Social media reacts to President Erdoğan’s 16 warriors during meeting with Abbas

ISTANBUL

Get ready to say 'Wow!': Turkey's new presidential palace is ready to enchant foreign dignitaries just like Disneyland enchants children. AP Photo

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is in Wonderland! Just kidding, it’s only Turkey’s new presidential palace.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan doesn’t spare any trouble when it comes to welcoming his Palestinian counterpart to Ankara. Last time out in July 2014, Abbas was surrounded by a group of popular artists, posing with him as they would do during a photo shooting session.



For their first meeting at the new presidential palace, the flamboyant complex that has become known as the White Palace, or Ak Saray (“ak” meaning white in Turkish), and less charitably among the opposition as the “KaçAk Saray” (illegal palace), in reference to its alleged construction without permits – Turkish officials planned something they meant, or at least believed, to be even more special.

Actors dressed in knightly attire, ostensibly representing the military costumes of the 16 states founded throughout history by Turks, staged a dress show on the stairs of the palace. The states ruled Asia, Europe and Africa, but it remains a mystery as to why they paraded in Abbas’ honor. In spite of the nationwide surprise, the Palestinian leader succeeded in maintaining his composure throughout the flamboyant carnival devised especially for him.

Social media users quickly got down to work, suggesting fresh ideas to impress foreign dignitaries and show them how fascinating, strong and creative Turkey is.

Some suggested calling R2-D2 and other Star Wars heroes, although Yoda’s ailing health might be a problem if he isn't informed in advance.



Others said that it might be a better idea to call up the Fellowship of the Ring.



Abbas could also be honored with the presence of those who put on their white martyrs’ shrouds during AKP election rallies.

 

Why not heroes such as Iron Man and Hulk, one tweep suggested.



But wait a minute... What about the notorious government whistleblower, Fuat Avni? Could he be one of the actors?