INTRODUCTION
Turkish TV series, or dizis, have captivated audiences worldwide with their compelling plots, dynamic characters, and, most importantly, stunning filming locations that showcase the beauty and diversity of Turkey. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the serene shores of the Bosphorus, these series bring Turkey’s rich cultural and historical backdrop to life, offering fans an immersive viewing experience. But why stop at watching? Fans of Turkish dramas can take it a step further by visiting these iconic locations and reliving the magic in person.
As you explore these sites, staying connected is essential for navigating through Turkey’s vibrant cities, sharing your journey, and finding the best routes to each location. RentnConnect offers the perfect solution for travelers with unlimited data via eSIM and Portable WiFi, ensuring that you stay connected wherever you go in Turkey.
Key Takeaways
- Turkish TV series are known for their stunning locations, with many scenes shot in historically significant and picturesque locations in Turkey.
- Istanbul’s districts, mansions, and historical sites serve as the backdrop for some of the most memorable scenes in Turkish dramas.
- Some locations where Turkish series are filmed are open to visitors, you will find where the series are filmed in the rest of the blog.
- RentnConnect offers unlimited internet via eSIM and Portable WiFi, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity while exploring Turkey’s rich history and the filming locations of the series.
Where Are the Most Streamed Turkish Series Shot?
Turkey’s diverse landscape provides a magnificent backdrop for its popular TV shows. Many series are filmed in historic sites or stunning locations that are now popular tourist attractions for fans. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most famous Turkish series and where they were filmed.
The Magnificent Century / Muhteşem Yüzyıl: Sultan’s Legacy in Istanbul
The Magnificent Century was a historical drama that captivated audiences worldwide with the life of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent and his powerful wife, Hurrem Sultan. While the series was filmed on a special set designed for the show, the real-life historical figures it depicted lived in Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace.
Located in the heart of Istanbul’s old city, Topkapi Palace was the primary residence of Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. The palace is close to other historic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Suleymaniye Mosque, and Basilica Cistern. While Topkapi Palace is closed to visitors on Tuesdays, it is open the rest of the week for exploration between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM, allowing fans to experience the grandeur of Ottoman history.
Forbidden Love / Aşk-ı Memnu: The Sarıyer Mansion
One of the most iconic Turkish TV series, Aşk-ı Memnu, was set in a luxurious mansion on the Bosphorus in the Sarıyer district of Istanbul. Today, the mansion houses a carpet exhibition and is open to visitors for free. However, due to the carpet exhibition, the mansion’s interior does not reflect the series, but fans can walk around the garden where many key scenes took place and feel the passion.
Distant City / Uzak Şehir: Mardin
Uzak Şehir, starring Sinem Ünsal and Ozan Akbaba, is being shot in the Midyat district of Mardin, which has grown with its historical texture and fascinates its viewers. Midyat hosts the dramatic story of the series with its stone houses, narrow streets and mystical atmosphere. The history of this region, where tourists flock, dates back to ancient times.
1001 Nights / Binbir Gece: The Mansion on Istinye-Yeniköy Road
The lavish lifestyle of Onur and Şehrazat in Binbir Gece was brought to life in the Ferik Ahmet Pasha Mansion, located on the Istinye-Yeniköy road in Istanbul. Though the mansion is not open to visitors, fans can view the exterior of this nearly century-old building, which has become synonymous with the classic series.
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The Golden Boy / Yalı Çapkını: Beylerbeyi’s Historic Mansion
In The Golden Boy, Mert Ramazan Demir and Afra Saraçoğlu captivated viewers with their on-screen chemistry. The series was shot in a historical mansion in the Beylerbeyi district of Üsküdar, and its magnificent Bosphorus view and rich historical texture added a unique charm to the series. If you are lucky, you can see the crew filming new episodes while visiting the mansion, take photos and enrich your experience even more.
Ezel: Iconic Spots Around Istanbul
Ezel was a gripping thriller that featured some of Istanbul’s most famous locations. The casino scenes from the first episode were shot at the Kıbrıs Kaya Artemis Hotel, while many other scenes were filmed in the heart of Istanbul, such as Istiklal Street and the Molla Aşk Terrace in Fatih. Fans can still visit the café on the terrace, which featured prominently in the series as a meeting spot for key characters, or just walk through the crowds on Istiklal Street like Ezel.
Resurrection Ertugrul / Diriliş: Ertuğrul and The Ottoman / Kuruluş: Osman
Fans of historical epics like Diriliş: Ertuğrul and Kuruluş: Osman can visit the massive set built specifically for these series in the Beykoz district of Istanbul. Known as Bozdağ Film Platoları, this is the largest film set in Europe, and visitors can explore the medieval atmosphere and re-live the Ottoman era. The set is open to the public seven days a week from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, allowing fans to immerse themselves in this historical world.
The Pit / Çukur: Balat’s Gritty Charm
Çukur, one of the most popular Turkish crime dramas, was primarily filmed in Istanbul’s historic Balat district. This neighborhood, known for its colorful streets and authentic atmosphere, perfectly captured the gritty, urban environment of the show. Today, you can still see the famous Çukur symbols drawn on the walls of Balat, a lasting tribute to the series and its impact on the area.
Walking through Balat’s narrow streets, you’ll feel immersed in the world of Çukur, where intense drama unfolded amidst the vibrant backdrop of this iconic district. Balat’s charm extends beyond its TV fame, making it a must-visit for those interested in exploring one of Istanbul’s oldest neighborhoods.
Judgement / Yargı: The Courthouse Drama in Çağlayan
The legal drama Yargı brought viewers into the tense world of courtrooms and criminal investigations. The exterior shots of the courthouse in the series were filmed at the Çağlayan Courthouse, one of the largest courthouses in Europe. This massive building served as a fitting backdrop for the high-stakes legal battles that took place in the show.
While exploring Yargı locations, fans can also visit the neighborhood of Üsküdar, where Ceylin and her family’s house is located. Ilgaz’s home, on the other hand, is set in Sarıyer, but neither of these houses is open to the public. Still, walking through these neighborhoods gives you a sense of the characters' lives and the city that shaped them.
Silver / Gümüş and The Tulip Age / Lale Devri: The Abud Efendi Mansion
Both Gümüş and Lale Devri were filmed in the grand Abud Efendi Mansion in Istanbul’s Kandilli district. The mansion’s stunning architecture and Bosphorus views made it the perfect setting for these glamorous dramas. Unfortunately, the mansion is not open to the public, but it remains a significant part of Turkish TV history.
Fans of the shows can still take a boat tour along the Bosphorus to get a glimpse of the mansion’s exterior, along with other famous properties featured in Turkish series. A Bosphorus tour offers a unique way to explore Istanbul’s iconic waterfront and see the settings of many beloved dramas.
The Fall of Leaves / Yaprak Dökümü: Beylerbeyi’s Hidden Gem
For five seasons, The Fall of Leaves (Yaprak Dökümü) captured the struggles of a traditional family in modern Turkey. The series was filmed in Laz'ın Köşkü, a historic house in the Beylerbeyi district. Though the house is now used as an office, fans can still visit the exterior and explore the Beylerbeyi area, which offers stunning views of the Bosphorus and access to historical sites like Beylerbeyi Palace.
Forbidden Fruit / Yasak Elma: Mansion Drama on the Bosphorus
Yasak Elma is known for its high-stakes drama and luxurious settings, with many of the show’s scenes filmed in opulent mansions along the Bosphorus. These mansions, located in the upscale Yeniköy district, are not open to the public, but fans can see them from the water by taking a Bosphorus tour. The luxurious mansions featured in Yasak Elma are part of what makes the series such a visual delight, showcasing Istanbul’s elite lifestyle.
Stay Connected with RentnConnect: The Easiest Way to Stay Online
Exploring the filming locations of your favorite Turkish TV series is an unforgettable experience, but staying connected is essential for navigating through the city, finding the best routes to each spot, and sharing your journey with friends and family. RentnConnect offers the perfect solution for travelers exploring Turkey’s rich TV history with its unlimited data eSIM and Portable WiFi options.
Why RentnConnect is Perfect for TV Series Fans
- Unlimited Data: Stream your favorite episodes on the go with RentnConnect’s unlimited data. No need to worry about running out of internet while on your TV series pilgrimage.
- Easy Setup: With RentnConnect’s eSIM, you can connect to Turkey’s mobile networks as soon as you arrive, making it the easiest way to stay connected.
- Multiple Device Connection: If you’re traveling in a group, RentnConnect’s Portable WiFi allows you to connect multiple devices at once, ensuring everyone stays online.
Whether you’re visiting the historical Topkapi Palace, roaming the vibrant streets of Balat where The Pit / Çukur was filmed, or traveling to Üsküdar to see the filming location of Yargı, RentnConnect ensures you stay seamlessly connected throughout your journey.
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Conclusion: Explore Turkey’s TV History with RentnConnect
From historical dramas to contemporary thrillers, Turkish TV series have captivated international audiences with their compelling storylines and stunning filming locations. Whether you're a fan of The Magnificent Century, Ezel, or Yalı Çapkını, exploring the real-life places where these shows were filmed is a journey worth taking. Istanbul and beyond offer countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the rich culture and history showcased in these series.
As you embark on your adventure through Turkey, RentnConnect’s unlimited data solutions with eSIM and Portable WiFi will keep you connected, ensuring that you can navigate the city, share your experiences, and stream your favorite episodes without interruption. Start planning your trip to Turkey’s famous TV series locations, and let RentnConnect take care of your connectivity needs along the way.