These documentaries about Turkey, a land that straddles two continents, show a country rich with the threads of history, culture, and diverse landscapes.
From the ancient ruins of Ephesus to the bustling bazaars of Istanbul, Turkey is a country that captivates the imagination and beckons you to explore its multifaceted heritage.
Documentaries About Turkey
Documentaries about Turkey offer a lens into this nation’s compelling story, unveiling the layers of its past and present. Whether delving into the mesmerizing tales of Byzantine empires, the rise of the Ottoman Turks, or the vibrant mosaic of contemporary Turkish life, these documentaries provide a journey that transcends time and borders.
Rise of Empires: Ottoman
Rise of Empires: Ottoman is a docudrama series that focuses on key figures in Ottoman history, including Mehmed II, who conquered Constantinople and explores the political, military, and cultural developments that shaped the empire.
- Genre: Docudrama, Historical
- Release Year: 2020
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Narrator: Charles Dance
- Production: The series is a joint production between Netflix and Karga Seven Pictures.
The show blends interviews with historians, experts, and dramatic reenactments featuring actors. It aims to provide a detailed and engaging portrayal of the historical events and figures that played a crucial role in the establishment and expansion of the Ottoman Empire.
Rise of Empires: Ottoman has engaging storytelling, historical accuracy, and the use of a combination of documentary and drama elements. If you have an interest in Ottoman history or enjoy historical documentaries, this series is one of the best documentaries about Turkey to watch.
Istanbul Unveiled (2013)
Istanbul Unveiled is a documentary film that offers a comprehensive exploration of Istanbul. The documentary aims to go beyond the typical tourist experience and uncover the hidden aspects of the city.
The film delves into Istanbul’s rich history, diverse culture, and the daily lives of its inhabitants. It provides you with insights into lesser-known neighbourhoods, traditions, and the contemporary dynamics of the city. By doing so, “Istanbul Unveiled” offers a more nuanced and authentic portrayal of the city.
If you have an interest in cultural documentaries and want to gain a deeper understanding of Istanbul’s complexities, then “Istanbul Unveiled” is one of the best travel-style documentaries about Turkey you can watch.
Istanbul is one of my favourite cities in the world and this film provides you with a unique perspective on the city that goes beyond the standard tourist narratives.
You can watch the full episode for free on YouTube:
Also, if you have an interest in visiting Istanbul this is my article about what to do in Istanbul in one day.
Kedi
Kedi focuses on the street cats of Istanbul and their interactions with the city’s residents.
- Director: Ceyda Torun
- Release Year: 2016
- Language: Turkish (with English subtitles)
Kedi provides an intimate and heartwarming look at the lives of street cats in Istanbul, a city where they have roamed freely for thousands of years. The film captures the unique relationships between these cats and the people of Istanbul, exploring how the felines have become an integral part of the city’s culture and daily life.
Through various cat personalities and the humans who care for them, the documentary reflects on themes of community, compassion, and the profound connection between humans and animals.
The film was praised for its cultural insights, beautiful cinematography, and the way it captures the symbiotic relationship between the cats and the people of the city.
The Eye of Istanbul
The Eye of Istanbul focuses on the life and work of Ara Güler, a renowned Turkish-Armenian photographer who captured iconic images of Istanbul and its people.
- Director: Binnur Karaevli
- Release Year: 2015
- Language: Turkish (with English subtitles)
The Eye of Istanbul provides an intimate portrait of Ara Güler, often referred to as the “Eye of Istanbul” or the “Photographer of Istanbul.” Güler, born in 1928, gained international acclaim for his powerful and evocative photographs that documented the city’s transformation over several decades.
The documentary explores Güler’s life, career, and the stories behind some of his most iconic images. It also delves into the social and cultural history of Istanbul as seen through the lens of this prolific photographer.
If you have an interest in photography, cultural history, or the city of Istanbul, “The Eye of Istanbul” is a compelling exploration of the life and work of a photographer whose images have left an indelible mark on the visual representation of the city.
Crossing the Bridge: The Sound of Istanbul
Crossing the Bridge: The Sound of Istanbul explores the vibrant and diverse music scene in Istanbul, Turkey.
- Director: Fatih Akin
- Release Year: 2005
- Language: Turkish, German, English (with English subtitles)
This documentary takes you on a musical journey through the streets of Istanbul, showcasing the city’s rich and eclectic music scene. It follows the journey of a musician named Alexander Hacke, a member of the German band Einstürzende Neubauten, as he explores Istanbul’s music culture.
The film features interviews with various musicians, both well-known and underground, representing different genres such as traditional Turkish music, rock, rap, and electronic music.
The documentary not only explores the diverse musical traditions present in Istanbul but also provides a broader cultural and social context. It offers a unique perspective on the city’s dynamic and ever-evolving identity through the lens of its music and musicians.
The film provides a visually and sonically rich experience, making it appealing if you are a music enthusiast or interested in the cultural dynamics of the city. It’s one of the best documentaries about Turkey to watch for an insight into the music of Istanbul.
Midnight Return
Midnight Return: The Story of Billy Hayes and Turkey explores the real-life events that inspired the iconic 1978 film “Midnight Express.”
- Director: Sally Sussman Morina
- Release Year: 2016
- Language: English
Midnight Return focuses on the experiences of Billy Hayes, an American who was arrested in Turkey in the 1970s for attempting to smuggle hashish out of the country. His story became widely known through the film “Midnight Express,” directed by Alan Parker.
The documentary examines both Hayes’ personal journey and the impact of the film on Turkey’s image. It features interviews with Billy Hayes, filmmakers, and others involved in the events surrounding his arrest and imprisonment.
It delves into the controversies sparked by “Midnight Express,” which depicted Turkish authorities and prisons in a negative light. It also explores the cultural and political ramifications of the film on the relationship between Turkey and the Western world.
Hidden Turkey
Hidden Turkey is a 2021 documentary by PBS which focuses on journeys to different parts of Turkey to document the evolving story of the country.
It gives good insight into several different regions such as Istanbul, Antalya, Cappadocia, and more.
Terim
Terim is a 2022 documentary series about the life of the legendary footballer and manager Fatih Terim.
The Turkish have a passion for football and this documentary will show you some of that enthusiasm through the eyes of one of its most famous men who led several teams to championship victory.
If you have any interest in getting to know the favourite sports of a country, then this is one of the best documentaries about Turkey for you to watch for its football mania.
Lost Songs of Anatolia
Lost Songs of Anatolia is a 2008 documentary that is a musical journey into Anatolia, one of the most historic regions of Turkey.
Through the documentary, you will experience Anatolia and its rich history through the connection of the traditional music of the area.
The Hittites
This is a free documentary you can watch on YouTube that explores the history of the Hittites who are one of the ancient civilizations of Turkey dating back almost 4000 years.
Out of these documentaries about Turkey, this is one of the best ones to watch on its ancient history.
Gallipoli
Gallipoli is a 2005 documentary that takes a look at the Gallipoli campaign, which took place in 1915 on the Gallipoli Peninsula in the Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey).
It was a significant and ultimately tragic military operation involving Allied forces, primarily ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps), British, and French troops, against the Ottoman Empire.
The campaign resulted in high casualties on both sides and had long-lasting effects on the nations involved. This is one of the best documentaries about Turkey that takes a look at some of the country’s WW1 history and the tragic events that happened.
One extra…
The Hittites
I’m adding this one as an “extra” option because it’s about very ancient history and so may not be of interest to you as far as Turkey today goes.
It’s is a free documentary you can watch on YouTube that explores the history of the Hittites who are one of the ancient civilizations of Turkey dating back almost 4000 years.
Out of these documentaries about Turkey, this is one of the best ones to watch on its ancient history.
Turkey
These documentaries about Turkey provide insightful perspectives on the country, exploring its rich history, diverse culture, and contemporary issues.
For more on the country have a look at my guides to Turkey.
And if you are interested in Turkey’s neighbour then here are the 10 best documentaries about Greece to watch.
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