advice needed on taking things further with long distance friend

Hi everyone, 14 months.ago I was on Italy doing a tour with an event and on the day we were at the trevie fountain I handsome man approached me for a picture.
2 Weeks later, once home, the man added me on Facebook, him saying he looked everywhere for my name. We have been sending messages back and forth ever since, especially the last few months, as we now message numerous times a day.
He's 24.and I'm 20, him Istanbul, me UK.
I know who he is as he's been on webcam to talk, we talk about everything and nothing and help each other through hard times.
I'm developing strong feelings for him as we keep saying we want to meet up again.
We talk on the phone as well so I know who he is.
My mom and friends know and I've talked to his friends too
are my feelings.false and should I listen to my heart if I ever see him again?
I do feel I want to take things further but I don't want to be a fool.
Any advice should be greatly appreciated.
X

So you've met him once briefly.
You live in the UK.
He lives in Turkey.
So basically 3000 miles apart.
Sorry to rain on your parade but FIND A BOYFRIEND IN THE SAME TOWN not somebody 3000 miles away