Batman, the capital of an oil-rich and conservative-Muslim province in southeastern Turkey, became the winner in a recent online marketing campaign in which Facebook fans were asked to vote on what city should get SOS Condoms, a service meant to allow amorous - but unprepared - couples to click on a smartphone app for a rush delivery.
But social media experts say the contest, organized by world's best-selling condom brand Durex, was almost certainly decided by internet pranksters, Stuff.co.nz reported.
Batman received 1577 votes, besting Paris and London, according to the contest's Facebook page, which has been dormant since the two-month promotion finished in April.
However, the company says SOS Condoms, available in Dubai for a short time last year, won't be offered in Batman or anywhere else.
Andraea Dawson-Shepherd, a spokeswoman for Reckitt Benckiser, said Durex's social media efforts "will move on to a new sphere."
Meanwhile locals find winning the Durex campaign as a big joke and said this is impossible as their culture is religious.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
