Özlem Çerçioğlu has been elected mayor of Aydın from the CHP for four consecutive terms.
She also previously served two terms as a CHP lawmaker. Before delving into the political dimension, it’s worth examining the nickname she’s been given—“Topuklu Efe” (Efe in High Heels).
“Efe” refers to the cultural figure of western Anatolia, particularly in the Inner Aegean region encompassing Aydın, Denizli, and Muğla—an identity the locals wear with pride.
Aydın, in particular, is known as “the capital of the Efes.” Historically, Efes were known for their armed uprisings against the established order and for their fierce resistance during the War of Independence.
Their signature dance, performed in traditional costume, is called the “Zeybek.” An Efe is the leader of Zeybeks.
Since most Efes in history were men, this nickname for Çerçioğlu was likely chosen for that reason—“topuklu” (high-heeled) was added to highlight the fact that she is a woman.
RUN AWAY
At this point, it’s impossible not to recall two Turkish idioms with the same meaning: “topukları yağlamak” and “tabanları yağlamak.” The expression “topukları yağlamak” has two precise meanings: 1) to prepare to walk a long distance, 2) to run away quickly.
WHERE IS ÇERÇİOĞLU RUNNING?
After 23 years in the CHP, Çerçioğlu’s decision to join the AKP cannot be discussed without considering its political significance.
The inner Aegean region, including Aydın, was for decades a stronghold of the “center-right” in Turkey. This included İzmir.
However, with the AKP’s rise to power in the early 2000s, the center-right collapsed entirely—practically to the point of extinction. Secular voters from traditionally center-right families—those, for example, who drank alcohol—shifted to the CHP. This is why the Aegean has been a CHP stronghold in recent years.
More conservative voters, especially those who abstain from alcohol as it is forbidden in Islam, moved toward the AKP. Central Anatolia and the Black Sea followed a similar pattern. In Aydın’s case, Turkey’s first major center-right leader, Adnan Menderes, hailed from the city, which consistently supported the center-right during and after his era.
Nor did Özlem Çerçioğlu have a leftist or social democratic background before joining the CHP. She was raised in a family with center-right leanings. This is why switching parties may not have carried a heavy personal cost for her.
DANCE IN POLITICS
Changing parties inevitably carries moral implications and can be seen as an act of irresponsibility toward voters. Çerçioğlu will have to bear the consequences of defying these ethical principles. Yet the corruption insinuations from her former party, CHP, invite a fair question: “Çerçioğlu was in the party for 23 years without issue—did she suddenly become corrupt the moment she switched sides?” Likewise, the AKP owes the public an explanation for its politics of political transfers.
Sadly, it’s not just the “High-heeled Efe” who is dancing—politics itself is on the dance floor.
