Why do they call Erdogan a Watermelon Seller?
The nickname “watermelon seller” is often used to refer to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The nickname has been used by his political opponents and critics since the early 2000s, when Erdogan was mayor of Istanbul.
The nickname is derived from an incident that occurred in 1998, when Erdogan was mayor of Istanbul. At the time, he was campaigning for the Islamist-rooted Welfare Party (RP). During a campaign rally, Erdogan was seen selling watermelons on the street. This incident became a symbol of his humble beginnings and his commitment to the people.
Erdogan’s Rise to Power
Since then, Erdogan has risen to become one of the most powerful leaders in Turkey. He has served as Prime Minister from 2003 to 2014 and as President since 2014. He has also been credited with transforming Turkey into a more prosperous and modern nation.
Despite his success, Erdogan’s opponents have continued to use the nickname “watermelon seller” as a way to mock him and criticize his policies. They argue that he has not done enough to improve the lives of ordinary Turks and that he is too authoritarian in his approach.
Conclusion
The nickname “watermelon seller” is often used to refer to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The nickname is derived from an incident that occurred in 1998, when Erdogan was mayor of Istanbul and was seen selling watermelons on the street. Despite his success, Erdogan’s opponents have continued to use the nickname as a way to mock him and criticize his policies.