In the web’s newest viral second, an Istanbul street food vendor is pulling crowds from throughout the world, just to snap a selfie with him.
Alper Temel, a chestnut and corn vendor, has been working at his household’s street food stall in Istanbul for seven years, alongside his two brothers. But, since 2024 when movies of Temel and his attractiveness went viral on social media, the stall in the historic waterfront district of Karaköy has attracted an inflow of vacationers and followers.
Tourists flock to see Istanbul’s viral street vendor
In Istanbul, a corn vendor is pulling greater crowds than a few of the metropolis’s monuments. NCS’s Leroy Ah Ben went to search out out why vacationers are crossing the metropolis to grab a selfie with him.
Now a well-known vacationer attraction, the stall is crowded not just with individuals trying for a fast chunk to eat, but additionally followers wanting to satisfy, speak to and take footage with Temel.
He has turn into so common that tour guides in the space have added the stall to their intineraries whereas quite a few influencers have made their very own movies about him — including to his rising fame.
Temel’s movie star has additionally spotlighted the street food his household has been promoting at the stall for over 15 years.
“I’m very grateful to them for their support,” Temel says. “Like any young person, I try to help and support my family in the best way I can. This fame has helped speed that process up for me.”
Since the 25-year-old created his personal social media profiles in October 2025, he’s amassed over 960,000 followers on Instagram and over 695,000 followers on TikTok.
Many of the movies on Temel’s web page present him serving chestnuts and corn to vacationers, in addition to interacting with them and taking photographs. Occasional smoldering glances into the lens and a few artful digital camera work have helped entice greater than 11 million likes.
Temel’s TikTok Lives present him taking selfies with the line of followers, blowing kisses to the digital camera and recording movies for all of them whereas answering questions and saying “hi” to the greater than 4,000 followers watching from their telephones.
And, if the feedback are something to go by, individuals are consuming it up.
“Turkey here I come,” one person writes. Some drop selfies they’ve taken with him, and others ask him if he’s signed with a modeling company.
He mentioned he has been provided contracts with businesses, appearing roles in films and TV exhibits and marriage proposals. A Turkish digital information website, Fayn Studio, even named him their “2025 Man of the Year.”
But Temel says he does not let the fame get to him; he strives to remain true to himself and proceed working towards his objectives.
“It’s very meaningful when people show us appreciation and love. But at the same time, it comes with a lot of responsibility,” he says. “Because of that, I try to stay focused on my work.”
Temel desires the newfound fame to showcase Turkey and invite them to expertise it for themselves.
“I would like people to come and experience this diversity, the beautiful landscape and the people,” he says. “For us, those who come from abroad are not tourists — they are guests, and we do our best to welcome them.”