Speaking to the Anatolian news agency, Akyurek said that he was feeling fine although a little exhausted from walking. "We walked a lot and they treated me well, but obviously I am happy to be home."
The mayor then said that he had not been kidnapped because of his local position, but because he is a member of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
"Prime Minster Recep Tayyip Erdogan called me as did Interior Minister Abdulkadir Aksu." Akyurek said. "They didn't want to hurt me, but just cause a stir," added the mayor.
Akyurek said that although he had not seen the kidnapped soldier Coskun Kirandi, his kidnappers had stated they would release him before Friday.
