‘Proxy war’ – Turkish TikTok makeup row exposes tensions with German diaspora

When an influencer mocked the makeup of Turkish German women, the ensuing debate reopened old wounds

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, although it started with makeup, the row has gone far deeper, exposing old and bitter rifts over gender, class, politics, nationalism and economic power.