TÜRKİYE: Turkish student roams Ankara streets as Batman, dreams of Batmobile
ANKARA, TÜRKİYE - FEBRUARY 5: Ali Efe Arslan, a student from the Department of Cartoon and Animation at Başkent University, has become a local sensation by donning the costume of Batman, his childhood comic book hero, and strolling through the streets of Ankara three days a week.
In an exclusive interview with Anadolu Agency, Arslan revealed his lifelong fascination with the iconic superhero Batman, which motivated him to pursue studies in cartoons and animation.
Driven by his admiration for the caped crusader, Arslan took matters into his own hands and personally designed his Batman costume, citing the exorbitant prices of ready-made alternatives. Collaborating with his aunt, Arslan managed to craft the costume at a cost of 8 thousand Turkish liras (261 US Dolars).
Drawing inspiration from the fictional city of Gotham, Batman's hometown, Arslan proudly patrols the streets of Ankara in his costume, embodying the spirit of his beloved hero.
"I feel like myself in the costume, I enjoy it very much. I feel like the me in my daily life and the me wearing the costume are very different persons," Arslan expressed.
Looking to the future, Arslan shared his ambition to further emulate Batman by designing the Batmobile, the iconic vehicle synonymous with the superhero.
Despite currently relying on public transportation, Arslan envisions cruising the streets of Ankara in his very own Batmobile once he has the means to bring his dream to life.
Arslan's striking presence as Batman has captivated the attention of onlookers, with many eager to capture a moment with the real-life superhero. He recounted the overwhelming response from the public, particularly the curiosity surrounding the Batmobile.
As Arslan continues to inspire awe and admiration in the streets of the Turkish capital, his dedication to embodying Batman's legacy serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of comic book heroes in everyday life.
(Footage by Oguzhan Demir /Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)