Who Is Gökhan Yüksel? Biography, Age, Family, And Key Positions
Gökhan Yüksel, born in 1987 in Kartal, Istanbul, is the current mayor of Kartal and a member of the Republican People’s Party. Learn about his background, education, family, and political career.
Gökhan Yüksel is a Turkish politician and social democrat, currently serving as the Mayor of Kartal in Istanbul. A member of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), Yüksel has built his career through local governance, rising from council membership to the mayoralty. His leadership reflects a focus on social democracy and community development.
Early Life And Education
Born on June 18, 1987 in Kartal, Istanbul, Yüksel spent his childhood in the district where he now serves as mayor. He attended Kartal Ergenekon Primary and Secondary School and later graduated from the Private Science High School of Marmara Education Schools. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Celal Bayar University in Manisa, followed by a Master’s degree in Capital Markets and Stock Exchange from Marmara University. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Economics at Aston University in the United Kingdom.
Political Career
Yüksel entered politics in 2014 when he was elected as a member of the Kartal Municipality Council. He served on the Social Aid Commission, the City Council, and the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Council. From 2016 to 2018, he held the position of Deputy Mayor of Kartal.
In September 2019, Yüksel announced his candidacy for the mayoralty of Kartal. On January 27, 2019, he was officially declared the CHP candidate. He won the election with 51% of the vote, becoming the youngest mayor in Kartal’s history.
Personal Life
Gökhan Yüksel is engaged to Sibel Doğan, with the engagement taking place on September 22, 2019. He resides in the Atalar Neighborhood of Kartal. A passionate football fan, he supports Beşiktaş.
Key Facts
- Current Position: Mayor of Kartal (2019–present)
- Previous Position: Deputy Mayor of Kartal (2016–2018)
- Date of Birth: June 18, 1987
- Place of Birth: Kartal, Istanbul, Turkey
- Hometown: Üzümlü, Erzincan, Turkey
- Residence: Atalar Neighborhood, Kartal, Istanbul
- Education: BA in Economics (Celal Bayar University), MA in Capital Markets and Stock Exchange (Marmara University), PhD candidate in Economics (Aston University)
- Political Party: Republican People’s Party (CHP)
- Political Stance: Social Democracy
- Family: Engaged to Sibel Doğan
- Favorite Football Team: Beşiktaş