Who is Mustafa Ciftci? Turkey’s new Interior Minister profiled

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

ANKARA, TURKIYE — President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has appointed Erzurum Governor Mustafa Ciftci as the new Minister of Interior, replacing Ali Yerlikaya in a significant cabinet reshuffle that also saw a change in the Ministry of Justice.

Ciftci, a career bureaucrat who has served as governor in multiple provinces, assumes one of Turkey's most critical security roles. Following the announcement, Ciftci stated in an interview with TRT Haber, "With our President's appointment decree today, I have undertaken a duty with heavy responsibility. I expect prayers for this. May God be our helper".

From district governor to the cabinet

Born in the Cumra district of Konya in 1970, Ciftci began his career in public administration after graduating from Ankara University’s Faculty of Political Sciences in 1995. He started as a candidate for district governor (Kaymakam) in 1996.

Throughout his career, Ciftci served as the district governor in various provinces, including Aksaray, Erzurum, Nevsehir, Bitlis, and Kirsehir. He also held significant bureaucratic positions such as Department Head at the Ministry of Interior's General Directorate of Personnel and worked in the Parliament as a Special Chief of Staff and Chief Advisor to the Speaker.

Before his ministerial appointment, he served as the Governor of Corum for nearly five years starting in 2018, and most recently as the Governor of Erzurum since August 18, 2023.

Controversy over Iskilipli Atif commemoration

During his tenure as Governor of Corum, Ciftci drew public criticism for attending a commemoration ceremony for Iskilipli Atif, a controversial historical figure known for supporting rebellions against the Turkish War of Independence with British backing.

On February 4, 2021, the Corum Governorship shared the event on social media, stating Atif was commemorated "with prayers at his grave". Following the backlash, Ciftci defended his participation, describing Atif as a "man of knowledge, action, and cause," and asserted that the commemoration was "right and justified".

Legal complaints filed against him regarding this incident were dismissed by public prosecutors in Corum and Samsun, who ruled that his actions were personal or lacked criminal elements.

The "Hafiz Governor" and academic pursuits

Ciftci is often referred to as the "Hafiz Governor" due to his ability to recite the entire Quran from memory. In 2024, he won first place in a competition organized by the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) in the 15-juz category.

"I completed my memorization in 1983... I have never severed my connection with the Quran; I have set aside and studied for an hour every day," Ciftci told reporters.

In addition to his religious education, Ciftci holds multiple academic degrees. He completed master's degrees in Public Administration at Selcuk University (2007) and Van Yuzuncu Yil University (2012). He also holds a degree from Ankara University’s Faculty of Theology and is currently continuing his education in Law and History.

Recent public debates

During his time in Erzurum, Ciftci faced criticism for closing the historic building where the Erzurum Congress was held, citing "heavy damage" and suggesting it might be demolished. This drew a sharp reaction from MHP MP Kamil Aydin, who called the potential demolition unacceptable. The building was eventually reopened as a museum after restoration.

In May 2025, Ciftci apologized to the public after his minor son posted a photo of the governor's official convoy cars on social media with the caption, "Ask your grandpa which one we should take out in the convoy tonight". Ciftci described the subsequent criticism as an "assassination of reputation".

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