Turkey, a country favored by visitors not only for its tourism but also for its artistic appeal, has provided stunning cinematic backdrops to numerous foreign films. Sometimes featured in a single scene, sometimes serving as the setting for an entire film, Turkey’s landscapes have captivated global audiences. Let’s take a tour through foreign films shot in Turkey and explore their filming locations.
The Murder of the Orient Express – Sirkeci Station (Istanbul)
The 2017 adaptation of The Murder of the Orient Express, featuring Agatha Christie’s legendary detective Hercule Poirot, opens at Istanbul’s historic Sirkeci Station. This “single-location whodunit” unfolds on a train bound for Paris, where Poirot investigates a mysterious murder.
Inferno – Sultanahmet (Istanbul)
Dan Brown fans were already familiar with Turkey through his Robert Langdon novels. In the 2016 film adaptation of Inferno, Tom Hanks and his co-stars race through iconic Istanbul sites like the Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet Square, Beyazıt Square, and the atmospheric Basilica Cistern.
The Water Diviner – Kayaköy (Muğla)
The Water Diviner (2014), directed by and starring Russell Crowe, features scenes shot at Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque. However, the film’s most striking sequences are set in Kayaköy, Muğla. The story follows an Australian father searching for his missing sons after World War I, with Turkish actors Cem Yılmaz and Yılmaz Erdoğan appearing in supporting roles.
Taken 2 – Balat, Haydarpaşa, Kadıköy (Istanbul)
The 2012 sequel Taken 2 brings action to Istanbul’s everyday neighborhoods. Filmed in Balat, Kadıköy, and Haydarpaşa, the movie stars Liam Neeson as a retired CIA agent whose wife is kidnapped during their vacation in Istanbul, making the city central to the film’s plot.
The Reluctant Fundamentalist – Istanbul
The Reluctant Fundamentalist (2012) stands out for showcasing Turkey. Filmed in Istanbul, this adaptation of Mohsin Hamid’s novel features Kate Hudson and Haluk Bilginer and tells the story of a Pakistani man’s struggles with identity and suspicion in the post-9/11 world.
Skyfall – Istanbul, Adana, Fethiye
Skyfall (2012), one of the James Bond franchise’s biggest hits, includes high-adrenaline chase scenes through Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, a train sequence filmed in Adana, and serene moments shot in Fethiye. Despite controversy over certain depictions of Istanbul, Skyfall remains a highlight in Bond’s cinematic legacy.
The World is Not Enough – Dolmabahçe Palace (Istanbul)
In The World is Not Enough (1999), Istanbul once again serves as a Bond backdrop. The film features scenes at the Bosphorus, Maiden’s Tower, and the opulent Dolmabahçe Palace. The climax unfolds underwater in the Bosphorus, reinforcing Istanbul’s strategic allure.
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance – Cappadocia
The 2011 sequel Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance showcases Turkey’s unique landscapes. Featuring Nicholas Cage, the film was shot extensively in Cappadocia, including Ürgüp and Göreme, as well as Pamukkale’s ancient theatre.
Hitman – Galata Tower (Istanbul)
In the 2007 adaptation of Hitman, Agent 47 finds himself in Istanbul for a mission. The Galata Tower appears in dining scenes, while Istanbul’s streets and rooftops provide an atmospheric backdrop for this action-packed thriller.
L’Immortelle – Istanbul
L’Immortelle (1963), written by Alain Robbe-Grillet, presents 1960s Istanbul as both setting and character. This moody film follows a nameless man searching for a mysterious woman, with scenes ranging from the Bosphorus to the city’s mosques, capturing Istanbul’s haunting charm.
Argo (2012) – Istanbul
Although set in Tehran, Argo used Istanbul to replicate the Iranian capital. Scenes featuring narrow streets, markets, and historic courtyards were shot in Istanbul, giving authenticity to the film’s portrayal of 1979 Iran in this Oscar-winning spy drama.
The Accidental Spy (2001) – Istanbul
In Jackie Chan’s The Accidental Spy, chase scenes through Istanbul’s winding streets and markets dominate the film’s memorable action sequences. The city’s bazaars and coastal roads provide the perfect backdrop for Chan’s martial arts stunts.
Topkapi (1964) – Topkapı Palace, Istanbul
A classic heist film, Topkapi revolves around a plan to steal a jewel-encrusted dagger from Istanbul’s iconic Topkapı Palace. The film captures the palace’s architectural splendor while weaving an entertaining story of intrigue and theft.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011) – Istanbul
While mostly set in Cold War Europe, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy features brief but critical scenes shot in Istanbul. Representing a key espionage location bridging East and West, Istanbul lends an atmospheric authenticity to this acclaimed spy thriller.
From Russia with Love (1963) – Filming Locations: Istanbul
One of the earliest James Bond films, From Russia with Love (1963) prominently features Istanbul as a Cold War espionage hub. Sean Connery’s Bond navigates locations such as the Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, and the Bosphorus during his mission. The film’s shadowy alleys, ferry rides, and underground reservoirs helped establish Istanbul as an iconic spy thriller backdrop, making this one of the first major international films to showcase the city to global audiences.
