Men with bloody, bandaged scalps are a striking feature of Istanbul’s bustling cityscape, whether they’re strolling along vibrant shopping streets or posing in front of its iconic landmarks. The Turkish metropolis, straddling the Bosphorus – a famed waterway connecting Europe and Asia – has become a global hub for hair transplants, home to an estimated 5,000 clinics catering to patients from around the world. However, opinions are divided on whether Istanbul can maintain its crown as the world’s