Turkish TV dramas filmed in Istanbul
At Pera Property, buyers often ask us where their favourite Turkish dramas were filmed in Istanbul. It makes sense: many Turkish series use the city almost like a character, showing off its palaces, Bosphorus mansions, historic streets and fashionable neighbourhoods.
Here are five popular Turkish TV dramas set in Istanbul, along with the real locations connected to them and the nearby districts property buyers often ask us about.
Why this matters for property buyers
Turkish dramas have helped introduce international audiences to neighbourhoods such as Beşiktaş, Beyoğlu, Sarıyer, Üsküdar and Kandilli. For some buyers, the emotional connection created by these series becomes part of the appeal of buying property in Istanbul.
Muhteşem Yüzyıl: Topkapı Palace and Ottoman Istanbul
Muhteşem Yüzyıl, also known as Magnificent Century, is set during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. The series brought the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire to a global audience, with its story closely associated with Topkapı Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans.
Although much of the filming took place on specially built sets, Topkapı Palace remains the key historic reference point for the series. Its courtyards, imperial chambers and position overlooking the Bosphorus helped shape the atmosphere of the drama.
Kara Sevda: Bosphorus views and Sarıyer
Kara Sevda, also known as Endless Love, used modern Istanbul as the backdrop for a dramatic love story. The series is strongly associated with Bosphorus views, waterfront mansions and elegant neighbourhoods on both sides of the city.
One of the notable areas connected to the series is Baltalimanı in Sarıyer. This part of Istanbul is known for its Bosphorus setting, historic waterside homes and proximity to some of the city’s most prestigious coastal neighbourhoods.
Property angle
For buyers drawn to Bosphorus views, Sarıyer remains one of Istanbul’s most important luxury property districts, especially for waterfront homes, villas and high-end apartments.
Ezel: Cihangir, Beyoğlu and old Istanbul
Ezel is one of Turkey’s most famous modern dramas and uses Istanbul’s contrasts very effectively. The series shows the city’s darker, more atmospheric side, moving between urban streets, historic locations and emotionally charged interiors.
Cihangir, in Beyoğlu, features prominently. Known for its artistic cafés, narrow streets and views towards the Bosphorus, Cihangir gives the series much of its urban character. Other Istanbul landmarks, including the Grand Bazaar and Galata Tower, also help create the show’s sense of place.
Aşk-ı Memnu: Süreyya Yalısı in Kandilli
Aşk-ı Memnu, also known as Forbidden Love, is perhaps the best example of a Turkish drama where the property itself became iconic. The main mansion used in the series is Süreyya Yalısı, a grand Bosphorus waterfront mansion in Kandilli on the Asian side of Istanbul.
The setting became central to the drama’s identity. Its gardens, waterfront position and elegant interiors reflected the wealth and emotional tension of the story, turning the mansion into one of the most recognisable TV locations in Turkey.
Property angle
Kandilli and nearby Çengelköy are among the most desirable Bosphorus neighbourhoods on the Asian side. Buyers interested in this lifestyle often look at Üsküdar, Kandilli and Çengelköy for views, historic character and waterfront appeal.
Fatmagül’ün Suçu Ne?: Rumeli Feneri and coastal Istanbul
Fatmagül’ün Suçu Ne? began with a more rural coastal atmosphere before later moving into Istanbul. Some scenes are associated with Rumeli Feneri, a fishing village on the European side near the Black Sea entrance to the Bosphorus.
Rumeli Feneri gives the series a different side of Istanbul: quieter, greener and more coastal. It is far removed from the glamour of central districts, but it shows how varied Istanbul can be as a filming location.
Why Turkish dramas make Istanbul so attractive
These dramas do more than tell stories. They introduce viewers to Istanbul’s neighbourhoods, architecture and lifestyle. Palaces, Bosphorus mansions, historic bazaars, artistic quarters and coastal villages all help international audiences imagine life in the city.
For property buyers, this can be powerful. Someone may first notice Istanbul through a drama, then become interested in districts such as Beşiktaş, Beyoğlu, Sarıyer or Üsküdar. The emotional connection is real, but buyers should still compare each area carefully based on lifestyle, budget, transport, rental demand and long-term resale appeal.
Buyer takeaway
Turkish dramas are a great way to discover Istanbul, but property decisions should still be based on practical due diligence. Location, building quality, title deed status, earthquake resilience and long-term demand matter more than the glamour of a filming location.
FAQ: Turkish dramas filmed in Istanbul
Which Turkish dramas were filmed in Istanbul?
Many popular Turkish dramas were filmed in Istanbul, including Muhteşem Yüzyıl, Kara Sevda, Ezel, Aşk-ı Memnu and Fatmagül’ün Suçu Ne?.
Where was Aşk-ı Memnu filmed?
Aşk-ı Memnu is strongly associated with Süreyya Yalısı in Kandilli, a Bosphorus waterfront mansion on the Asian side of Istanbul.
Which Istanbul district is connected to Ezel?
Ezel is closely associated with Cihangir and Beyoğlu, as well as historic landmarks such as Galata Tower and the Grand Bazaar.
Where is Kara Sevda set in Istanbul?
Kara Sevda uses several Istanbul locations, with Bosphorus areas such as Baltalimanı and Sarıyer helping create the series’ elegant waterfront atmosphere.
Can I buy property near famous Turkish drama locations?
Yes. Buyers can look at property in districts such as Beşiktaş, Beyoğlu, Sarıyer and Üsküdar, depending on which filming locations and lifestyle they are interested in.
