Abidin Baran left Turkey for Columbus, Ohio in 2001 and kept in touch with his family for several years. Communication stopped in 2008; the exact date of his last contact is vague. He was about 38 when he disappeared and had been living near the Ohio State University campus, frequently visiting shelters and libraries.

Abidin is described as a Turkish man with black hair, hazel eyes, approximately 5 feet 8 inches and around 180 pounds, with a scar under his chin. He spoke Turkish and English. Few details are available about his clothing, belongings, or the circumstances of his disappearance. The Columbus Police Department is the investigating agency.

If anyone knew Abidin, saw him around the OSU area, shelters, or libraries in 2008, or has any information that could help his family, please come forward.