Istanbul’s Corn King: A Street Vendor Becomes an Unlikely Tourist Magnet

ISTANBUL — A corn and chestnut seller named Temel has become an unexpected local fixture in Istanbul, drawing crowds that rival some of the city’s historic landmarks. With nearly 850,000 Instagram followers and a steady stream of fans on TikTok, his appeal is strongest among foreign women tourists, who describe him as “handsome” and flock to his cart each evening.

Temel sets up at the Karaköy ferry terminal around dusk. On a recent Friday night, a crowd of 50 to 60 people lingered around his stand, blocking foot traffic to nearby restaurants and ferries. The line was almost entirely made up of tourists; locals were notably absent. One visitor from Kazan, Russia, named Alisa said she traveled to Istanbul specifically to meet him, calling him a “sweet boy” and praising the corn. Her friend Irina was less impressed, saying she didn’t understand the hype.

Not everyone is charmed. Fellow corn vendors in central Istanbul call Temel “rude,” and staff at nearby Russian-themed restaurants complain the crowds disrupt their business. Despite the buzz, Temel charges a premium: 140 Turkish lira (about $3.10) per ear of corn—double the price charged by competitors in the city center. His roasted chestnuts go for 120 lira per 100 grams, roughly 20% more than elsewhere.

Temel’s fame has even spawned tourism packages. One Uzbek agency advertises a “corn tour to Istanbul” starting at $530, featuring a photo with the vendor. For now, the corn king’s reign shows no signs of cooling.