While Game of Thrones is known for filming in Europe, some of its most striking scenes were filmed, or inspired by, locations in the Middle East and North Africa. Here are the ones to watch out for.
Aït Ben Haddou, Morocco
This ancient mudbrick ksar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Ouarzazate stood in for Yunkai, the “Yellow City” of Slaver’s Bay in Season three, where Daenerys frees the slaves and confronts the city’s masters. With its terraced walls and fortified gate, the village gave a real-world face to the exotic cities of Essos.
Ouarzazate Desert, Morocco
Often called the “Hollywood of Africa,” the deserts around Ouarzazate provided backdrops for several of Essos journey scenes, including Daenerys’ march between cities. The plains added realism and scale to Slaver’s Bay in seasons three and four.
Essaouira, Morocco
The walled port city of Essaouira became Astapor, where Daenerys finds the Unsullied in Season three. Its 18th century sea-facing fortifications and battlements were used for portraying the gritty slave-soldier city.
Could the Middle East have inspired more locations?
Dorne
The Dornish palace scenes in season five (that were actually filmed in Seville in Spain) are the most noticeable of Islamic influences as well as Palestinian and Andalusian styles, creating a deliberate cultural contrast from Westeros. Horseshoe arches, tile mosaics, domed roofs, and courtyards all display the Islamic architectural elements like
Qarth
Introduced in season two, Qarth’s cities were filmed in Croatia but the palaces and cityscape look inspired by Persian and Islamic architecture. This includes arched colonnades, intricate facades, and desert landscapes.
Meereen’s pyramids
Though they were inspired by Mesoamerican pyramids and filmed in Spain, in seasons four through six, many of Meereen’s pyramids also reflect Islamic design elements, especially in surface texture and fortress-like massing. The use of concrete and block patterning resemble ancient Middle Eastern structures.
Now, having seen this crossover, and with the new spin-off series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms coming soon, is it time for a Game of Thrones rewatch?
