A video showing Turkish President Erdoğan slapping a young boy for not kissing his hand has caused an uproar on social media.

The incident took place during a ceremony inaugurating homes that were rebuilt as part of urban transformation in the northern province of Rize.

After his speech, Erdoğan handed over the keys of the homes to the owners.

Two children from one family went on stage before their parents. Erdoğan extended his hand for the children to kiss.

When the young boy hesitated for a few seconds and just stared at the president, Erdoğan slapped him.

After being told what to do, the child kissed the president’s hand. At the same time, the Turkish president gave money to the older brother, something he had done before.

It should be noted that kissing the hands of elders is a traditional custom in Türkiye and expresses respect for the elders.

In the past, the Turkish president was at another inauguration and, jokingly, had hit a boy on the head for shaking the ribbon.