27.03.2026 11:21
After the earthquakes in Hatay on February 6, Barış Özbay, whose psychology was affected and who had not left his home for nearly 3 years, turned 25. The young man, who is addicted to his phone and computer, came together with his loved ones at a surprise birthday event held for him. He blew out the candles on his cake and also joined in singing a folk song accompanied by a saz.
51-year-old mother Semra Özbay and her 25-year-old son Barış Özbay, who lost their home in the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş, are holding on to life together in the Defne district after the earthquake they experienced. The family, who lost both their home and loved ones in the earthquake, has been struggling through a difficult process for three years. Barış Özbay, who lost his will to live after the earthquake and started playing constantly on the computer and mobile phone, became addicted to the virtual world and drew Turkey's attention with his life story.
HE TOOK A SHOWER AND GOT A HAIRCUT AFTER 3 YEARS The young man, who met his essential needs to live, was neither taking a shower nor fulfilling his special needs like cutting his nails. With the initiatives of state institutions, the first step had been taken for Barış to start his new life. After about 3 years, Barış, who took a shower, got a haircut, and left his home to go to a different place, made his mother Semra Özbay smile for the first time for her child. For the first time in 3 years, Barış, who started going outside, attended the engagement of a friend who got engaged a few months ago and danced with his friend to music, albeit with difficulty.
HE TURNED 25 AND SUNG FOLK SONGS After the engagement, Barış, who rarely went outside and isolated himself at home, was surprised by the charity Çilem Artan and her friends with a surprise birthday event. Spending time with his loved ones who surprised him at home to celebrate his 25th birthday, Barış joined in singing folk songs accompanied by a saz. Expressing that he did not expect the birthday surprise, Barış said that he did not like celebrating his birthday and having attention on him.
HE CELEBRATED HIS NEW AGE AT THE COMPUTER Barış Özbay, who celebrated his surprise birthday while playing games at the computer, said, "I was born on March 26, 2001, and I turned 25. I didn't feel anything during the birthday celebration, but I was a little happy. Everything is the same for me, nothing changes. I don't know why it didn't change. I wasn't expecting such a surprise. I had celebrated my birthday before, but I don't like celebrating. Because I don't like having attention on me, it's not a pleasant thing at all. I don't know the lyrics of the folk songs, I just said the easy parts. Recently, I went to my friend's engagement. Again, I didn't feel anything at the engagement. I danced with difficulty at the engagement. Going outside from home feels bad. I don't know, but I don't like doing anything, I guess I'm lazy. During the day; I wake up, sit at the computer, and play on the computer until the evening. There's no need to go outside. The computer is better," he said.
"I'M GLAD YOU'RE HERE BARIS, WE'RE ALWAYS BY YOUR SIDE" Çilem Artan, who prepared a surprise birthday for Barış, who does not leave the house and is addicted to his phone, said, "We are very happy today. We prepared something special for Barış today. We had a cake made with his picture on it. It was very enjoyable for us. I see that joy on Barış's face. It shows from his smile. We are happy. I'm glad Barış was born, I'm glad you're here Barış, and we are always by your side," she expressed.