Every Thursday night my Turkish man is busy watching his favorite TV series. A Turkish drama that started with Diriliş: Ertuğrul and is now playing through Kurulus Osman. So, during our annual trip to Türkiye, I wanted to surprise him.

His favorite soccer team was playing, but Galatasaray tickets were a steep $1,000 a person so I needed something more cost-effective, but with the same punch.

Surprising my Turkish man with a visit to the filming location of his favorite Turkish drama series, Osman Ghazi was a dream come true. Seeing the excitement on his face as we stepped onto the Osman set was priceless.

If you’re an Osman fan eager to explore the behind-the-scenes magic, here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Osman and Ertugrul film set. From set locations to tour details, get ready to immerse yourself in the world of your favorite Turkish drama series!

What is the best way to visit the Osman Film Set?

If you’re a fan of Resurrection Ertugrul known as Dirilish Ertugrul and Establishment Osman known as Kurulus Osman Series in Turkish, no visit to Istanbul is complete without exploring Dirilis Ertugrul and Kurulus Osman Studios and Riva, home to several magical filming locations.

We took a guided studio tour with Istanbul Life. The adventure begins by meeting at one of the designated meeting points for pickup. Our English speaking tour guide, Hakan spoke excellent English and was chatty for the 40-minute drive pointing out passing scenerary.

How much does it cost?

The Osman Movie Set Tour comes in different packages, but the entry ticket alone is $75 USD, so a Turkey tour with Hakan is well worth it. A tour will usually include transport from Istanbul, a guide, entrance, and lunch.

While at the film set there are many other extras you may like to spend money on from horse riding, to dress up, taking photos as professional in Plato, Osman TV set horse show, meeting the cast, or performing in your very own Osman snippet.

What is the Osman Film Set?

Many cars stop outside the film set area to get a shuttle in. However, Hakan organised us a private tour, so he drove right in and parked in the studio parking lot.

The Osman film set in Riva is a fascinating destination for fans of the Turkish drama series “Diriliş: Ertuğrul” and its sequel, “Osman.” Located in the picturesque Riva region of Istanbul, this expansive set recreates the historical ambiance of the Ottoman Empire with remarkable authenticity.

The set spans an impressive 40,000 m² and features meticulously designed structures that transport visitors back to the 13th century. Among its highlights are 35 tents built to resemble those used during the era, reflecting the intricate details and craftsmanship of the time. The set’s design captures the essence of the series, offering a glimpse into the world of Ertugrul and Osman.

The Riva film set is not just a backdrop for the show but an immersive experience that allows visitors to explore the rich history and cultural heritage portrayed in the series. It stands as a testament to the show’s dedication to historical accuracy and provides a unique opportunity for fans to connect with their favorite scenes and characters in a real-world setting.

Can you eat there?

There is a restaurant on site and a café. We only managed a coffee during our visit, but many visitors stay for lunch.

Make sure you check out our extensive list of Turkish food to try.

And our Istanbul food walking tour. 

Is it good for kids?

You can take kids, there is plenty of space to run around and even a playground.

What else can I do in Istanbul?

Looking for other things to do in Istanbul? Here’s 20!

Or if you only have 24 hours, click here.

Where should I stay in Istanbul?

We have a great list of Istanbul accommodation recommendations right here.

What are the tour highlights?

Kayi Tribe (Oba)

You can explore the tribal life and traditions of the Kayi Tribe, as followed by Ertugrul Gazi and Osman Gazi. We loved visiting a blacksmith tent and trying our hand at hammering iron.

 

Sogut

You can discover the ancient town of Sogut, which played a significant role in the early Ottoman Empire.

 

Yenisehir

We learnt about the historical importance of Yenisehir and its connection to Osman Gazi.

 

Arena

One of my favourite parts was our visit the arena where epic duels and competitions took place. Our guide used his phone to show us parts of the show that were filmed right there. You can also use your own phone to scan the QR codes around and watch.

 

Urgench Bazaar

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional bazaar, reminiscent of those portrayed in the series.

There are multiple castles on the property, and you can visit each one. Of course, they are not true Ottoman palaces, just miniature replicas, but still fascinating all the same.

 

Khawarzemian Shah Palace

We loved exploring the majestic palace featured in the series, where pivotal moments unfolded.

Inegol Castle

You can visit the historical castle and envision the battles that transpired during Ertugrul Gazi’s time.

 

Kulucahisar Castle

When you explore this castle, you can feel the energy as it bore witness to the triumphs and challenges faced by Ertugrul Gazi and his tribe.

Gok Palace

We visited the enchanting Gok Palace and loved its architectural beauty.

Plus, there are goats jumping all over the different castles, which I found adorable.

 

How long do I need there?

The tour duration could be as long or as short as you like. Hakan runs daily tours with expert guides in a group or private setting. We had multiple other things to do that day, so we did a quick 3 – 4 hour guided tour, not staying for lunch or shows. However, if you are looking to do those, as well as dress up and horse rides then plan a good 5 to 7 hours.

Want more of Osman?

Definitely recommend heading to Bursa where Osman is buried. Plus, they have this brand-new panorama museum, which is absolutely incredible and only 10TL entry.

The Osmangazi 1326 – Bursa Fetih Müzesi or Panorama 1326 Bursa Conquest Museum is a full panoramic museum located in Osmangazi district of Bursa. The museum consists of the main theme animation hall, exhibition halls, meeting rooms, cafeteria, and administrative sections.

In the panoramic museum, the day of the conquest is vividly portrayed in a 360-degree circular display, illustrating Bursa’s transformation from a principality to a global power. The chronological exhibition hall features 16 paintings that chronicle the journey of the Kayı Turks from the 13th century, including the conquest of Bursa and the significant contributions of the first six Ottoman sultans, who are buried in the city. It is the largest fully panoramic museum in the world.

Popular Questions on Visiting the Osman Film Set

Can you visit the set of Osman?

You sure can. It’s not far from Istanbul and can be organised as a day tour with Hakan from Istanbul Life.

Where is the Osman series filmed?

Istanbul. Riva, Beykoz, to be exact. Riva is a small coastal town located on the Black Sea coast of Turkey, about 40 km from Istanbul.

Can you visit Ertuğrul set?

Yes. Where was Ottoman filmed? Ertugrul and Osman were filmed in the same location. On a film set tour you can step onto multiple sets from Resurrection: Ertugrul, Osman, and the legendary Destan. Be a part of the Ertugrul sage and feel like a star in this magical universe!

Which part of Turkey is Ertuğrul filmed in?

Where do they film Turkish series? Riva, Beykoz 40 kilometres north of Istanbul.

Where is Osman Bey buried?

The tombs of Sultans Osman and Orhan, the founders of the Ottoman Empire, rest in a park atop the Bursa Citadel.

The original tombs were destroyed by the 1855 earthquake and later rebuilt in the Ottoman Baroque style by Sultan Abdül Aziz in 1863.

Is the House of Osman still around?

The living members of the dynasty were initially exiled as personae non-gratae, though some have since been allowed to return and live as private citizens in Türkiye. Today, the family is known as the Osmanoğlu family.

Where in Turkey is Ertuğrul buried?

Ertugrul Ghazi died at the age of 90 and his tomb is on 1 km east of Söğüt region of Bilecik.

What is the most watched Turkish series ever?

The most popular Turkish show is Fatmagül’ün Suçu Ne? (What is Fatmagül’s Fault?). Another series as Öyle Bir Geçer Zaman Ki (As Time Goes By), Beni Affet (Forgive Me), and Aşk-ı Memnu (Forbidden Love) are popular too.

How long did it take to film Ertuğrul?

The shooting of the first episode took about a month. Season one was filmed in the Beykoz and Riva areas of Istanbul. For the first season, “Diriliş: Ertuğrul” established a set on a 40,000m² plateau in Riva, featuring 35 tents constructed to authentic specifications.

Do I have to watch Ertuğrul before Kurulus Osman?

You can watch Kurulus Osman without watching Ertugrul.

Is Ertugrul historically accurate?

Little is known with certainty about Ertuğrul’s life, aside from the fact that he was the father of Osman. As a result, historians must rely on stories written by the Ottomans over a century later, which are of questionable accuracy. Osman is a historical drama, not a documentary.

What is the plot or Ertugrul?

Ertugrul was a 13th-century Turkic Muslim nomad warrior from Central Asia, navigating a world surrounded by Mongols to the east and Crusaders and Byzantines to the west. Like other Turkic tribes, Ertugrul’s people were pushed westward by the Mongols. His tribe fought for a homeland, which was later established by his son Osman as the Ottoman Empire. The “Ertugrul” TV series aims to vividly portray the 13th-century Turkic community and Muslim culture.

How many people watch Osman?

Over its first 14 episodes, Kuruluş Osman maintained over 10 million viewers per episode. Both shows were ranked first in total viewership for their respective episodes.

Why is Kuruluş: Osman famous?

Kuruluş: Osman is a historical Turkish television series that follows the life of Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman Empire, and his journey to establish a powerful state.

How popular is Kurulus Osman?

Parrot Analytics has found that the audience demand for Kurulus: Osman is 7.6 times the demand of the average TV series in India in the last 30 days. 8.6% of all shows in this market have this level of demand.

How many episodes in Osman?

164

Explore With Erin Wrap Up

Visiting the Osman filming set offers an unparalleled opportunity for fans to immerse themselves in the world of their favorite Turkish drama series. From exploring the meticulously recreated 13th-century environments in Riva to experiencing the rich cultural heritage depicted in “Diriliş: Ertuğrul” and “Osman,” this journey brings the captivating story to life.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply curious about the historical accuracy of the series, the Osman film set provides a unique and memorable experience. Make sure to plan your visit, follow our complete guide, and step into the epic saga of the Ottoman Empire.

 

Want to go to Turkey with me? Check out my annual group trip! 

 

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