Istanbul Beneath My Wings

Istanbul Beneath My Wings

Year: 1996

Runtime: 119 mins

Language: Turkish

AdventureHistory

During a naval clash between the Ottoman Empire and Italy, a captured Mediterranean vessel is taken to Istanbul. Among the prisoners is Francesca, a young woman wounded and the daughter of a slain captain, who is forced into slavery under the patronage of the brilliant inventor Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Istanbul Beneath My Wings yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Istanbul Beneath My Wings (1996)

Trace every key event in Istanbul Beneath My Wings (1996) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

A mysterious manuscript arrives in Istanbul

On a captured Venetian ship brought into Istanbul, a girl named Francesca arrives with a manuscript that claims to show how to fly. The manuscript is enigmatic and undecipherable at first, stoking curiosity among scholars and adventurers alike. Hezârfen Ahmet Çelebi and Lagâri Hasan Çelebi begin to study the idea of human flight in earnest, inspired by the mysterious pages.

17th century Istanbul
2

Researchers begin studying flight

Hezârfen and Hasan research bird flight, testing concepts from nature and ancient designs. They accumulate ideas about lightweight frames, wing shapes, and launch mechanisms, hoping to translate flight into engineering. Their curiosity faces obstacles from law, religion, and the limits of their era.

17th century Istanbul
3

Caught examining a dead body and arrested

They are caught examining a dead body, an act considered illegal by standing laws of the empire. The authorities condemn them to execution, threatening to end their experiments. The incident marks the first clash between forbidden science and strict rule.

17th century Istanbul
4

The Sultan intervenes and orders a court trial

The Sultan intervenes to spare them and orders that their case be heard in a formal court rather than executed on the spot. The trial becomes a battleground for political influence over a dangerous new science. The outcome will influence whether the empire pursues flight as a military possibility.

17th century Istanbul
5

Murat IV endorses flight research

Murat IV forbids experiments on dead bodies but blesses the duo's research on living subjects, hoping to create a new kind of flying soldiers who could bypass walls and seas and even drop bombs. He explains the potential military value while preserving control over experimentation. The undecipherable script is introduced to him as a key element of their pursuit.

17th century Istanbul
6

Release of the girl from dungeon

The Sultan grants leniency and orders the release of Francesca from the dungeon, allowing her to join the researchers. The alliance between science and political authority grows as the girl becomes a partner in the project. The group begins to map a path toward deciphering the manuscript together.

17th century Istanbul
7

The script is Leonardo da Vinci’s

The script is revealed to be connected to Leonardo da Vinci, who had contemplated flight with wings. The text is coded, and the full method still remains unreadable. This discovery deepens the mystery and motivates the team to push for a breakthrough.

17th century Istanbul
8

Francesca and Hezârfen fall in love

As investigation continues, Hezârfen and Francesca develop a deep, romance-filled bond. Their relationship provides emotional fuel amid political pressure and scientific challenge. The couple’s trust becomes a quiet counterpoint to the empire’s ambitions.

17th century Istanbul
9

Hasan’s rocket tests and a daring ascent

Hasan conducts early rocket experiments, pushing the boundaries of propulsion. A grand launch yields a respectable altitude before he bails out and lands in the water below. The attempt demonstrates the potential for powered flight but also the peril of early experimentation.

17th century Over the Bosporus, Istanbul area
10

Decoding the manuscript and wing design

Drinks are spilled on the manuscript, revealing the cipher and making the coded text legible. Hezârfen uses both his own ideas and Da Vinci’s concepts to design a flying machine with artificial wings. The team moves from theory to a realizable mechanism.

17th century Istanbul
11

Opposition radicalizes and bans flight

The conservative Şeyh-ül İslam sows distrust and turns the Sultan against Hezârfen. The Sultan bans any further flying attempts and orders Hezârfen’s arrest. The dream of a flying army faces a sharp political counterattack.

17th century Istanbul
12

Escape to Galata Tower and final flight

Hezârfen and Francesca escape with the help of Evliya Çelebi to the Galata Tower. From there, Hezârfen launches his flying machine across the Bosporus, achieving a historic flight. The moment marks the culmination of a perilous alliance between science, love, and daring.

17th century Galata Tower and Bosporus

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 09:28

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Istanbul Beneath My Wings

Don't stop at just watching — explore Istanbul Beneath My Wings in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Istanbul Beneath My Wings is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Istanbul Beneath My Wings Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Istanbul Beneath My Wings, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Istanbul Beneath My Wings Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Istanbul Beneath My Wings

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Istanbul Beneath My Wings. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Istanbul Beneath My Wings

Istanbul Beneath My Wings Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Istanbul Beneath My Wings that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Istanbul Beneath My Wings Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Istanbul Beneath My Wings

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Istanbul Beneath My Wings: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Istanbul Beneath My Wings

Similar Movies to Istanbul Beneath My Wings

Discover movies like Istanbul Beneath My Wings that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.