9 Movies Set in Turkey: Iconic Films Showcasing Stunning Locations

Ömer Faruk Kino
Onedio Member
0

Turkey's stunning landscapes, rich history and vibrant culture have made it a favourite destination for filmmakers from around the world. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the fairytale rock formations of Cappadocia, Turkey has served as the backdrop for some truly iconic films. Whether it's Hollywood blockbusters, spy thrillers or historical dramas, these films have captured the essence of Turkey's beauty and mystique.

In this list, we'll take you through nine must-see films that showcase Turkey's most cinematic locations. If you're a film buff or a travel enthusiast looking for inspiration, these films might just add a few destinations to your bucket list!

1. Inferno (2016)

Based on the 2013 novel of the same name by famous author Dan Brown, Inferno (2016) is the sequel to The Da Vinci Code (2006) and Angels & Demons (2009). Tom Hanks stars as Professor Robert Langdon as he tries to stop a deadly virus from spreading around the world.

The film is an adventure that begins in Italy and moves to Istanbul, following the allegory of hell in Dante's Divine Comedy. Langdon makes an important discovery in the Hagia Sophia Mosque, and the film ends in the Basilica Cistern, one of the most visited historical sites in Istanbul.

The parts of the film that take place in the Basilica Cistern, which include high action scenes, were shot using a replica of the cistern on a film plateau in Budapest, so as not to damage the historical texture of the original cistern. Built in 542 by a Byzantine emperor, this vast underground cistern has been used in many films over the years, adding to its popularity.

2. Argo (2012)

Set in 1979 and based on real events, Argo (2012) tells the story of the rescue of six American civilians who escaped during the takeover of the US embassy in Iran. Oscar-winning actor Ben Affleck directed and starred in the film, which won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Argo began filming in Los Angeles and continued in Washington, D.C. and Istanbul. The film could not be shot in its original locations because of strained US-Iranian relations. As a result, parts of the film, including the Tehran sequences, were shot in Istanbul's Balat, Eminönü, Bakırköy and Etiler districts.

Argo took two weeks to shoot in Istanbul, and five thousand extras were used in the filming. Ten streets and 150 shops were rented in the Grand Bazaar; the signs were changed and arranged like the covered bazaar in Tehran. However, the most remarkable shots in the film were taken in the Hagia Sophia Mosque. The film's cameraman had 4,000 light bulbs changed in the mosque before filming, and the place was re-lit.

3. Skyfall (2012)

Directed by Sam Mendes, the plot of Skyfall (2012) revolves around James Bond (Daniel Craig) investigating an attack on MI6, the British spy agency. But lovers of Istanbul may want to cover their eyes for the opening scene, which takes place on the roof of the Grand Bazaar and sees Bond riding motorbikes over the iconic bazaar.

A team of 400 people worked on the dangerous scenes. On the first day of shooting in Istanbul, a stuntman lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into the window of a 330-year-old shop. Throughout the filming, Eminönü Square and Yeni Cami took a beating from the director.

In addition, the film features a train scene in Adana, and the locations where Bond goes to relax and find peace were shot in Fethiye, one of Turkey's most popular summer destinations.

4. The International (2009)

The story of The International (2009), starring Clive Owen and Naomi Watts, begins when Interpol agent Louis Salinger and American lawyer Eleanor Whitman cross paths while investigating a bank's illegal dealings. Their pursuit takes them from country to country, eventually landing them in Istanbul.

Parts of the film were shot in the Suleymaniye Mosque and the Basilica Cistern. An interesting point: Owen said in an interview that when he was running through the Grand Bazaar with a gun in his hand, he was amazed that people around him went about their lives as if nothing had happened. Apparently this is normal for the shopkeepers, who see a different film set in the Grand Bazaar every day.

5. Sniper: Ghost Shooter (2016)

The sixth entry in the Sniper film series, Sniper: Ghost Shooter (2016), begins when snipers are ordered to protect a gas pipeline from terrorists and are targeted by another sniper who knows their exact location.

The film was partly shot in different parts of Istanbul, including the Grand Bazaar, Galata Bridge, city ferries and Eminönü. A drone captures the city in all its glory, with shots of the Hagia Sophia Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque and Yeni Mosque.

6. The Water Diviner (2014)

Directed by the famous Australian actor Russell Crowe, the movie tells the story of an Australian father's arrival in Turkey in search of his three sons who were lost in the Battle of Çanakkale during World War I.

After filming in various parts of Istanbul, including Sultanahmet, Çemberlitaş, Balat and Topkapı Palace, the crew travelled to Fethiye's ancient Kayaköy and Tlos and built a set to capture some of the most authentic scenes in film history.

7. Taken 2 (2012)

Taken 2 (2012) is the sequel to the 2008 film Taken. This time Bryan Mills, the ex-CIA agent played by Liam Neeson, and his ex-wife are in great danger. The father of one of the men Bryan killed to save his kidnapped daughter is after them on holiday in Turkey, seeking revenge.

The Istanbul portion of the film was shot in Karaköy, Eminönü, Balat, Grand Bazaar, Beyoğlu, Kuruçeşme, Topkapı and Salacak. Much of the Istanbul skyline can be seen, especially in the car chase scenes. Part of the film was also shot at the historic Çemberlitaş Hammam. Apart from Istanbul, the film was also shot in Dalaman, Göcek and Köyceğiz.

8. Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2011)

The final scenes of the movie were filmed in Cappadocia, famous for its fairy chimneys, and at the Hierapolis Ancient Theatre in Pamukkale, Turkey's most beautiful natural pools.

In this film, a French monk seeks Ghost Rider's help to save a young boy from the devil. In exchange, he offers to return Ghost Rider's soul. In one of the most dramatic scenes, the child is on stage in the ancient theatre, waiting to be sacrificed.

9. The Two Faces of January

This thriller is based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith (of The Talented Mr Ripley fame). It follows a married couple whose lives are turned upside down after a detective is killed.

This leads the couple to flee with a con man, Rydal, who killed the detective. Things take a turn for the worse as they try to evade the law. One of the film’s most memorable sequences is set in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and the ancient streets surrounding it. The juxtaposition of Istanbul’s old-world charm and the film’s sleek 1960s aesthetic makes for a visually captivating experience.