Are you planning on visiting Istanbul soon? For a dose of Türkiye travel inspiration to enhance your itinerary, here are some works and books that place the country’s history, nature, and mythical culture at the heart of their stories, whether in film, novel, or series.
Whether you dream of walking through the lively streets of Sultanahmet, tasting the spicy flavors of the markets, entering Turkish baths or admiring a sunset from the Galata Tower, this vibrant city will awaken your curiosity and captivate your senses.
Happy exploring!
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Movies Set
or Filmed in
Istanbul
Istanbul Tales
This cult movie in Turkey by Ferenc Török intertwines the destinies of various characters, capturing the soul of Istanbul through poignant life stories. Its lively streets and colorful neighborhoods like Balat and Fener serve as a backdrop for strong emotions and unexpected encounters.
Passage to Istanbul
From director Levan Akin, this poetic drama follows Lia, a Georgian teacher, who travels to Istanbul to find her missing niece. Her journey leads her into the city’s lively neighborhoods, where she meets the local LGBTQ+ community. The movie captures the chaos and diversity of Istanbul while also showing its side as a sanctuary. It’s an empathetic and modern look at the metropolis.
Theodora, Empress of Byzantium
The historical fresco by director Riccardo Freda in 1954 plunges the viewer into the splendor of ancient Constantinople. This classic of Italian cinema is remarkable for its sumptuous sets and period costumes that recreate the atmosphere of the Byzantine court. A great way to imagine the city through the prism of its glorious past before discovering its emblematic monuments.
Around the World in Eighty Days
This colorful adventure comedy, directed by Frank Coraci and starring Jackie Chan and Steve Coogan, revisits the classic story by Jules Verne. It follows the journey of Phileas Fogg and his valet Passepartout, with a key stop in Istanbul. The city is depicted as a vibrant crossroads between East and West in 1872.
Which James Bond movie is set in Istanbul? Skyfall and From Russia with Love!
Skyfall, with Daniel Craig as James Bond, offers a spectacular view of Istanbul. The motorcycle chase on the rooftops of the Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) is one of the most memorable scenes. The movie also highlights majestic monuments like the New Mosque (Yeni Cami) and the Spice Bazaar, all visible in the Eminönü district.
From Russia with Love by Terence Young was one of the first international spy films to feature Istanbul. Sean Connery, as 007, moves through mythical places such as the Hagia Sophia Basilica, the Basilica Cistern, and the surroundings of the Grand Bazaar. The Bosphorus and the Topkapı Palace also appear in several scenes.
Which Taken movie takes place in Istanbul? Taken 2!
From director Olivier Megaton, Taken 2 is a thriller that turns Istanbul into a huge playground. The action scenes take place in the alleys of the historic Balat district, along the Bosphorus, at the famous Haydarpaşa ferry terminal, and in the lively Eminönü district, near the Galata Bridge.
Uzak
Winner of the Grand Prix at Cannes, this intimate film by Nuri Bilge Ceylan captures the loneliness and tensions of wintry Istanbul through the eyes of two opposing men. The director used his own apartment in Cihangir and other lesser-known places to explore urban solitude with a unique sensibility. It is often considered one of the finest Turkish films of all time.
The Two Faces of January
This 2014 thriller by Hossein Amini, starring Viggo Mortensen, Kirsten Dunst, and Oscar Isaac, transforms Istanbul into a pivotal backdrop for its climactic finale. The Grand Bazaar, for example, takes center stage during a tense confrontation, with its ancient corridors serving as a maze of suspense. The film showcases both the monumental and hidden sides of the city, weaving its architectural splendor into a tale of deception. During filming, the crew benefited from a religious holiday to modify over 100 shops in the bazaar, creating an authentic 1960s atmosphere.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
This British spy film by Tomas Alfredson uses Istanbul as a backdrop for a complex and captivating plot. The film features an ensemble cast including Gary Oldman, John Hurt, Mark Strong, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, and Benedict Cumberbatch. Filming took place on the Haydarpaşa docks, on the banks of the Bosphorus, and in the Karaköy and Taksim districts, where you can also see the emblematic tram on Istiklal Street.
The Water Diviner
The feature film by Russell Crowe, featuring Olga Kurylenko and Yilmaz Erdogan, tells the story of a father searching for his missing sons in post-war Turkey, with Istanbul as a powerful and moving setting. The film blends deep emotions and striking landscapes, revealing a city full of history and hope.
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Turkish
Music
Sezen Aksu
With her voice that is both soft and powerful, Sezen Aksu, nicknamed the “Mini Star” of Turkish music, sings about love, nostalgia, and everyday emotions. Her music is a cultural icon that blends Turkish pop, traditional melodies, and Western rhythms. Listening to her songs before your trip is a great way to immerse yourself in the Turkish sensibility and the soul of Istanbul, whether you’re strolling along the Bosphorus or through its lively streets.
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Books
and Novels
Set in
Istanbul
Istanbul: Memories and the City by Orhan Pamuk
This intimate account by Orhan Pamuk, a Nobel laureate in literature, explores the soul of Istanbul through his personal memories. It depicts the city’s melancholic beauty, its history, and its traditions. This poetic book is the perfect read to soak up the unique atmosphere of the city and feel its deep essence before your trip.
Inferno
The novel and film Inferno by Dan Brown turn Istanbul into an adventure for the hero Robert Langdon. The plot leads him through the city’s hidden treasures, such as the enigmatic Basilica Cistern and the majestic Topkapı Palace. It also uses the historical sites of Hagia Sophia and the waters of the Bosphorus as backdrops for a thrilling scavenger hunt, inviting tourists on a journey full of mysteries.
The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak
This poignant novel by Elif Shafak is a vibrant portrait of the city, which reveals its unspoken truths and contrasts. It explores the complex links between a Turkish family and an Armenian family through the voices of several women. The book plunges you into the heart of Istanbul, making you feel its spicy scents and the bustle of its bazaars.
The Other Side of the Mountain by Erendiz Atasü
Istanbul serves as a backdrop here for a story that explores Turkish life and traditions through generations. This sensitive narrative examines the links between past and present, as well as the role of women in society. It’s a profound read to grasp the multiple facets of Istanbul, far beyond clichés, and understand the complexity of this captivating city.
Istanbul: The Imperial City by John Freely
InJohn Freely’s Istanbul: The Imperial City, the city’s splendor is revealed through its emblematic monuments and centuries-old stories. From the great mosques to the imperial palaces, every detail tells the grandeur of a rich and captivating past. This is an ideal read to soak up the essence of Istanbul before discovering it in real life.
Stamboul Train by Graham Greene
Stamboul Train, a classic thriller by Graham Greene, follows several intertwined lives aboard a legendary train. The spy plot culminates upon arrival in Istanbul. It’s an excellent read to imagine the mysterious atmosphere of the city in the 1930s, with its pre-war feel.
Istanbul: Recipes from the Heart of Turkey by Rebecca Seal
This cookbook is ideal for tasting the soul of Istanbul before you go, with emblematic dishes from daily life like pide, lahmacun, and the famous baklava pastries. It’s perfect for awakening your taste buds and giving you a foretaste of Istanbul’s culinary richness!
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Documentaries
about
Turkey
Crossing the Bridge: The Sound of Istanbul by Fatih Akin
This documentary by Fatih Akın delves into the diverse sounds that define Istanbul. It follows German musician Alexander Hacke as he travels the city with his recording equipment, on a mission to capture its multifaceted musical landscape. He crosses the Bosphorus back and forth, recording everything from classical Turkish music to rock and hip-hop. The film opens powerfully with scenes at the legendary Grand Hotel Londres in Beyoğlu. Ultimately, a one-of-a-kind audio journey that will inspire you to explore Istanbul through its vibrant melodies and rich cultural energy.
Istanbul Flights Of Imagination by National Geographic
This documentary by National Geographic invites you to discover Istanbul from an unprecedented angle. By flying over its most emblematic monuments, such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Bosphorus, Istanbul: Flights of Imagination reveals the city’s beauty and complexity through spectacular aerial images.
Cappadocia’s Fairy Chimneys by National Geographic
This National Geographic episode offers a spectacular aerial view of the famous fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. If you’re planning a trip to this mythical site, this is the perfect documentary to get a glimpse of its unique landscapes.
Kedi: the Cats of Istanbul
Kedi, a documentary by Turkish director Ceyda Torun, offers a unique look at Istanbul through the eyes of its famous street cats. The film follows the daily lives of several felines, each with their own personality, from their homes in the lively markets of Beyoğlu to the serene quays of the Bosphorus. Sensitive and poetic, it captures the warm and vibrant soul of the city, revealing the harmonious relationship between humans and cats. It’s a gentle and unexpected journey that will make you feel the magic of Istanbul before you leave.
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Podcasts
about
Turkey
Ottoman History Podcast
A must-listen for anyone wanting to discover Istanbul’s imperial past. Accessible and fascinating, Ottoman History Podcast features researchers from around the world who explore the multiple facets of the Ottoman Empire.
The Turkey Book Talk podcast
The Turkey Book Talk podcast invites you to explore the richness of Turkish culture through engaging discussions about the country’s literature, history, and art. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the intellectual and creative life of Turkey.
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TV Series
Set In
Istanbul
No Reservations: Anthony Bourdain
In this episode, Anthony Bourdain explores Istanbul’s culinary and cultural richness. He visits iconic spots like the Kumkapı fish market, the Spice Bazaar, and the street food stalls of Beyoğlu, where he tastes local specialties like the Islak Burger and dürüm. He also dines at famous Ottoman-era restaurants and traditional lokantas, offering an authentic glimpse into the daily life of a local family. Through dialogue with residents, he gets a unique perspective.
Rise of Empires: Ottoman by Resmi Fragman
This docudrama series plunges you into the heart of the epic battles and intrigues that shaped Istanbul and the Ottoman Empire. With striking reconstructions and captivating narratives, it brings a major page of Turkish history to life. It’s a must-watch to truly feel the power and grandeur of this legendary bygone empire.
What is the best Netflix show based in Istanbul: Midnight at the Pera Palace
This Turkish time-travel drama transforms the legendary Pera Palace Hotel into a gateway between present-day and 1919 Istanbul. The story follows a modern journalist who discovers a mysterious portal while researching the hotel’s history. Through stunning period costumes and rich historical details, viewers witness the fascinating transition period when the Ottoman Empire gave way to modern Turkey. The series masterfully weaves together romance, political intrigue, and historical turning points against the backdrop of one of Istanbul’s most iconic hotels.
