Thanks to James Bond, filmgoers have Turkey in their sights

Cinemagoers around the world will be introduced to the wonders of Turkey thanks to the latest James Bond adventure, Skyfall.

The exotic city of Istanbul makes the most of its time in the spotlight and shows off some of its most brilliant landmarks including Yeni Cami (New Mosque) and Sultanahmet Square.

Director Sam Mendes says Skyfall will combine the best of Turkey without falling into cliché and he hopes to capture the changing and evolving nature of modern day Istanbul.

“We wanted to be here because it is the most magnificent place,” says Mendes. “Istanbul was new to me when I stated this film and I’ve fallen in love with the most incredible city.”

Skyfall’s ambitious opening sequence saw the cast and crew working in a variety of settings from crowded streets and marketplaces to the roof of the Grand Bazaar (our featured image of the Grand Bazaar is by exfordy).

Martin Joy, locations manager, said the crew faced their fair share of challenges filming in such popular tourist destinations such as the busy Eminönü Square which attracts over one million visitors every year.

Skyfall isn’t the first Bond film to visit the city. In 1963’s From Russia With Love Sean Connery’s OO7 escapes death and capture against the breath-taking backdrop of Hagia Sophia museum (formerly an Orthodox basilica and mosque).

Michael Lerman, first assistant director, say Turkey brought a lot of scope to the film and not just in Istanbul.

On the Mediterranean coast, the popular summer destination of Fethiye (Ölüdeniz, Fethiye. Photo by Bekir Topuz) brings a dose of classic Bond luxury and glamour with its turquoise waters and ancient ruins.

One of the film’s most nail-biting moments takes place in the southern city of Adana. Shot on the stone-arch Varda Viaduct, OO7 trades punches on the top of a speeding train as it weaves around mountains and through narrow tunnels – the perfect setting for this thrilling, classic scene.

The man himself, Daniel Craig (James Bond) says it was a pleasure to film in such a wonderful place.

“The Turkish people have welcomed us with open arms. It’s just a magical place for Bond to be,” he says.