When an influencer mocked the makeup of Turkish German women, the ensuing debate reopened old wounds <\/p>\n
It all began when Meri, a TikTok influencer from Turkey, mocked the makeup of Turkish women living in Germany. They were, she claimed, instantly recognisable by their bronzer, thick blush, false eyelashes and plumped lips. And the look favoured by the diaspora, she added, waspishly, had \u201cnothing to do with how real Turkish women look\u201d.<\/p>\n
Reaction from the diaspora was swift and stinging. \u201cYou\u2019re just jealous because we live in Germany,\u201d one said. \u201cIf we stop coming (to Turkey from Germany), your economy will collapse.\u201d Soon a full-blown social media feud had erupted, with insults and mutual mockery flowing. And, although it started with makeup, the row has gone far deeper, exposing old and bitter rifts over gender, class, politics, nationalism and economic power.<\/p>\n