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Cengiz Coskun (43), the Turkish actor famous for his role as Turgut Alp in the hit TV series Dirilis: Ertugrul, recently landed in the eye of a social media storm. His request to visit Turkey amid calls for an Indian boycott has drawn massive backlash.

The actor, who has a huge fan following in Pakistan, posted his request on X/Twitter, where he has 96,000+ followers.

'Will you support Turkey, and come to see Turkey?'
Coskun's post

Coskun's post read, "There is a campaign in India to boycott Turkey and not travel there for supporting Pakistan. Will you support Turkey, and come to see Turkey?"

The appeal came in response to travel facilitator site Ixigo's announcement of halting flight and hotel bookings in Turkey.

His appeal triggered a wave of responses from Indians disappointed over Turkey's support for Pakistan in the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict.

Indians expressed disappointment, recalled India's aid to Turkey
Users' reactions

Indian X users were disappointed.

One wrote, "Indians had a soft corner for Turkey. We were the first ones to send humanitarian aid after the earthquake. Our tourists visited in even larger numbers thereafter. And what did you do? Support a terrorist nation that kills innocents? Believe me, it pains me to say this but a boycott is the least Indians should do. Introspect and repent."

"Never, invite your Pakistani friends," read another.

'Turkey doesn't measure its friendships through hashtags or boycotts'
Mixed responses

Despite the backlash (some 3,000 odd comments), some users came out in defense of Turkey.

One said, "Turkey doesn't measure its friendships through hashtags or boycotts. It stands where it believes justice lies. As for travel... hearts that carry hate won't find beauty anywhere, but those who travel with grace will always be welcome in Turkey."