Resume

Born in Ankara in 1982, Cem Kotan is originally from Erzurum. He moved to Antalya with his family in the 1990s and completed his secondary education there. He then graduated from the Department of Local Governments at Selçuk University in Konya. Kotan also holds a degree in Public Administration from Anadolu University and completed his education with a focus on Local Governments.

Cem Kotan was actively involved in politics within the Republican People’s Party (CHP) for more than 20 years. On 1 October 2026, he resigned from the CHP. During this period, he served as Chair of the CHP Central District Youth Branch and as a delegate to the Provincial Youth Branch Congress. In the 2014 local elections, he was elected as a member of the Muratpaşa Municipal Council representing the CHP. As of 17 October 2026, Kotan became a member of the YENİ Party.

In 2015, Kotan was appointed Director of the Adalya Foundation. He planned and implemented Turkey’s first “Barrier-Free Café” project. He was responsible for the Barrier-Free Café for five years and also volunteered as an instructor for children with special needs.

He subsequently served as a manager of the Women’s Cooperatives Project and the Women’s Workforce Development Centre at Antalya Metropolitan Municipality.

Cem Kotan has conducted field research on local government and visited 10 European cities to examine various projects.

Known for his work in culture, the arts, and initiatives for individuals with special needs, Kotan is married to sociologist Demet Ayne Kotan and has one child.

In the local elections held on 31 March 2024, Cem Kotan and the 24 council members elected on the CHP ticket achieved a record level of representation in Konyaaltı. Although the CHP contested the election without an alliance, it secured 24 seats in the 31-member Konyaaltı Municipal Council, reaching a historic figure. Following this electoral victory, Cem Kotan took office as Mayor of Konyaaltı, a position he continues to hold.