From Legend to Living Experience

The Conquest of İstanbul is undoubtedly among the highlights of history. It was such an occurrence that its effects were among the major forces that altered the course of civilization. Beyond being a victory, it was also a story of innovation, engineering, design and craftsmanship. And creating new and impressive content and means for such an event that has been celebrated for more than 5 centuries, required some limits to be pushed and others to be broken.

We initiated the creative process by defining the origin of the project axes of originality. Although the story of the Conquest of İstanbul has been interpreted numerous times in different mediums, a unique design language and improved production specs should be able to ensure the sense of genuineness. The canvas was also a matter of high gravity since it was the main instrument of the targeted impact. Hence, we started to develop a multi-disciplinary production phase and the engineering of the largest scaff stage used in a one-day event.

CLIENT:

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality

Istanbul Turkey

CATEGORY:

Ceremony

Show Direction

Events

Content Creation

Conquest of Istanbul, large-scale 3D projection mapping spectacle.
Conquest of Istanbul, large-scale 3D projection mapping spectacle.
Conquest of Istanbul, large-scale 3D projection mapping spectacle.
Conquest of Istanbul, large-scale 3D projection mapping spectacle.
Historic walls reimagined through architectural projection.
Historic walls reimagined through architectural projection.
Historic walls reimagined through architectural projection.
Historic walls reimagined through architectural projection.
Dynamic content framing fashion forward imagery on the media facade
Dynamic content framing fashion forward imagery on the media facade
Dynamic content framing fashion forward imagery on the media facade
Dynamic content framing fashion forward imagery on the media facade
Ashgabat Shopping and Entertainment Center LED, immersive underwater visuals wrapping the screen architecture
Ashgabat Shopping and Entertainment Center LED, immersive underwater visuals wrapping the screen architecture
Ashgabat Shopping and Entertainment Center LED, immersive underwater visuals wrapping the screen architecture
Seamless corner mapping extending the aquatic scene across planes
Seamless corner mapping extending the aquatic scene across planes
Seamless corner mapping extending the aquatic scene across planes
Exterior vista with brand identity presented on the rooftop LED landmark
Exterior vista with brand identity presented on the rooftop LED landmark
Exterior vista with brand identity presented on the rooftop LED landmark

Performance

Production was a multi-layered process. From casting to editing, the project, in which around 1200 people have worked, was completed in a mere month. Among the hectic traffic especially the underwater shootings were the trickiest part. The shootings with the horse was also a highlight. Many different tasks like prop production, costume designs and CGI were carried out simultaneously to keep up with the deadline. The costumes were carefully designed to avoid any kind of historical mistake and the prayer engraved sword of the Sultan has been reproduced exactly. Around 120 actors and actresses took part in the shootings whereas special choreographies and stage combat were designed.

Performance

Conquest of Istanbul, behind-the-scenes research and build phase.
Conquest of Istanbul, behind-the-scenes research and build phase.
Conquest of Istanbul, behind-the-scenes research and build phase.
Stage layout development aligning geometry with projected content.
Stage layout development aligning geometry with projected content.
Stage layout development aligning geometry with projected content.
Camera rig and VFX setup for mapping precision.
Camera rig and VFX setup for mapping precision.
Camera rig and VFX setup for mapping precision.
Underwater capture sequence contributing to visual narrative.
Underwater capture sequence contributing to visual narrative.
Underwater capture sequence contributing to visual narrative.
Greenscreen sessions generating mapped assets for projection.
Greenscreen sessions generating mapped assets for projection.
Greenscreen sessions generating mapped assets for projection.
Conquest of Istanbul, performance coordination for integrated mapping.
Conquest of Istanbul, performance coordination for integrated mapping.
Conquest of Istanbul, performance coordination for integrated mapping.
Costume and makeup workshop preparing historical cast.
Costume and makeup workshop preparing historical cast.
Costume and makeup workshop preparing historical cast.
Structural set and props assembled ahead of show activation.
Structural set and props assembled ahead of show activation.
Structural set and props assembled ahead of show activation.
March formation on stage integrated with projection zones.
March formation on stage integrated with projection zones.
March formation on stage integrated with projection zones.

Ready to Push Boundaries?

Get on Board

New Business

hilal.aktas@dreambox.world

+90 541 560 2020

General Contact

info@dreambox.world

+90 216 711 37 00

Istanbul

Barcelona

Dubai

Tirana

Beijing

© Dreambox 2025

Ready to Push Boundaries?

Get on Board

New Business

hilal.aktas@dreambox.world

+90 541 560 2020

General Contact

info@dreambox.world

+90 216 711 37 00

Istanbul

Barcelona

Dubai

Tirana

Beijing

© Dreambox 2025

Ready to Push Boundaries?

Lets Get in Touch

New Business

hilal.aktas@dreambox.world

+90 541 560 2020

General Contact

info@dreambox.world

+90 216 711 37 00

Istanbul

Barcelona

Dubai

Tirana

Beijing

© Dreambox 2025

Ready to Push Boundaries?

Get on Board

New Business

hilal.aktas@dreambox.world

+90 541 560 2020

General Contact

info@dreambox.world

+90 216 711 37 00

Istanbul

Barcelona

Dubai

Tirana

Beijing

© Dreambox 2025