Magnificent Century: Filming Locations and Historical Details in Istanbul
"Magnificent Century" (Muhteşem Yüzyıl), a production about the peak period of the Ottoman Empire and the life of Suleiman the Magnificent (Muhteşem Süleyman), attracted great interest not only in Turkiye but also worldwide. The shooting locations, which create the impressive atmosphere of the series, were largely inspired by the architectural details of the Ottoman period and the historical buildings of İstanbul. Here are the main locations where the series was filmed in İstanbul and the history of these locations:
Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı)
History: Built in the 15th century by Mehmet the Conqueror (Fatih Sultan Mehmet), Topkapı Palace was the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years.
Role in the series: Although Topkapı Palace was not directly used in the palace scenes of the series, the set designs were inspired by the architecture of the palace. Especially for the Harem, Kubbealtı and Divan-ı Hümayun scenes, the details of Topkapı were carefully analysed.
Details: The palace interiors (e.g. the Harem apartment), the courtyards surrounded by porticoes and the ornate domes were often recreated in the series. The elegant tiles of the palace and the wall details with calligraphy were reflected with great care, especially in the Harem scenes.
Hadımköy Studio Complex (Closed Sets)
History:A modern film studio in Hadımköy, Hadımköy was built to recreate the Ottoman period locations.
Role in the series: A large part of the series was filmed on the palace sets built in these studios in İstanbul. From the palace walls to the throne rooms, everything was detailed by considering historical reality and art aesthetics.
Detail: The studios were designed close to the actual dimensions of Topkapı Palace and handmade replicas were used instead of real tiles to reflect the texture of the period. Ottoman motifs and pen work were prominent in the decorations. A Galata Tower with a diameter and height of 10 metres and a mezzanine was also built on the plateau. On the plateau; 750 square metres of landscaping was done. 150 large-sized trees and 600 medium-sized plants were planted. (https://arsiv.turkiyegazetesi.com.tr/kultur-sanat/muhtesem-platolar-442223)
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Role in the Series: Scenes may have been inspired by the Süleymaniye Complex to depict Kanuni's daily life in Istanbul and his influence among the people.
Detail: The narrow streets leading to the mosque, the stone-paved courtyards, and the large courtyards of the complex could have served as a natural reference for the series' decor.
Yıldız Teknik University's Davutpaşa Campus
Details: A custom outdoor set was constructed in the Kemerburgaz forests, allowing for expansive, action-filled battle sequences. The natural environment complemented the dynamic storytelling of war scenes.
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Details: The unique Bosphorus view might have influenced the background of romantic scenes, such as the emotional speeches between Kanuni and Hürrem Sultan.
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| Meriç Bridge-Edirne Photo by Nihal Sönmez on Pexels |
Role in the Series: Additional battle scenes and military movements were filmed in this historically rich region.
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Scenic Outside Cafe Table Overlooking Old Bridge Photo by Aleyna Demir on Pexels |
Details: The landscapes of Edirne added historical depth and geographic authenticity to scenes requiring a broader representation of the Ottoman territories.
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A1 Greeting and Farewell / Selamlaşma ve Veda
