Turkey Made It Big in These Blockbuster Hits!

Topkapi Palace

Most of these locations are filmed in real locations all around Turkey and are definitely worth exploring.

By SLPR Worldwide Group on October 19, 20207 minutes read

Travelers can now seek these popular film locations in Turkey safe and sound with Turkey’s Healthy Tourism Certification program

All photos provided by SLPR Worldwide Group

Similar to finding the right actors to play the role, getting that location is equally vital, for without the right location, there will not be the perfect setting to complement the story that’s intended to be told to the audience. While there are some common film locations that we generally see such as the United States or United Kingdom, one particular country rose to be among some of the most popular filming location and a country straddled between both the Asian and Western – Turkey.

Recommended by the Turkish Embassy Tourism & Information Office, we have compiled a list of some interesting locations for you and even if you are not a big fan of these shows, most of these locations are filmed in real locations all around Turkey and are definitely worth exploring.

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2. TAKEN 2

The Blue Mosque of Istanbul – One of iconic filming locations for Taken 2.

Hollywood has definitely fully utilised Turkey in all its splendor, as Taken 2 sees Liam Neeson bringing us on a wild speed chase around Istanbul to save his family from a group of Albanian crime lords. Although most of the scenes – especially the epic car chase scenes – feature much of the Istanbul skyline, we also get to have some close-ups of its authentic edifices, including their largest and newest New Mosque (no pun intended!), and the streets around the Grand Bazaar.

To make it even more interesting, part of the film was shot in the Çemberlitaş Turkish bath, one of the most famous and longest established hamams in the city! Built in 1584 by the Ottomans’ most celebrated architect, Mimar Sinan, the hamam is still heated in a time-honoured way by a furnace that burns wood chips, producing steam that warms the entire structure. Çemberlitaş Hamamı has undergone two restorations in recent decades and is especially atmospheric – a great reason for you to sit back and fully relish the Turkish Bath while reenacting in your head the famed “Hamam Fight Scene” in Taken 2.

3. CHARLIE’S ANGELS

The aromatic Spice Bazaar that the Angels went through when en route for their mission.

Hollywood’s favourite Angels have arrived in Istanbul for their next mission! The latest in the Charlie’s Angels franchise starring Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Balinska, is a mix of adventure, action and comedy set against an international backdrop of filming locations, with Istanbul occupying part of the scenes for the Angels to complete their mission.

The film’s first stop in İstanbul was at the district of Eminönü and its famously aromatic Spice Bazaar together with Çakmakçılar Street in the Fatih district, while other scenes were filmed in the historic Veliefendi Hippodrome and Blue Mosque. With the modern image yet historical character that Turkey is assimilated to, Charlie’s Angels has given everyone (especially the women!) an inspired motivation to indulge in the compelling sights, experience the sounds and tastes that will (for sure!) provide a feast for the senses.

4. ARGO

Gaze upon the inner beauty of Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque.

Speaking of mission, Ben Affleck has arrived in Turkey to save the world again! Inspired by true events this time on a mission to free six American hostages during the Iranian conflict, Argo is yet another movie that brings out the best of Turkey, especially the ones that anchors its historical identity – the Grand Mosque of Hagia Sophia itself.

While on his journey, Tony Mendez (starred by Affleck) brings us to a whole new dimension when he steps into the astounding Hagia Sophia. Originally built as a Church with thousand years of history, Hagia Sophia is now a world-renowned mosque that brings people together like the people of Turkey today. During a scene where he met up with his compatriot, the film blessed our eyes with the fascinating inner beauty that this holy monument provided, especially on its aesthetic mosaic designs.

5. THE WATER DIVINER

Sufi Dervishes performing The Whirling Dervishes Performance.

More than meets the eye, this 2014 drama film skillfully nailed nearly every possible details and aesthetic shots there are in Turkey! Utilising every possible shot, Russell Crowe (who starred as the main role in his directorial debut for this movie) brought us for a stroll in the park to cherish and adore the awesome architecture in Turkey while showcasing the story plot along the way.

Russell brought his story to life for us to binge on the scenic view that this stunning country has to offer – the iconic Golden Horn, The Blue Mosque and the spectacular Topkapı Palace, etc. you name it, he delivered it!

6. ISTANBUL AKU DATANG

The Bosphorus Straits that caught our breathe away when Dian was on a cruise.

Sometimes to find love, we need to go on a journey and a step beyond our comfort zone. In this movie, Dian (starred by our local sweetheart Lisa Surihani) took this to heart as she ventured on a daring journey towards the land of the Turks to find hope and solace in her romantic relationship.

Loosely translated as Istanbul Here I Come, this bright and cheery movie promises a solid 90 minutes’ worth of fun where Dian brings us on a cruise across the Bosphorus Straits – a breathtaking scene that just caught our breath. Another well-worth-to-know scene was when she make the unexpected decision to take a leap of faith on her love life to marry Harris in front of the artistic Blue Mosque! A movie worth to be recommended just to witness such a lovely scene and also a reason to have a grand wedding there should opportunity arises!

7. RESURRECTION: ERTUGRUL

The famous district of Beykoz – the epic battle scene between Ertugrul and Ural happened here!

The perfect mise-en-scene for sword clashing and canon combat, this popular cult series is definitely a show to binge-watch for your weekly or daily leisure. Set in the 13^th century, this heroic story centers on the life of Ertugrul, who brought us on a wonderful epic journey throughout Istanbul. Relieving the epic final battle scene between Ertugrul and Ural, that particular montage brings out the best of Istanbul’s Beykoz district and Riva district thanks to Turkey’s remarkable natural scenery. Do not hesitate to include the famous district of Beykoz and Riva this in your itinerary, as these are also the homes of Istanbul’s finest historical and architectural treasures that is worth to marvel at!

8. RISE OF EMPIRES: OTTOMAN

The stunning exterior view of the Grand Mosque of Hagia Sophia.

As to how gloriously the Constantinople war was won over by the great Sultan Mehmet ll during his 53- days siege, no one (especially the Turkish) will forget how visually stunning the Hagia Sophia stood during the dramatic reenactment of the rather quasi-historical blend of documentary – magnificently bringing this rich history to life.

With numerous scenes so strikingly beautiful, there were also close-up shots where the underground Basilica Cistern, the Hippodrome (a famous racecourse for chariot races), and the monumental Topkapı Palace were involved in the filmmaking process. If you watch all six episodes on Netflix, we believe that Sultan Mehmet ll will convince you to include Turkey as one of the countries in your bucket list to embark on.

While many countries are struck by the Covid-19 pandemic, Turkey is one of the few countries that has been enacting solid safety measures for all travellers who are still eyeing Turkey as one of the places to tick off on their bucket list. As part of its initiative to promote safe tourism, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Republic of Turkey has initiated Healthy Tourism Certification program, which ensures travellers to Turkey are able to wander the country in a safe and hygienic manner while feeling at ease during their visit.