ISTANBUL- Turkish Airlines (TK) is now offering a free complimentary half-day tour for international transit passengers with layovers at Istanbul Airport (IST), allowing fans to explore iconic Turkish drama sets. The airline has integrated this cultural experience into its broader “Touristanbul” program.
Eligible passengers with layovers between 6 to 24 hours can join one of six daily tours, including a visit to Bozdağ Film Studios, a prominent filming site for Turkish historical TV dramas.
Photo- iGA Istanbul AirportTurkish Airlines’ Free Half Day Tour
Turkish Airlines’ initiative gives transit passengers a chance to explore Turkey’s rich TV culture and cinematic heritage.
Central to the experience is the Bozdağ Film Studios, located in the Beykoz district of Istanbul, a 200-acre complex known for producing historical series such as Diriliş: Ertuğrul and Kuruluş: Osman. The facility is considered the largest film studio in Europe and the third-largest globally.
Visitors are transported directly from Istanbul Airport (IST) by shuttle buses, where they are greeted by professional guides. The tours take travelers through meticulously designed, life-sized sets that recreate the Ottoman period and other eras depicted in popular dramas.
These immersive environments serve as a compelling introduction to Turkish history and the nation’s vibrant television industry.
During the tour, guests can enjoy a variety of traditional Turkish foods, including fire-cooked soup, hand-pounded rice pudding, and other authentic local dishes. To enhance the cultural experience, activities like glassmaking workshops and archery demonstrations are also included.
Çırağan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul; Photo- Kempinski HotelsGrowing Popularity Among Travelers
Abdullah Yormaz, Turkish Airlines’ tour marketing manager, highlighted its growing appeal, especially among travelers from Mexico, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and various Arab nations.
The tours have garnered positive feedback from participants. Mani Krishna, an Indian-origin passenger based in Mexico, described the experience as a refreshing break after a long flight.
Similarly, Tunisian passenger Abdulselam Arbaoui highlighted the natural beauty of the sets and the warm hospitality, noting that Turkish dramas foster cultural connections between Turkey and Tunisia. The program’s popularity underscores its appeal as a unique layover activity.
Photo: Burçin Gönenli | Linkedin PageHow to Join the Tour
Passengers eligible for the tour can register online via the official Turkish Airlines (TK) website or in person at the Touristanbul desk within Istanbul Airport (IST).
There is no cost to participate, and availability is based on a first-come-first-served basis. All tours are conducted in English, with additional language support where needed.
This cultural offering aligns with Turkish Airlines’ broader mission to promote Turkey as a hub of hospitality, heritage, and cinematic artistry, even for those just passing through.
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