Turkish Delights: 7 Films That Transport You To Istanbul – Forbes

Topkapi Palace, an iconic Istanbul scene

There are some truly inventive and inspiring gems among all the creative virtual-tourism and experiential live streams that travel and hotel companies are coming up with in these days of isolation. But some of us would still rather lose ourselves in the plot (and high production values) of a classic filmespecially one that scratches our itch for travel.

Even for those who dont share my great love for Turkish culture, cuisine and history, Istanbul is an undeniably cinematic city. No wonder it has been a backdrop forsometimes even a character inaward-winning and crowd-pleasing films for decades. Here are seven good ways to pass a few hours of your quarantine.

From Russia With Love (1963)

Directed by Terence Young, From Russia with Love is the second film in the James Bond series. In this blockbuster, Bond (Sean Connery) comes to Istanbul to retrieve a cryptography device and assist with the defection of a Soviet consulate clerk. But it turns out that this mission is a plan of Bonds enemy, SPECTRE. Parts of the film take place in Istanbul, and some characters are Turkish. It is also possible to see the famous train of that era, the Orient Express.

Skyfall (2012)

Nearly 50 years later, the Bond franchise returned to Turkey. Directed by Sam Mendes, Skyfall has an impressive cast, with Daniel Craig (Bond) joined by Judi Dench, Javier Bardem and Ralph Fiennes. Its one of the most prominent movies filmed in Istanbul in recent years, and the opening scene is a stunner, with Bond traversing the citys rooftops on a motorcycle. The Hagia Sophia, Sultanhamet Square and the Grand Bazaar all make appearances.

The International (2009)

In this political thriller directed by Tom Tykwer, a Manhattan assistant district attorney (Naomi Watts) and an Interpol agent (Clive Owen) try to bring justice to the worlds most powerful bank. Their mission takes them to Berlin, Milan, New York and Istanbul. The final scene takes place at the Grand Bazaar, and noted Turkish actor Haluk Bilginer appears in the film.

Argo (2012)

Ben Afflecks many-award-winning historical drama is set during the Iranian revolution, when militants took 60 Americans hostage at the American Embassy. Six of them avoid capture and are sheltered in the home of the Canadian ambassador. The film is based on the memoirs of Tony Mendez (played by Affleck), who prepared a plan to save these Americans. Some of the action takes place in Turkey, and there are scenes of the Zuhuratbaba District in Bakirkoy, the Grand Bazaar and the Hagia Sophia.

Taken 2 (2012)

This is a French-made, English-language action thriller directed by Olivier Megaton and starring Liam Neeson. The title was translated into Turkish as Takip: Istanbul. In the center of the film, the protagonist is kidnapped in Istanbul, in retaliation for his role in rescuing his daughter from an earlier kidnapping. The other protagonist of the film is, of course, Istanbul.

The Water Diviner (2014)

Russell Crowe directed and stars in, along with Olga Kurylenko and Yilmaz Erdogan, this story of an Australian farmer who travels to Turkey after World War I to find his three sons, who never returned. The journey takes him from Istanbul to Gallipoli and back.

The Journey (2019)

Okay, this one was promotional. But it was a project from filmmaker Ridley Scott, in collaboration with Turkish Airlines to celebrate the carriers 85th anniversary and the new airport in Istanbul. The short film takes viewers on a journey through Istanbuls most iconic landmarks.

For previews of scenes from some of these films, check out this video.

Link:
Turkish Delights: 7 Films That Transport You To Istanbul - Forbes