A symbolic conflict' Turkish makeup row fuels German diaspora tensions

It all began when Meri, a TikTok influencer from Turkey, mocked the makeup of Turkish women living in Germany.

- Deborah Cole

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 "nothing to do with how real Turkish women look".

Reaction from the diaspora was swift and stinging. "You're just jealous because we live in Germany," one said. "If we stop coming (to Turkey from Germany), your economy will collapse."

Soon a full-blown social media feud had erupted, with insults and mutual mockery flowing. And, though it started with makeup, the row has gone far deeper, exposing old and bitter rifts over gender, class, politics, nationalism and economic power.