Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hosted German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Oct. 18 to discuss financial aid to Syrian refugees in Turkey. However, the gaudy throne-like armchairs in the hall where Erdoğan spoke to Merkel have created a storm on social media. Click through for a compilation of funny responses:
Zaytung, the Onion-like satirical Turkish news portal, posted a fake statement from Merkel, saying: “If we had an armchair like this, I wouldn’t leave it either.”
“Upon witnessing our wealth, Merkel has immediately converted to Islam”
“Considering the gaudiness and the armchairs, it looks as though it was Merkel who demanded financial aid for refugees.”
A parody account called AK Strateji (referring to the Justice and Development Party, AKP) touched upon the thorny relationship between the AKP and the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP): “We bought the most expensive sofa set but still couldn’t woo the supporters of the CeHaPe,” the tweet read.
“Look at the seats where the great United States made Merkel sit. Disgraceful.”
“Germans can’t even buy a proper armchair despite $50,000 GDP per capita. You are poor.”
“Even this gaudiness is proof of a ‘throne struggle.’ Do Germany and Japan lack vision?”
