ALBAWABA - A video circulated on social media showing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan slapping a little child who didn't kiss his hand.
The incident took place during a meeting with representatives of civil society organizations in the northeastern province of Rize, on Saturday.
In detail, the Turkish president was giving a speech at a local ceremony, after which he handed over the keys of new apartments to families affected by natural disasters when two children climbed onto the stage.
In the clip trending on social media, Erdogan gave his hand to the two children to kiss it, while one of the children, who is estimated to be around 5 years old, did not kiss his hand, he slightly slapped his face.
Nonetheless, the child remained silent on stage before a man standing next to him came to explain to the child what to do, and then he kissed the president's hand, so Erdogan gave him some money.
The incident caused controversy on social media where some criticized the behavior of the Turkish leader, meanwhile, many defended it saying children should from the beginning learn to respect people who are older.
It is worth noting that in many parts of Turkey, it is a tradition and a habit to kiss the hand of older people and place it on the forehead out of respect.
