Bozdağ Film Platoları

The hit television series "Diriliş: Ertuğrul," (2014) and its sequel "Kuruluş: Osman," (2019), each tracing different phases of the history of the Ottoman Empire, are two of the most popular shows to come out of Turkey. 

Fans of the shows now have the opportunity to walk in the actors' shoes as the show's production company Bozdağ Film has opened the elaborate sets in the Turkish village of Riva to visitors.

The sets mirror the history traced in the series, taking visitors back in time to travel from Central Asia, with structures reminiscent of caravanserai (the Ottoman equivalent of a modern day roadside motel or rest stop), to Thrace and Anatolia, then part of the Byzantine Empire that would become modern-day Turkey.

Recreations of Mongol-style yurts, a Roman arena and others give a sense of the diversity found from the Balkans to the Gobi during the 13th century lives of these two historical figures.

The shows have not been without controversy. While beloved by many, critics have pointed to historical inaccuracies and suggested the show carries an underlying political agenda. 

Given the huge international following of the series, the Bozdağ sets have evolved into a permanent tourist attraction. They offer guided tours in addition to period-appropriate activities like horseback riding and archery.