Liberals Got the Strongholds

Turel, with his young and modern wife, appealed to the voters of Antalya. In such provinces as Gaziantep, Hatay and Tekirdag, which are known to be the strongholds of social democrats, AKP boosted its votes by its candidates who had liberal images and ideas.

In one of these, Gaziantep, Mayor Celal Dogan was a very strong and popular figure. But AKP nominated Asil Guzelbey, known for his liberal quality in business circles. IN the elections, Guzelbey increased the votes of AKP in the city from 40.04 % to 57.7 % and ended the reign of the former mayor Dogan.

The four new mayors of AKP which swept votes at the strongholds of social democrats have similar features: The wives of all of them have a modern appearance and they are all liberals.