The Infamous Conman Who Sold Istanbul: The Bizarre Life of Sülün Osman
From blockbuster movies to gripping TV series, we've all seen tales of masterful cons. But none is as outrageous and uniquely local as that of Sülün Osman, Turkey’s most notorious swindler. Known for exploiting the gullibility of unsuspecting individuals, Sülün Osman once even "sold" iconic landmarks like Galata Bridge. His story is a masterclass in deception, audacity, and the bizarre world of professional conmen.
Who Was Sülün Osman?
Born Osman Ziya Sülün in 1923 in Istanbul, he grew up during the turbulent transition from the Ottoman Empire to the young Turkish Republic. Although little is known about his early years, Osman claimed his father was a modest civil servant. As a young man, he quickly realized that an honest living wasn’t for him, and thus began his infamous career in fraud.
The Rise of Sülün Osman: From Petty Thief to the King of Cons
Osman first dipped his toes into the world of scams in 1948, when he found a creative way to live rent-free for several years in Istanbul’s Fatih district by duping his landlord. This cunning stunt earned him the moniker "Sülün Osman," marking the start of a legendary career that would see him swindle many more.
Known for his charisma and unparalleled gift of gab, Sülün Osman targeted newcomers to Istanbul—primarily naïve rural migrants hoping for a better life in the big city. He was not a typical pickpocket or petty thief; instead, he artfully ensnared his victims, who often approached him rather than the other way around.
How Sülün Osman Sold the Unsellable: From Clock Towers to Bridges
Sülün Osman’s scams were as inventive as they were audacious. One of his classic tricks involved the Dolmabahçe Clock Tower, where he would lie in wait for unsuspecting passersby adjusting their watches. Osman would then pounce, demanding a "time-setting fee" and, if his target seemed gullible enough, offering to sell the entire clock tower.
Another of his favorite haunts was Taksim Square, where he collected a "walking fee" from those crossing the square, claiming the land belonged to him. Many of these victims were duped into paying, and some even tried to buy the square itself, believing they were onto a profitable opportunity.
His most infamous con involved Galata Bridge, which Osman tried to sell on more than one occasion. In a typical scenario, he would identify a clueless newcomer, convince them of the bridge's commercial potential, and close the deal right before a vigilant policeman intervened. Upon arrest, Sülün Osman boldly defended his actions in court with the now-iconic line:
"As long as there are fools willing to buy the Galata Bridge, I will keep selling it."
A Conman’s Philosophy: “I Never Swindled an Honest Man”
Even after multiple arrests and a brief stint in prison, Sülün Osman remained unapologetic. In an interview following his supposed reformation, he claimed that he was never the true conman; rather, he merely took advantage of those who sought to cheat him first. He would recount tales of duping greedy individuals with fake gold bracelets and other scams, insisting that his victims were complicit because they intended to make easy money at his expense.
Legacy and the Peculiar Morality of Sülün Osman
Sülün Osman passed away in 1984 at the age of 61, reportedly suffering a heart attack in a hotel room in Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district. Despite his criminal record, his life story continues to captivate audiences, embodying a peculiar mix of wit, daring, and a twisted sense of justice. He left behind a legacy not only as a swindler but also as a man who played on the universal themes of greed and gullibility. Sülün Osman’s story is a sobering reminder of the complexities of human nature, where even the most notorious criminals can claim a skewed sense of honor.
In a strange twist, Sülün Osman’s life reflects a broader truth: sometimes, the biggest con of all is our willingness to believe in something too good to be true.
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