Was Barbar Conan inspired by a Turkish actor?

Barbar Conan is a fictional character created by American author Robert E. Howard in the 1930s. The character is a legendary warrior who roams the land of Hyboria, fighting evil and seeking adventure. Over the years, Barbar Conan has become an iconic figure in popular culture, inspiring countless books, movies, and other forms of media.

One of the most interesting aspects of Barbar Conan’s legacy is the question of whether he was inspired by a Turkish actor. This theory has been circulating for many years, and while there is no definitive proof that it is true, there are certainly some compelling arguments in favor of the idea.

The actor in question is a man named Burhanettin Tepsi, who was a popular performer in Turkey during the 1920s and 1930s. Tepsi was known for his muscular physique and his ability to perform impressive feats of strength, such as lifting heavy weights and breaking chains with his bare hands. He was also famous for his roles in action movies, where he played heroic characters who fought against evil.

One of Tepsi’s most famous roles was in a movie called “The Lion of the Desert,” which was released in 1927. In this film, Tepsi played a character named Barbaros, who was a fearless warrior fighting against the Ottoman Empire. The character was known for his bravery, his physical strength, and his ability to overcome seemingly impossible odds.

Many people believe that Robert E. Howard was inspired by Tepsi’s performance in “The Lion of the Desert” when he created Barbar Conan. There are certainly some similarities between the two characters, such as their physical strength, their fighting skills, and their willingness to take on any challenge. Additionally, both characters are known for their heroic deeds and their ability to inspire others.

However, there are also some differences between Barbar Conan and Barbaros. For example, Barbar Conan is a more complex character, with a rich backstory and a complex personality. He is also more of a loner, whereas Barbaros is often shown fighting alongside other warriors. Finally, Barbar Conan is set in a fictional world, whereas Barbaros is based on real historical events.

Despite these differences, it is certainly possible that Robert E. Howard was influenced by Burhanettin Tepsi when he created Barbar Conan. Tepsi was a popular performer in his time, and his movies were widely seen throughout the Middle East and Europe. It is possible that Howard saw one of Tepsi’s films and was inspired by the character of Barbaros.

In conclusion, while there is no definitive proof that Barbar Conan was inspired by Burhanettin Tepsi, there are certainly some compelling arguments in favor of the idea. Tepsi was a popular actor in his time, and his performances were widely seen throughout the world. It is certainly possible that Robert E. Howard was influenced by Tepsi’s portrayal of Barbaros when he created Barbar Conan, and this theory adds an interesting dimension to the character’s legacy.