When Tatiana Romanova is on her way to drop off the architects plans of the Russian consulate, for Bond, she walks past various locations in Istanbul. Romanova is followed by one of the Bulgarians who later will face his demise in the Aya Sofia church. After walking across the Galata bridge, Romanova is passing a 15th century mosque in the historical centre of Istanbul, the Firuz Ağa Camii. At the time of filming From Russia With Love 1963, there was no trace of the surrounding city and it looks like the mosque was located in a field.
When the stalking Bulgar stops by the corner of the mosque to watch Romanova, Istanbul's famous Blue Mosque is visble. Istanbul has changed vastly since 1963 and the sandy patch of ground seen behind the Bulgar in the film has been transformed into a park.
The Firuz Ağa Camii was completed in 1491 by the man Firuz Ağa, who was the head treasurer of Sultan Beyazıt II. It is located right next to the Sultanahmet tram station, along the Divan Yolu Caddesi, which is only a few minutes from the Basilica Cistern. Surrounding the mosque is Mehmet Akif Ersoy park. The small mosque looks cramped in today's urban landscape of Istanbul.
Romanova walks across the Galata bridge, which actually is located a fairly long walk from the Firuz Aga Camii, and ultimately ends up at the Aya Sofia. The Aya Sofia is located right opposite the Blue Mosque. They are both located a few minutes walk from the Firuz Aga mosque.
 |
| From the Firuz Aga camii you can still see the Blue Mosque |
No comments:
Post a Comment