Attire of Real World Assassins: Beyond 'Assassin’s Creed'

Introduction: The image of an assassin is often romanticized in video games, movies, and media. However, in the real world, the attire and methods of an assassin can vary greatly depending on the situation, setting, and the nature of the mission.

The Myth and Reality of Assassins' Clothing

It is a common misconception that there is a specific attire worn by real-world assassins. In reality, almost any outfit can be used by an assassin, given the right circumstances. Just as in the video game 'Assassin’s Creed,' where characters are often seen in robes and masks, such attire is not necessarily reflective of the reality. The outfit most commonly used by assassins is any ordinary clothing: anything that blends in with the environment and allows them to remain inconspicuous.

Assassin's Clothing and Context

The type of outfit an assassin wears is heavily influenced by the specific context and environment of the mission. For example, if the mission takes place during the day in a business district, it is likely that the assassin would wear business attire such as a suit and tie. On the other hand, if the mission is to be carried out in a crowded, middle-class area, the assassin might opt for casual attire like jeans, a t-shirt, and a baseball cap, as these are common among civilians.

It is also important to note that the success of an assassination hinges on the victim not realizing they are about to be killed. Therefore, the clothing must be appropriate for the surroundings and help the assassin blend in seamlessly. This is why wearing all-black attire in a normal environment can be risky, as it stands out in a crowd.

Blending In: The Key to Success

The primary goal of an assassin is to blend into the crowd, making their presence undetected. To achieve this, they choose clothing that suits the time of day, the season, and the weather. An assassin in a business district might wear a stylish suit and carry a briefcase, while one in a more relaxed setting might wear jeans, a t-shirt, and a backpack.

In certain scenarios, an assassin might use items that make them less visible. For instance, a biker’s helmet can be worn to obscure the face and avoid being recognized. This was evident in the real-life assassination attempt on Russian Ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov. Mevlüt Mert Altnta, the assassin, wore an elegant but nondescript suit and spoke to Karlov informally before the shooting, supposedly to appear as one of the ambassador’s bodyguards. Altnta used his police ID and managed to gain access to the venue, further aiding his disguise.

Real-Life Assassination Attempt: The Karlov Case

The assassination attempt on Russian Ambassador Karlov in 2016 demonstrated the effectiveness of such tactics. Mevlüt Mert Altnta, the assassin, was dressed in a suit and entered during the ambassador’s speech. He blended in so well that he managed to draw close to the target. Altnta failed to kill the ambassador but was killed shortly after the shooting. His actions did not disrupt the relationship between Russia and Turkey, as the Syrian Civil War continued to escalate, and no significant diplomatic fallout occurred.

The relative success of Altnta's mission can be attributed to his clothing choices and the effectiveness of his disguise. Even though he was killed, his preparation and attire were so convincing that he had almost achieved his goal before his life ended.

Conclusion

While the clothing and methods of real-world assassins are often shrouded in mystery, the key to successful assassination is blending in with the environment. Being inconspicuous and casual is often more effective than any extravagant or disguised outfit. As with the case of Mevlüt Mert Altnta, the right attire can make all the difference in achieving a mission’s goals.

For those interested in understanding the real-world elements of assassination, it is vital to separate the myth from the reality. The attire of an assassin is more about blending in and adapting to the surroundings rather than wearing any specific type of clothing, as seen in multimedia depictions.

Keywords: Assassins clothing, real world assassins, assassination methods