How To Go to the Movies in Turkey

With These Tips, Catching a Movie is Easy and Enjoyable

Sep 6, 2009

Grabbing a bucket of popcorn and a huge fountain drink and heading into a movie theater sounds pretty simple. In Turkey, this favorite past time is a little different.

From the snacks and beverages to the movie tickets, seeing a flick is not that difficult. However, the system for ticket-buying, seating and refreshments is different in Turkey than in the United States. By following these steps, it will be easy to anticipate any problems or confusion, especially if language is an issue.

Buying tickets in Turkey is not unlike buying them in the U.S.; it is possible to get student, adult, and child-priced tickets. The cashier will then present the available seats in the theater. After picking out seats – which are assigned – you can purchase tickets with cash or a credit card. The cashier will then provide a receipt with a barcode printed on the bottom or colored tickets.

Special Ticket Prices

Even though movie theaters in Turkey offer student- and child-priced tickets, most theaters will provide additional discounts. One day of the week, the theater will give special discounts for students and teachers or for senior citizens. These specials usually fall on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays.

Entering the Theater

If the cashier has provided a receipt, swipe the barcode under a scanner, then enter the theater lobby. If the cashier has given you tickets, walk to the theater in which the movie is being played. A worker will check the tickets, ensuring that if a student ticket has been bought, the ticket-holder has a student ID.

Refreshments

While the price of refreshments is the same as in the U.S., the quality is slightly different. Popcorn is not oily, greasy or buttery, but similar to kettle corn. In addition, popcorn and drink sizes are set on a smaller scale. Turkish candy and ice cream are also refreshment options.

Previews, Commercials and Movie Breaks

Before the movie begins, there are two or three lengthy commercials followed by movie previews. Halfway through the main film, the projectionist stops playing the movie, and there is a 10-minute break for moviegoers to use the restroom or buy refreshments. When the break is over, another set of commercials and previews will play before the film resumes.

Subtitles and Dubbing

Turkish movie theaters play American films, though they might appear in theaters two or three weeks after they premiere in the U.S. Children’s films, such as Ice Age or Up, will be dubbed (“Türkçe dublaj”). Films for teenagers or adults are subtitled (“altyazi”). With movies such as Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, both dubbed and subtitled films are available.

The copyright of the article How To Go to the Movies in Turkey in Turkey Travel is owned by Caroline Trent. Permission to republish How To Go to the Movies in Turkey in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Sep 21, 2009 3:58 AM

Guest :

What is the price of a movie ticket, in Istanbul, as an example?

Sep 21, 2009 6:21 AM

Caroline Trent :

Movie tickets in Istanbul tend to be more expensive. While a ticket in Ankara would be around 10YTL, tickets in Istanbul are between 8 and 20 YTL (or about $5 and $13). Prices vary depending on the neighborhood, type of theater, day of the week, hour of the day and whether student prices are available. For example, a regular movie ticket at Etiler Cinecity on the European side of Istanbul is 20YTL; a student ticket at Beyoglu Beyoglu on Istiklal is 8 YTL; a regular movie ticket at Kadikoy Kadikoy on the Anatolian side of Istanbul is 12YTL.