DRACULA IN İSTANBUL
DRACULA IN ISTANBUL
16 September, Wednesday, 18:00, Fabrika
1953 | DCP | B&W | 102’ | Turkish; English sub. | Turkey
DIRECTOR
Mehmet Muhtar
CAST
Annie Ball, Atıf Kaptan, Bülent Oran, Ayfer Feray, Cahit Irgat
16 September, Wednesday, 18:00, Fabrika
1953 | DCP | B&W | 102’ | Turkish; English sub. | Turkey
DIRECTOR
Mehmet Muhtar
CAST
Annie Ball, Atıf Kaptan, Bülent Oran, Ayfer Feray, Cahit Irgat
Classification: According to Article 7 of Law No. 5224, as amended on January 18, 2019, films that have not undergone evaluation and classification can only be shown at festivals, special screenings, and similar cultural and artistic events with an 18+ age restriction.
“Should I cook the imam bayıldı without garlic, too?” In the finale of the 1953 film Dracula in Istanbul, the female lead delivers this line as the garlic cloves arranged around the house to keep the vampire away are thrown out. Dracula in Istanbul is not only Turkey’s oldest surviving horror film, but also one of the most famous examples of a Western supernatural story adapted to the cultural context of Turkey. Based on Kazıklı Voyvoda, Ali Rıza Seyfi’s 1928 Turkish translation of Bram Stoker’s novel, the film has evolved over the years into a true cult classic - sometimes mocked and sometimes deeply admired.
Now, a vital restoration project by Sinematek/Sinema Evi reveals the true visual potential of a film that for decades was viewed only through poor-quality copies.
As a result, its influences from German Expressionist cinema and film noir are clearer than ever before.
Restored in 2025 by Sinematek/Sinema Evi with the support of Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi.
“Should I cook the imam bayıldı without garlic, too?” In the finale of the 1953 film Dracula in Istanbul, the female lead delivers this line as the garlic cloves arranged around the house to keep the vampire away are thrown out. Dracula in Istanbul is not only Turkey’s oldest surviving horror film, but also one of the most famous examples of a Western supernatural story adapted to the cultural context of Turkey. Based on Kazıklı Voyvoda, Ali Rıza Seyfi’s 1928 Turkish translation of Bram Stoker’s novel, the film has evolved over the years into a true cult classic - sometimes mocked and sometimes deeply admired.
Now, a vital restoration project by Sinematek/Sinema Evi reveals the true visual potential of a film that for decades was viewed only through poor-quality copies.
As a result, its influences from German Expressionist cinema and film noir are clearer than ever before.
Restored in 2025 by Sinematek/Sinema Evi with the support of Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi.