Erdogan slaps child for not kissing his hand during ceremony in Rize

President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan slapped a child who did not kiss his hand. In Turkey, it is customary to kiss the hands of elders as a sign of respect.

The incident occurred on Saturday in the northern province of Rize during a ceremony where Erdogan handed keys to homeowners of houses rebuilt as part of an urbanisation project.

Two boys came on stage, and Erdogan extended his hand towards them for it to be kissed. One of the boys did not do so and looked at the president momentarily, after which Erdogan slapped him.

After a moment, the child kissed his hand, and the president handed him money.

This is not the first such incident involving the President of Turkey - last year, Erdogan slapped his grandson in a similar manner.

Kissing the hand of an elder is a traditional sign of respect in Turkey - notes the Duvar portal.