Turkish Political Bullying Over Mayor's Outfit Sparks Digital Outrage and Erdoğan Condemns it
Turkish Mayor Zeynep Güneş faces political bullying online, prompting widespread outrage and condemnation from President Erdoğan.
In Turkey, the social media landscape has erupted in support of Mayor Zeynep Güneş of Mihalgazi in Eskişehir Province following a derogatory tweet by opposition party member Mahmud Emin Korkmaz, who mocked her traditional outfit (shallow) and her political position. The controversy ignited when Korkmaz shared a photo of Güneş in her cultural attire and added a remark questioning her capability, insinuating that her role was merely to manage a barn rather than a municipality.
This insulting comment led to a massive backlash, as many viewed it as an example of hate speech and discrimination based on appearance and social identity. Social media platforms were flooded with messages of solidarity for Güneş, showcasing slogans that defended women's dignity and Turkish identity. This incident has highlighted the ongoing struggles against misogyny and discrimination within the Turkish political arena.
In response to the virtual outcry, various officials and party figures emphasized that the era of doubting women's capabilities merely due to their choice of traditional or modest clothing is over. They insisted that the only criteria for evaluating any public servant should be their performance, thereby advocating for a more inclusive and dignified discourse in Turkish politics.