Istanbul: Ertugrul and Osman Ghazi Movie Set Tour with Lunch

History gets a television-sized makeover here. This eight-hour outing from Istanbul takes you to the Bozdag film sets built for Dirilis Ertugrul and Kurulus Osman, where you can walk through tribal camps, castle sets, costume areas, and scenes made famous on Turkish television. I like the way the day combines guided set access with free time, lunch, and a lively horse show rather than offering only a quick photo stop.

I also like the chance to see costumes, props, tents, and filming spaces up close. The guides add useful context, and guides such as Hakan Serim, who played Gunkut Alp, and Abdullah Bha have been praised for making the visit more personal. The main caution is value: at $118 per person, the tour is expensive if you are only mildly interested in the shows, especially since horse riding, professional photos, and some other activities cost extra.

The sets are not a working studio tour in the Hollywood sense. You should not expect to watch a full scene being filmed, and some areas may be closed when production is underway. Still, fans of Ertugrul and Osman will find plenty to enjoy, especially the costumes, castle sets, actor encounters, and final live performance.

Key things to know before you book

• The drive is part of the day: The ride from Istanbul takes roughly 40 to 50 minutes each way, with music from the series sometimes playing on the coach.
• The final horse show is a highlight: Live riders, dramatic action, and storytelling provide the strongest performance of the day.
• You get real set atmosphere: Walk through Ertugrul’s and Osman’s tents, the old Kayi camp, Sogut and castle areas, and filming spaces used for the dramas.
• Lunch is included: You receive a traditional meal and one soft drink, with sherbet available, though you may need to ask for it.
• Extras can add up: Horse riding, professional photography, costumes, and certain activities require extra payment onsite.
• Meeting points are central, not hotel doors: Choose Bilgins Leather & Fur Cağaloğlu or the Ataturk Cultural Center in Taksim.

Why this set tour works for television fans

The appeal is simple: you get to walk through places that normally exist only on a screen. The production team has built tents, gates, courtyards, castles, and tribal areas with enough detail to make the setting feel convincing in photographs.

The day covers two connected stories. Ertugrul Ghazi is presented as the father whose exploits form the foundation of the first series, while Osman Ghazi is shown as his illustrious son and the central figure of the second. Your guide explains the characters and the historical importance behind the television versions.

I would not treat this as a formal history lesson. The visit is built around entertainment and television production, with historical background added along the way. That is useful because you can understand the setting without needing to arrive as an expert.

The strongest part is the mix of guided explanation and time to wander. A guide leads you around the main areas, then you have room to take photographs and look at details at your own pace. That matters because the sets are full of small visual touches that are easy to miss when a group is moving quickly.

The morning ride from Istanbul

The tour begins at one of two central meeting points. At Bilgins Leather & Fur Cağaloğlu, pickup is scheduled for about 9:40 to 9:50 in the morning. At the Ataturk Cultural Center in Taksim, it is about 10:10 to 10:15.

There is no hotel pickup and drop-off, so you need to reach one of these points yourself. Allow extra time in Istanbul traffic, and keep your phone available in case the operator needs to contact you. The exact starting time can vary, so check the current schedule when booking.

The coach ride lasts roughly 40 to 50 minutes according to the tour experience described by past participants. That is not a long journey by Istanbul standards, but it makes the trip feel like a full excursion rather than a quick city attraction. Music from Ertugrul and Osman may play on the way, which sets the mood for fans.

The driver is an important part of the day. Several accounts praise punctual pickups, safe driving, and helpful service. If you are visiting Istanbul with family or older relatives, not having to arrange separate transport to the set is a real benefit.

Walking through Ertugrul and Osman’s camps

The first set areas focus on the camps and tents associated with the two series. You may see Ertugrul and Osman’s old tents, the Kayi camp, and the tent linked to Dundar Bey. These spaces are more than empty backdrops. They are arranged to suggest the daily life, rank, and political world shown in the dramas.

The guide helps explain which characters and storylines connect with each setting. A guide who has worked on the production can add a different kind of detail, too. Hakan Serim, known for playing Gunkut Alp, has led some tours, and other accounts describe guides greeting the group while also answering questions about filming.

Do not rush this section. The best photographs often come from the tents, entrances, weapons, wooden structures, and costume details rather than from one famous viewpoint. Bring a camera, and bring your passport or another form of identification as requested for the activity.

The quality of access can change. One set may be closed because filming is taking place, and some areas may not be open on every visit. A tour in 2024, for example, had part of one set closed while production was underway. You still get to see several main areas, but the day does not guarantee access to every building shown on television.

That limitation is worth accepting before you go. This is a working film site, not a museum where every room is permanently open.

Sogut, castles, and the best photo settings

The castle sets are among the most rewarding places to explore. Sogut and several castle areas form part of the route, with Inegol receiving particular praise as a strong photo location. Fans may recognize thrones and interiors connected with characters such as Aya Nikola.

The castles give the tour more variety than a series of tents alone. You move from tribal camp settings to larger defensive and royal spaces, which helps you see how the production creates different locations within one site.

The amount of free time can shape your experience. Some people find the later part of the day a little slow, while others appreciate the chance to look around without being hurried. If you are a keen photographer, you will probably welcome the extra time. If you prefer a tightly packed sightseeing schedule, the waiting before the final show may test your patience.

One useful expectation: do not come expecting to watch live filming. The attraction is the completed set, not a behind-the-scenes look at a scene being shot. You may occasionally encounter actors or production staff, but that is not promised.

Costumes, actors, and optional role play

Costume photography adds a playful layer to the visit. You may be able to dress as characters such as Osman Bey or Bala Hatun and take photographs in the set. Some activities include role play directed by an actor, giving you the chance to make a short personal scene rather than simply pose beside a tent.

Professional photography is not part of the $118 price. Costume sessions and photographs have been reported at around $50 in some cases, though onsite charges can change. Bring cash if you are interested, and ask for the full price before agreeing.

Meeting actors can be the most memorable surprise for committed fans. Past visits have included photographs and greetings with performers associated with the shows, including Gunkut Alp, Ahmet Bey, Boran, Cerkutay, and other cast members. These encounters depend on who is working at the set that day, so treat them as a bonus rather than a guaranteed feature.

The shop is another optional stop, but prices can be high. I would look first and buy only if you find something you genuinely want. The tour is already costly, and it is easy to spend more on souvenirs, costumes, and photos once you are surrounded by familiar props and symbols.

Lunch, sherbet, and Turkish hospitality

Lunch is included at a local restaurant on the site. The package covers the meal and one soft drink, and sherbet, a traditional sweet fruit-based drink, is meant to be part of the experience.

Food reports are generally positive, though the meal is not always served at the same standard. Some people found it very good, while another account described it as almost cold and another called it merely adequate. The restaurant can be busy when several groups arrive at once, so keep your expectations practical.

If sherbet is not offered automatically, ask for it. One group had to request the drink separately but received it without an extra charge. This is a small detail, but it is useful to know before assuming it has been forgotten.

The meal breaks up the walking and gives you a chance to sit with your group. It is not a destination restaurant experience, but it adds convenience and lets you sample a familiar Turkish drink without arranging lunch on your own.

Iron forging, archery, and horseback riding

The activity portion varies, and the pricing description is not perfectly clear. The tour information refers to forging iron and archery as complimentary activities, while the exclusions list says archery is available for an additional onsite fee. Some accounts also say they could not try iron forging.

For that reason, ask your guide which activities are operating that day and which are included before joining. Do not assume every advertised option will be available.

Horse riding is an extra-cost activity. It can be appealing if you want a photograph in costume or a short taste of the mounted action seen in the dramas. It is not essential to the tour, and the additional fee may feel steep after the main ticket price.

The free or included elements are enough to keep the day interesting, especially the walk through the sets and the final performance. Paid activities make the outing more personal, but they are best treated as optional additions, not necessary parts of the program.

The final live show is the day’s payoff

The live performance near the end is the strongest entertainment feature. It uses riders, costumes, action, and storytelling against the film-set backdrop, giving you a short theatrical version of the world you have been exploring.

The show is reported to last about 15 minutes, but it makes good use of that time. The horse work brings energy that the earlier walking tour cannot match, and it gives you the closest thing to a live version of the television series.

Some people find the long wait before the show frustrating. The tour can feel stretched because the performance takes place late in the afternoon, sometimes around 4:30. I would plan for a relaxed pace, rather than expecting eight hours of nonstop activity.

If you enjoy photography, use the quieter periods to revisit favorite locations. If you are with children, older family members, or anyone who dislikes waiting, bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and be ready for a slower middle section.

How much value do you get for $118?

The price makes sense for a committed fan who wants transport, admission, a guide, lunch, and the live show in one package. You are also paying for the convenience of having the route organized and for the possibility of actor interactions and set access.

The value is weaker if you have never watched either series. You may still enjoy the costumes, castles, horse show, and Turkish setting, but the emotional payoff comes from recognizing characters and locations. At $118, a casual visitor should compare this with other day trips from Istanbul.

The cost can rise quickly. Horse riding and professional photography are extra, costume sessions may cost around $50, and the gift shop is described as expensive. I would decide your spending limit before you arrive.

The tour earns its price best when the included elements all work together: a smooth coach ride, a good guide, enough time at the sets, a satisfying lunch, and the final show. The experience is less convincing when areas are closed or when you spend much of the afternoon waiting.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend it most strongly to fans of Dirilis Ertugrul and Kurulus Osman, especially families or groups who want photographs and a shared theme for the day. The chance to wear character clothing, meet an actor, or see a familiar throne can be genuinely special.

It also suits visitors who want something different from Istanbul’s mosques, palaces, and museums. You get a look at Turkish popular culture and production design, not just a standard sightseeing route.

I would be more cautious if you use a wheelchair. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed. The itinerary includes walking across set areas, and access can vary.

You should also skip it if you want a behind-the-scenes studio visit with guaranteed filming access. This tour shows the built sets and may include actor contact, but it does not promise that scenes will be shot during your visit.

Practical tips for a smoother day

• Wear comfortable shoes. You will walk between tents, camps, and castle areas.
• Bring a camera and identification.
• Carry cash for photography, horse riding, possible activity fees, and souvenirs.
• Ask about sherbet at lunch if it is not brought to your table.
• Confirm which activities are included on your date, especially archery and iron forging.
• Keep the afternoon flexible because the live show happens late in the schedule.
• Do not count on entering every set. Filming may close some areas.
• Arrive early at your selected meeting point. Hotel pickup is not provided.
• If prayer matters to you, one account found a Kayi Alp tent being used as a mosque during prayer times. Ask onsite about current arrangements rather than assuming this will always be available.

FAQ

How long does the Ertugrul and Osman Ghazi set tour last?

The tour lasts about eight hours, including return transportation from Istanbul, time at the film sets, lunch, activities, and the live performances.

Where does the tour depart from?

You can choose between two meeting points: in front of Bilgins Leather & Fur Cağaloğlu at about 9:40 to 9:50 AM, or in front of the Ataturk Cultural Center in Taksim at about 10:10 to 10:15 AM.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must reach one of the two listed meeting points in Istanbul. The tour includes transportation to and from the movie set after pickup.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch at a local restaurant, one soft drink, and a taste of sherbet are included. If sherbet is not offered, ask the restaurant staff or guide for it.

Are horse riding and professional photographs included?

No. Horse riding and professional photography are available for an additional onsite fee. Costume photography may also require extra payment.

Can I watch the series being filmed?

No filming is guaranteed. The tour lets you explore the constructed sets, costumes, props, and castle areas, but some sections may be closed if production is taking place.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if the names Ertugrul, Osman, Gunkut Alp, or Aya Nikola mean something to you. The set access, costume options, actor encounters, Turkish lunch, and final horse show create a memorable fan experience, and the organized transport keeps the day simple.

Think twice if you are looking for a bargain or a tightly timed sightseeing trip. The price is high, extras cost more, some areas may be closed, and the afternoon can include waiting. For dedicated fans, though, the chance to walk through the Kayi camp and see the castles in person is likely worth the splurge.