Turkey, scrambling to revive its ailing tourism sector, is pinning its hopes on Hollywood for support, namely that of Brad Pitt, star of the 2004 film “Troy,” among other blockbusters.
Ancient Troy — one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998 — is located in Turkey’s northwestern Canakkale province, also the theater of the 1915 Battle of Gallipoli. Despite its exceptional history, the region has lagged behind Turkey’s other top tourist attractions. Ankara believes the time has come to make a change.