Turner Begins Construction on Istanbul’s Ziraat Bank Headquarters

The IIFC district will house the head offices of Turkey’s financial governing bodies, state-owned and private banks, and related businesses. 

 “Ziraat Bank Headquarters is another important win for our regional operations,” said Project Director Mehmet Genc, adding that local talent who have been trained and developed on recent projects in Turkey—such as Kaplankaya and Emaar Square—are well-positioned to serve the client and deliver the project. He also noted that the rigorous schedule has the potential to be a challenge. “The project’s architectural requirements make the 36-month construction schedule particularly demanding, but Turner’s global expertise on similar projects will guide the project team’s collaborative execution,” he said. 

The 426,000-square-meter (4,585,400-square-foot) Ziraat project includes two towers of 46 and 40 stories, joined by an eight-story podium with commercial, retail, and banking service components, as well as seven stories below ground for parking and technical services. And, as the centerpiece of the IIFC district, the building features unique architectural and design elements. For example, in the middle of the central atrium there is an auditorium that is expected to host many events, bringing the public in and turning the building into a living place. 

The project is seeking LEED Gold certification, and all construction work will be carried out to support sustainability goals including reduction of pollution, prioritizing environmental protection, and properly tracking waste management and disposal. 

This is Turner’s second bank tower project in Turkey. The first was Turkiye Is Bankasi, which became the tallest building in Turkey when it was completed in 2000. Reflecting on that first bank, and looking ahead with optimism to the completion of the Ziraat Headquarters, Mehmet added, “The project will exemplify Turner’s high standards and our experience with building high rise projects in the region,” and added that the project will strengthen Turner’s portfolio in Istanbul, the center of the company’s European operations.

The Ziraat Bank Headquarters is scheduled for completion in 2021.