Famous Turkish TV Series and the Stunning Locations Where They're Filmed
Turkish TV series, or 'Türk dizileri,' have become a major cultural export since the 2010s, attracting international fans to visit Türkiye. Many popular series are melodramatic soap operas centered on family issues or romantic relationships, while some are based on historical figures or explore different genres like crime fiction. Although most filming locations are in and around Istanbul, there are those that explore stories based around the other beautiful parts of the country.
The following list highlights internationally recognized series and their notable locations. 👇
Muhteşem Yüzyıl (The Magnificent Century), often aired internationally under titles featuring variations of Suleiman or Hurrem, originally ran from 2011 to 2014. If any Turkish series can be considered to have a cult following, this would likely be the one.
Although It was taken in a set, it emulated the real life historical locations.
Topkapı Palace (Sultanahmet, Istanbul) is one of the locations. It was the seat of the Ottoman Empire from the 15th to the 19th century, including the reign of Suleiman.
Ibrahim Pasha Palace (Southwest of the Topkapı Palace) is another landmark that was emulated in the show. It is famous for being the residence of Suleiman's childhood friend, brother-in-law, and grand vizier. The building now serves as the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art.
Aşk-ı Memnu (Forbidden Love) was adapted into TV screens from Halit Ziya Uşaklıgil’s famous classic novel. The series was a popular show not only in Türkiye but also in the Middle East.
Ziyagil Mansion (Büyükdere, Istanbul). Where most of the action took place. Now a museum dedicated to Vehbi Koç (1901–1996), a Turkish entrepreneur and the owner of the building.
Behlül's retreat (East of Riva on the Asian Side). The country cottage where Behlül entertained his special guests, including Bihter. The 1855 stone building overlooking the Black Sea is serving as an exclusive hotel with a private beach.
Ezel, one of the most watched series of a period, is shot in different parts of Istanbul, especially in historic places.
Balat (northwest of Istanbul's Old City). The historic quarter was featured heavily in the series, as the home of Ezel.
Ramiz's office (Çakmakçılar Yokuşu 18, Eminönü). An 18th century inn housing various shops and businesses in Istanbul's busy central bazaar area.
Binbir Gece (One Thousand and One Nights) was originally released between 2006 and 2009, and became an instant hit in South America, Russia, and the Balkans.
The series is set in one of Istanbul's prominent districts, with the Ferik Ahmet Pasha Mansion being one of the most frequently featured locations. Istinye Yeniköy, a hilltop road offering breathtaking views of the Bosphorus, is another must-see spot highlighted in the show.
Gümüş, originally broadcast 2005–2007, has been particularly successful in the Arab world, and was the first one to massively initiate the "Turkish drama tourism".
Abut Efendi Mansion, designed by renowned architect Garabet Balyan, serves as a key location for this series. The mansion has also been featured in other notable productions like The Tulip Period, The Deaf Room, and The Prosecutor’s Wife.
Sıla was originally aired between 2006 and 2008 and got a large following in the Arab world, the Balkans, and South America.
Mardin tribe manor (Midyat, east of Mardin). Boran's mansion of exquisite stone architecture on a hillside overlooking the town is now a government-run guesthouse.
Kurtlar Vadisi (Valley of the Wolves) is set in some of Istanbul's most upscale neighborhoods, with a particular focus on Çengelköy and its surroundings.
Many scenes feature local restaurants and cafés in Çengelköy, making the area a recognizable backdrop for fans of the series.
Medcezir(Ebb and Tide), a teen drama originally aired between 2013 and 2015, reached beyond the traditional markets of Turkish series, such as the Baltics.
Selim's house (Tuzla, Istanbul, southeast of Kadıköy). The white villa in the fictional upscale suburb of Altınkoy ('golden cove')
Mustafa Kemal Mahallesi (Ataşehir, Istanbul, northeast of Kadıköy). The district was depicted as the fictional slum of Tozludere ('dusty creek'), where Yaman lived.
Diriliş: Ertuğrul, translated as Resurrection: Ertuğrul, is a Turkish historical fiction and adventure television series produced by Mehmet Bozdağ.
The original airing of Ertugrul was between 2014 and 2019. It has a particularly dedicated following in the Islamic world.
The series were filmed in a set in a village north of Istanbul called Riva.
Behzat Ç. Bir Ankara Polisiyesi (Behzat Ç. An Ankara Dedective Story) originally ran for four seasons between 2010 and 2019.
It was filmed in a variety of locations in Ankara, including:
Behzat's hangout (Çankaya), where Behzat and his team regularly patronized is a traditional tavern in real life.
The Cage (Botanik Parkı, Çankaya) is an abandoned greenhouse in the botanical park.
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