Somewhere in the winding alleys of Fener and Balat, the former Greek-Jewish neighborhood of Istanbul, there is a hidden workshop and store that might be just what you need for your next Halloween party, New Year’s shenanigans or whenever you decide to cosplay an ewok, a WWI soldier or Captain Turkey.
Murat Efe Prop House has been in its current location for a couple of years now, yet it only recently opened a display out front, showcasing their best work and attracting the eyes of passersby.
Murat, the owner and mastermind behind the workshop, started his enterprise as a hobby many years ago, and gradually started getting more and more attention and commissions from various filming crews, private party organizers and ordinary geeks. I was surprised to learn that Turkey has its share of cosplays, comic congresses and reconstruction battles. Although the majority of props Murat sells are custom-made for films and stage plays, recently he’s been getting new private customers. As you enter the workshop, there is a full-size Warhammer-themed suit, a whole samurai armor, a crusader helmet and a massive longsword, several epic furry masks, spears, daggers and metal breastplates to protect you in battle.
Irem, who showed us around the shop, allowed me to shamelessly touch and sniff every single hatchet and mace, and climb into the front display to pose with the samurai armour. What’s on the workshop table now? A full Don Quixote costume for a private customer, a short saber and some experimental pieces to toy around with.
“One day I shall start making real swords and armour, but for now it is just light aluminum props. They’re great for filming and to play with, but definitely not cool enough,” Murat said.
Find more about the store and browse props already available on Facebook page, or direct your steps to the place itself on a rainy autumn afternoon.
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