5 Foreign Cinema Films Shot in Hospitable Istanbul

Istanbul, which has conquered hearts with its history and aesthetics, has always opened its doors to foreigners. As a result, it has joined an immortal world. The world of cinema... Today, we will talk about foreign films shot in Istanbul.

1. The Secret of Stamboul (1936)

Let's start with the old days. The film Istanbul's Secret in Turkish is adapted from the novel Istanbul Haımı written by British author Dennis Wheatley. It tells the story of a British agent who comes to Istanbul to prevent the revolution. It is an adventure and thriller. If you say, "I miss watching black and white films!", you can give it a chance.

2. L'immortelle (1963)

Here is a black and white film with better visual quality... The Immortal Woman is a drama film, although it is a French production. It deals with the events that a French man experiences after meeting a mysterious but attractive lady in Istanbul. From the Sultanahmet Mosque to the Dolmabahçe Palace, from the Yedikule Fortress to the beautiful Bosphorus, we see many places in the film that enchant us with their 20th century appearance. Even if you don't see the colors, you shouldn't miss out on this experience that you will feel until the end.

3. Topkapı (1964)

A Hollywood film, Topkapı is adapted from Eric Ambler's novel Gün Işığı (Daylight). It is a crime and thriller film, and it deals with a gang of international thieves planning to rob a palace. The gang wants to steal the dagger found there. However, Turkish Intelligence tries to prevent this situation by following it. During the film, we see wooden houses and the Galata Bridge greeting us. It is recommended for those who want to look at Topkapı Palace, the crown jewel of the Ottoman sultans, through the eyes of the 60s.

4. The Accidental Spy/ Golden Fist in Istanbul (2001)

Jackie Chan, one of the most popular actors not only in the East but also in the West, has also come to beautiful Istanbul. It tells the story of what a man who has a boring life but is secretly an adventurer will experience while pursuing his passions. It is a Hollywood action movie. If you ask where was Golden Fist filmed in Istanbul, let us tell you right away. We will see Jackie Chan's legendary fight scenes in the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar. Another great aspect of the movie is that it also features Turkish actors.

5. The Water Diviner/ The Last Hope (2014)

Finally, we will talk about a movie that was filmed in a not-so-distant past. The Last Hope tells the story of an Australian farmer who comes to Turkey to search for his three sons who he lost during the Battle of Gallipoli. It is a war and drama movie co-produced by Turkey, Australia and the USA. The shootings took place in Çemberlitaş, Sultanahmet, Topkapı Palace and Balat. Yılmaz Erdoğan and Cem Yılmaz also appear in the film. And in the leading role! In 2015, it was awarded the Best Film Award by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts.

Istanbul is actually like a teacher who takes all of her students under her wing, regardless of where they come from. Maybe it is a book that we read over and over so that we don't miss any details...

Written by: Berfin Aktaş