Guided Studio Tour: Dirilis Ertugrul, Kurulus Osman and Destan

The draw here is stepping onto the purpose-built sets of three Turkish historical dramas, not visiting ancient ruins. At Bozdag Film Studio in Riva, you can see locations used for Dirilis Ertugrul, Kurulus Osman, and Destan, then hear how the productions created their battle scenes and effects.

I like two things about this outing: the guide connects the sets to Ottoman and Islamic history, and the included lunch gives you a proper pause during a long day. The costume try-on is another fun extra, though it costs more.

One consideration: the five-hour studio visit sits inside a much longer day, with pickup at 09:30 or 09:45 and return around 18:00 to 18:30. Pickup timing can slip: a delay of about 40 minutes has been reported, so bring patience along with your camera.

Key points to know

• Three drama sets in one visit: See filming locations for Dirilis Ertugrul, Kurulus Osman, and Destan at Bozdag Film Studio.
• A large studio outside central Istanbul: The tour goes to Riva, Beykoz, described as Turkey’s largest film studio.
• Lunch is included: You can refuel between touring the sets.
• Costume try-on costs extra: Decide in advance if dressing up is part of the fun for you.
• Two central pickup points: Choose Sultanahmet Bilgins Store at 09:30 or Taksim AKM at 09:45.
• A long day, not just a five-hour outing: Allow roughly 09:30 to 18:00 or 18:30 for the full trip, depending on traffic and weather.

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Step onto the sets of three Turkish dramas

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This tour brings you to Bozdag Film Studio in Riva, Beykoz, where sets for Dirilis Ertugrul, Kurulus Osman, and Destan are built for filming. The appeal is seeing the settings as working production spaces rather than as historical monuments. They may look like an older world on screen, but your visit is about the craft of making television.

The shows provide a useful thread through the day. Dirilis Ertugrul tells the story of Ertugrul Ghazi, father of Osman I. Kurulus Osman follows Osman Bey and the rise of the Ottoman Empire, while Destan draws on Turkish legends. If you already know the series, you’ll have familiar places to look for. If you don’t, the guide’s explanations can help you understand how these stories connect.

The tour also offers commentary on Ottoman and Islamic history. That context matters because a set can tell you how a show creates a scene, but it cannot by itself sort drama from history. Use the guide’s insights to add context, and enjoy the visit as both a television fan’s outing and an introduction to the stories behind these productions.

The sets are the main attraction. Expect to walk through filming locations and hear about set design, battle scenes, and special effects. The exact scenes or spaces included may vary, so it’s best to arrive curious rather than with a fixed checklist of props or actors’ belongings you expect to see.

A long ride out to Riva, Beykoz

The day begins with one of two pickups: Sultanahmet Bilgins Store at 09:30, or Taksim AKM at Taksim Square at 09:45. You’re asked to arrive 15 minutes early. Pick the stop that is easiest from where you’re staying, and confirm your pickup time with the operator before the tour.

The studio is in Riva, Beykoz, outside the central sightseeing area. The schedule puts departure in the morning and the guided studio visit at about 11:30, which makes transport a meaningful part of the experience. Round-trip transfers are included, so you don’t need to arrange your own way to the studio. That’s a useful benefit for a destination beyond the usual central Istanbul stops.

There is a practical caveat: traffic and weather can change the schedule. One account describes a pickup delay of about 40 minutes, even though the activity itself was rated very highly. That is a reminder to keep your morning flexible, not a guarantee that your bus will be late. If you have a timed plan later that evening, leave plenty of room after the stated return window.

Five hours among film locations and production details

The guided portion is scheduled for five hours. That gives you time to see several sets, hear how the productions were made, and take photos without treating the visit as a quick stop. The studio is described as Turkey’s largest film studio, so comfortable shoes are a sensible choice for a day that involves walking across a sizable site.

The guides are there to explain what you’re seeing. Ask about how the sets were assembled, how battle scenes were filmed, or how special effects helped create the finished scenes. English-speaking staff are included, and the tour is presented as having expert commentary. If you follow the series, ask about details you recognize; if you’re new to them, ask how the stories fit together.

A studio visit offers a different kind of access from a museum. You’re looking at environments designed for scenes and camera work, and you can start to notice how production choices shape what appears on screen. The tour specifically includes battle scene locations and explanations of set construction and effects. It does not promise a particular actor appearance, filming in progress, or access to every part of the studio, so keep expectations focused on the guided set visit.

Bring a camera or phone. The sets and costumes offer plenty of photo opportunities, though the information provided does not specify any photography restrictions. The guide is also a useful resource for questions about the productions and their historical themes. You’ll get more from the visit if you ask as you go instead of saving every question for the end.

Lunch, then more sets

Lunch is included, which is a real plus on an outing that occupies most of the day. You won’t need to plan a separate meal stop or carry the whole day on a quick snack. The exact menu is not specified, so if you have dietary needs, check with the operator before booking rather than assuming a particular dish or arrangement.

The break also divides the studio visit into manageable parts. You can sit down, recharge, and then return to exploring more of the sets and hearing additional behind-the-scenes stories. Since the tour can involve several hours on your feet, use lunch to take a proper rest and drink water.

Costumes are available to try on for an extra fee. This is an optional add-on, not part of the included price, so decide whether it matters to you before you arrive. It could be a playful way to make a photo more memorable, particularly if you’re a fan of the dramas, but you can enjoy the studio tour without paying for it.

What the price includes, and what it doesn’t

The Guided Studio Tour starts at US$100.85. The price includes admission to the attractions, English-speaking staff, lunch, and round-trip transfers from the meetup location. Those inclusions make the cost easier to judge: you’re paying not just for entry, but for transport to a studio outside central Istanbul and a guided visit that lasts five hours.

The value depends on what you want from your Istanbul trip. If you follow one or more of these series, the chance to see the sets in person is the core benefit. If you’re more interested in Ottoman history than in television production, the guide’s historical commentary may still make the visit worthwhile, but the studio settings remain the focus.

Remember to budget separately for the costume try-on if you want it. No extra price is stated for that option, so ask the operator for the current fee. The tour has no age limit, according to its activity details, though every participant should be ready for a long day and walking around the sets.

The available feedback gives the activity itself a strong signal, but it is limited to one rating. The practical point to take from it is simple: the studio visit was praised, while pickup timing was the weak spot. I’d weigh the set access and included services more heavily than a single account, but I would still avoid scheduling anything tight for the evening.

Making the pickup and return work for you

For Sultanahmet, meet at Bilgins Store in the Molla Fenari area for the 09:30 pickup. For Taksim, meet at Ataturk Cultural Center, also called Taksim AKM, for the 09:45 pickup. Public transport, buses, trams, and taxis can take you to these central meeting areas. Check the exact point and confirmed pickup time before the day, since the operator will reconfirm it.

The return is expected around 18:00 to 18:30, with drop-off at the point you selected. As the tour runs beyond the five-hour guided portion, think of it as a full-day commitment. Traffic can affect the schedule, and the tour information also notes that weather may cause changes.

Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. The studio is large and the visit involves walking, so this is not the day for footwear chosen only for photos. Keep your phone or camera charged, and arrive early enough to find the pickup point without a last-minute scramble.

The voucher is valid only on the date and time booked. Cancellation at least 24 hours before the activity date, using local destination time, qualifies for a full refund. Confirmation is expected within minutes; if it does not arrive, contact customer support.

Who should book this studio tour?

This is a strong match for fans of Dirilis Ertugrul, Kurulus Osman, or Destan who want to see the production settings beyond the screen. It also suits curious visitors who enjoy learning how sets and effects are made, and who are happy to spend much of a day outside central Istanbul.

Families can consider it too, since there is no age limit stated. The key question is whether everyone in your group is comfortable with a long outing, a substantial amount of walking, and a schedule that can shift with traffic or weather.

I’d skip it if you have only a short stay in Istanbul and want to focus on the city’s central historic sights. The drive to Riva and the full-day timing take a meaningful share of your day. But if these dramas are part of why you’re interested in Turkish culture, the combination of real filming sets, guide commentary, lunch, and included transport makes the outing easy to understand and plan for.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The guided studio visit is scheduled for five hours. With pickup around 09:30 or 09:45 and return around 18:00 to 18:30, plan for a full-day outing.

Where does the tour go?

It visits Bozdag Film Studio in Riva, Beykoz, near Istanbul. The studio has sets for Dirilis Ertugrul, Kurulus Osman, and Destan.

What are the pickup locations and times?

Pickup is at Sultanahmet Bilgins Store at 09:30 or Taksim AKM at Taksim Square at 09:45. Arrive 15 minutes early, and confirm your pickup time with the operator.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour.

Is transport included?

Yes. Round-trip transfers to and from the selected meetup location are included.

Is the costume try-on included in the price?

No. Trying on costumes is available for an extra fee. The amount is not specified.

Are English-speaking staff provided?

Yes. English-speaking staff are included, and the tour provides expert commentary.

Is there an age limit?

No age limit is stated for this activity.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suited to the weather. A camera or phone is useful for photos of the sets and costumes.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity date, using destination local time.