votes, again with the Democratic Left Party (DSP). Due to his success and high popularity, he was then widely regarded by Turkish media as a possible future leader of the Turkish left. He was elected for a third term in the 2009 elections. In January 2011, he left the DSP and joined the Republican People's Party (CHP) the following month. In the 2014 local elections, he was re-elected with 45% of the vote. He has been credited as an example of how a capable and progressive mayor can transform a functioning conservative city into a cultural centre. References External links Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Web Site 1936 births Living people People from Eskişehir Democratic Left Party (Turkey) politicians Contemporary Republican People's Party (Turkey) politicians Mayors of places in Turkey Turkish educators