In his tweet, the candidate mayor of the ruling coalition, Binali Yildirim, called Bartholomew “Ecumenical”, although Turkey does not recognize this status, provoking the opposition’s reactions. Eventually, Binali Yildirim, realizing his “blunder”, erased the tweet.
“Happy Birthday and health to the Greek Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople and Archbishop of Constantinople Bartholomew for his nominal feast,” tweeted Mr. Yildirim, and sparked numerous reactions, so the candidate mayor of Istanbul errased shortly after the word “ecumenical”.
Immediately, the main opposition MP, Engin Özkoç, wondered if that was right. “First, you send a greeting to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate with the characterization “ecumenical” that Turkey does not recognize and as soon as there are reactions you will erase it. The term used by the government candidate exceeds blunder, it is a great scandal. What after? Shall you call Istanbul “Constantinople”? Do not post such tweets” commented the MP of the main opposition.
Source: euronews