A group of “experts” will now study JRR Tolkien’s character to determine whether or not the comparison was an insult, according to Turkish media.

Bilgin Çiftçi was fired from his post at Turkey’s public health service in October after he shared pictures comparing Mr Erdoğan with the character – known for being twisted, corrupted and driven mad by power.

Mr Erdoğan’s tenure has seen fierce pressure imposed on the media as well as the prosecution of journalists in what many have said is the worst crackdown on the press in Turkey’s history.