Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is facing intense criticism after a viral video showed him seemingly “slapping” a child who hesitated to kiss his hand. The incident occurred during the opening ceremony of the Aider Plateau Protection and Renewal Project in the northern Rize province on July 27.

A Traditional Gesture Turns Controversial

As President Erdoğan addressed the audience, two young boys came to the stage to greet him. In Turkish culture, it is customary to kiss the hand of older individuals as a sign of respect. However, when one of the children hesitated, the 70-year-old President appeared to publicly slap him on the cheek. The boy, although seemingly unaffected, eventually kissed the President’s hand after the incident.

Online Backlash and Cultural Debate

The video quickly spread across social media, and users expressed their outrage at the President’s behavior. Many condemned his actions, stating that it showed a lack of care for childhood innocence. Others defended President Erdoğan, highlighting that kissing elders’ hands is a cultural norm in Turkey. However, even among those defending the tradition, the consensus was that physically disciplining a child was unacceptable.

A Pattern of Controversial Incidents

This is not the first time President Erdoğan has faced criticism for such incidents. In a previous event in 2021, he was seen “hitting” a child on the head after the child disturbed ceremonial proceedings. Additionally, he was also observed publicly “slapping” his own grandson, though he later claimed it was merely a playful gesture.

Conclusion

As the video continues to circulate, the controversy surrounding President Erdoğan’s actions grows. People around the world are engaging in discussions on cultural norms, child discipline, and respect for childhood innocence. The incident serves as a reminder that even deeply ingrained traditions can be called into question when they cross the line into physical harm.