This is 21st century world that we are living in. An awkward moment in Turkey manifests the subdued dominant ideology that exists worldwide.
This is the story of Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Union’s executive arm, Charles Michel, president of the council representing 27 members of EU and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Ursula was left awkwardly standing as Charles and Erdogan sat on the only two available seats.
Besides, this all was happening in the Turkish presidential palace. So she had to prop up cushions on a side sofa to make place for herself.
Patriarchy somewhere took over hierarchy. Furthermore, Ms Ursula and Mr Michel are of equal rank in the E.U. hierarchy.
Sooner Twitter began exploding with the hashtag #GiveHerASeat. Many took a potshot at Erdogan’s Turkey, which remains notorious for shunning women’s rights.
Explanations ensued after the incident. But at the same time, this also shows European Union’s inability to deal with Turkey’s gender-specific reduced treatment.
This protocol failure in Tuesday’s meeting comes at a crucial time in Turkey’s ties with the EU.
This meeting aimed to build momentum in a relationship. The focus was to make peace on issues like migration, maritime borders and customs arrangements. Moreover, the diplomatic faux pas has left another indelible mark of doubt.
