Cemil Tugay

Tugay was born in 1967 and studied at Ege University Faculty of Medicine from 1983 to 1989.^[1] Later, he went to work as a general practitioner.^[1] He afterwards completed his specialisation in plastic surgery in 2000.^[2]

In 2015, Tugay became involved in politics, working on electoral issues for the Karşıyaka District Executive Board.^[1][3]

In 2019, Tugay was nominated as a mayoral candidate for İzmir's Karşıyaka district.^[1] In April 2019, he was elected mayor, reportedly receiving more than 70% of votes cast.^[4]

In late 2023, Tugay was suggested as the candidate for mayor of Izmir, over the current incumbent.^[5] The announcement of his candidacy led to debate within the party, due to concerns about his relationship with certain companies close to the government.^[6] On 1 April 2024, Tugay was elected as mayor.^[7]

In June 2025, 23,000 Izmir municipal workers halted work for a week-long strike over contract negotiations with the city.^[8] In response, Tugay announced the city would enact forced layoffs.^[9][10]