landscape saw further shifts as Marmaris Mayor Acar Ünlü resigned from the CHP to join the Yeni Parti. During a ceremony where Ünlü and 15 municipal council members received their new party badges, Ünlü stated that his decision was not a separation from his core values, such as democracy and social justice, but a “continuation of his political journey.” He noted his intention to work with the central government and Muğla Metropolitan Municipality to address local issues.

## Claims

- AK Parti has appointed new provincial chairpersons for Tunceli, Ardahan, Karaman, and Afyonkarahisar. (single source)
- The appointments were made with the approval of President and AK Party Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. (single source)
- Recai Hazar was appointed as the Tunceli Provincial Chairperson. (single source)
- Hasan Şenel was appointed as the Ardahan Provincial Chairperson. (single source)
- Adem Küçükyarma was appointed as the Karaman Provincial Chairperson. (single source)
- Özgür Kavak was appointed as the Afyonkarahisar Provincial Chairperson. (single source)
- The CHP Zonguldak provincial management has begun its work under the leadership of Provincial Chair Olcay Can. (single source)
- The CHP General Headquarters has removed Bursa Provincial Chair Turgut Özkan and his provincial management from office. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-11: Marmaris Mayor Acar Ünlü joins Yeni Parti after resigning from CHP

Marmaris Mayor Acar Ünlü and 15 council members have resigned from the CHP to join the Yeni Parti, emphasizing a commitment to local service and shared democratic values.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-political-parties-implement-provincial-leadership-changes

### 2026-08-27: Political leadership changes occur in Diyarbakır and Muğla

Leadership transitions have taken place for the MHP provincial branch in Diyarbakır and the TÜRKAV provincial branch in Muğla, Turkey.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/political-leadership-changes-occur-in-diyarbakr-and-mula

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Cite as: Turkish political party provincial leadership changes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-political-party-provincial-leadership-changes