Newsroom
A single photo of Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides hugging Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman has set Turkish social media ablaze. The image, from their first meeting since Erhürman’s election in the north, was described by journalists in the occupied territories as a “heartfelt embrace in Cyprus.”
But reactions online told a very different story. Users flooded posts with sarcastic and provocative comments, reflecting the long-standing Turkish narrative that only Turkish Cypriots approach peace talks with goodwill.
Some of the messages read:
“A specific example for the phrase ‘in love with his executioner.’”
“Why is the Greek Cypriot leader in close contact with the ‘president’ of a ‘country’ he doesn’t even recognize?”
“No need to hug. Keep your distance; don’t show your teeth. Take more advantage of our rights.”
The incident shows how even small gestures between leaders on the divided island are politicized and closely watched, fueling tensions and controversy online.
