Tallest Buildings in Turkey : Exploring 25 Most Iconic Buildings

Istanbul Skyline photo by Ben Morlok

Ever wondered how Turkey’s skyscrapers blend history and modernity so effortlessly? If you’re fascinated by architectural marvels, this article is for you.

Struggling to identify the most iconic buildings in Turkey? You’re not alone. Many architecture enthusiasts face the same challenge.

Here to help, we present our guide to Turkey’s tallest and most stunning structures. With years of expertise in architecture, we understand your passion and have curated this comprehensive list.

What you’ll find:

  • Historical gems like the Galata Tower
  • Modern masterpieces like the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey
  • Mixed-use marvels such as the Varyap Meridian Grand Tower

Keep reading to discover the iconic structures that define Turkey’s skyline and transform your understanding of the country’s architectural landscape.

Historic Tall Buildings

Ankara Skyline photo by Ugur0641

Turkey has a rich history of tall buildings that date back to ancient times. Although most of them are not standing today, some of the most famous historical tall buildings in Turkey still stand tall and proud. In this section, we will explore two of the most iconic ones.

1. Galata Tower

Galata Tower photo by A.Savin

Galata Tower is a medieval stone tower located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in 1348 by the Genoese colony as part of the fortifications surrounding their district of Galata. The tower stands approximately 66.9 meters tall and has a cone-shaped top.

The diameter of the tower is around 16.45 meters at the base and 8.95 meters internally. Throughout its history, it has served various purposes, including as a watchtower, a fire tower, and a prison. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and a historic landmark, offering panoramic views of Istanbul.

2. Atakule Tower

Atakule Tower photo by Atakule Tower

Atakule Tower is a 125-meter tall tower located in Ankara, Turkey. It was completed in 1989. The tower features a distinctive design, with an observation deck resembling a water droplet, and is made of reinforced concrete. It houses a revolving restaurant, an observation deck, and a shopping center. The Atakule Tower is both a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of modern Ankara.

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Modern Skyscrapers

Ankara photo by Acode37

Turkey has seen a boom in modern skyscrapers in recent years. These skyscrapers are modern landmarks representing Turkey’s economic and cultural growth. These towering buildings are not only impressive feats of engineering but also serve as symbols of Turkey’s growing economic and cultural importance. In this section, we will explore some of the most iconic modern skyscrapers in Turkey.

3. Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey

Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey photo by Acode37

The Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey is a supertall skyscraper located in the Istanbul Financial Center in Istanbul, Turkey. It serves as the headquarters for the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey. The building rises to a height of 352 meters (1,155 feet), making it the tallest building in Turkey and Istanbul.

4. Metropol Istanbul Tower

Metropol Istanbul Tower photo by Kozbilek

Metropol Istanbul Tower is located in Istanbul and stands at approximately 280 meters tall. Completed in 2017, the tower has 58 floors and is one of the tallest buildings in Istanbul, primarily serving as a mixed-use development. The tower’s design features modern architectural elements and a sleek glass facade.

5. Istanbul Sapphire

Istanbul Sapphire photo by Mimar77

Istanbul Sapphire is located in the business district of Levent and is one of the most iconic modern skyscrapers in Istanbul. Completed in 2010, the tower stands 261 meters tall, including its spire, and has 54 floors. The building’s design features a sleek, aerodynamic form aimed at reducing wind loads.

Istanbul Sapphire is recognized as one of the most environmentally friendly buildings in Turkey, incorporating features such as rainwater harvesting, a green roof, and energy-efficient systems.

6. Skyland Istanbul

Skyland Istanbul photo by Maurice Flesier

Skyland Istanbul is located in the Seyrantepe district of Istanbul. It is part of a mixed-use complex and includes two towers, with the tallest one standing at approximately 284 meters tall and having 65 floors. The design of Skyland Istanbul is modern and sleek. The building is among the most technologically advanced in Turkey, featuring smart building systems and energy-efficient design.

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Residential Buildings

7. Anthill Residence

Anthill Residence photo by M. DNC

Anthill Residence is a luxury residential complex located in Istanbul’s Şişli district. Completed in 2010, it consists of two towers, each 194 meters and 54 stories high. The complex comprises approximately 900 apartments and features amenities such as a shopping center, fitness center, swimming pool, and spa. The towers are designed with a reinforced concrete structure to withstand earthquakes.

8. Çiftçi Towers

Çiftçi Towers photo by Johnstanbul

Çiftçi Towers is a residential complex located in Eskişehir, Turkey. Completed in 2013, the complex consists of two towers, each stands 194 meters in height. The complex is designed to be energy-efficient, incorporating features such as solar panels and possibly rainwater harvesting systems. It also includes amenities such as a shopping center, fitness center, and swimming pool.

9. Portakal Çiçeği Tower

Portakal Çiçeği Tower photo by LoudHmen

Portakal Çiçeği Tower is a residential tower located in the Bornova district of Izmir. Completed in 2016, the tower is 160 meters and 46 stories high and has a total of 192 apartments. The tower is designed to be energy-efficient, incorporating features such as solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system. Additionally, the tower includes amenities such as a fitness center, swimming pool, and children’s playground.

10. Ege Perla Residence

Ege Perla Residence photo by Kronostr

Ege Perla Residence is a prominent skyscraper in Izmir, Turkey, standing at a height of approximately 155 meters. It is part of a mixed-use complex that includes luxury residential units along with retail and office spaces, catering to a modern urban lifestyle.

11. Mistrall Residence Tower

Mistrall Residence Tower photo by Kronostr

Mistral Residential Tower is a prominent residential building located in Izmir, Turkey. Completed in 2017, the tower stands at a height of 154 meters (505 feet) with 38 floors. It is part of the Mistral complex on Ankara Avenue in Izmir. The tower is dedicated to residential use, offering modern living spaces and amenities for its residents.

See Also : Famous Buildings in Turkey

Commercial and Office Buildings

Istanbul Financial Center photo by Maurice Flesier

Turkey has a thriving economy, and Istanbul is the country’s economic and social center. As such, it is not surprising that the city has a large number of commercial and office buildings. In this section, we will explore some of the most iconic commercial and office buildings in Turkey.

12. Istanbul Tower 205

Istanbul Tower 205 photo by Maurice Flesier

Istanbul Tower 205 is a skyscraper located in the central business district of Levent in Istanbul, Turkey. Blending various architectural styles, it showcases a mix of modern and traditional design elements. Completed in 2019, it stands at a height of 220 meters (722 feet) with 52 floors above ground level. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the tower is primarily an office building.

13. İşbank Tower

İşbank Tower photo by Filanca

İşbank Tower is a 52-story skyscraper located in the Levent district of Istanbul, Turkey. Completed in 2000, it stands at a height of 181 meters. The building has a total floor area of 120,000 square meters and is primarily used for office space. It is recognized as the fourth-tallest building in Istanbul and the tenth-tallest building in Turkey.

14. Allianz Tower

Allianz Tower photo by Maurice Flesier

Allianz Tower is a 45-story skyscraper located in the Kagithane district of Istanbul. It was completed in 2015 and is 186 meters tall. The building has a total floor area of 100,000 square meters and is primarily used for office space. It is the eighth-tallest building in Istanbul and the fifteenth-tallest building in Turkey.

15. Levent 199

Levent 199 photo by Maurice Flesier

Levent 199 is a 39-story skyscraper located in the Levent district of Istanbul. It was completed in 2014 and is 170 meters tall. The building has a total floor area of 100,000 square meters and is primarily used for office space. It is the eleventh-tallest building in Istanbul and the nineteenth-tallest building in Turkey.

16. Nida Palladium Tower

Nida Palladium Tower photo by Maurice Flesier

Nida Palladium Tower, located in Istanbul, Turkey, stands approximately 180 meters tall with 43 floors. Completed in 2014, it serves primarily as an office building and includes a parking garage. This high-rise structure is a prominent feature of Istanbul’s skyline, symbolizing modern architectural and business excellence in the city.

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Mixed-Use Buildings

Varyap Meridian photo by Roaa amer zatari

Mixed-use buildings in Turkey are a combination of residential, commercial, and office spaces. They offer a unique lifestyle where people can live, work, and play in the same building. Here are some of the most iconic mixed-use buildings in Turkey.

17. Varyap Meridian Grand Tower

Varyap Meridian Grand Tower photo by WeekendPlayer

Varyap Meridian Grand Tower is located in Ataşehir, Istanbul. It is a mixed-use development that consists of three towers: a residential tower, an office tower, and a hotel tower. The residential tower is the tallest, standing at 238 meters high with 57 floors. The office tower is 200 meters high with 52 floors and offers 100,000 square meters of office space. The hotel tower is 150 meters high with 35 floors and has 300 rooms.

18. Kuzu Effect

Kuzu Effect photo by LivinAWestLife

Kuzu Effect is a mixed-use development located in Ataşehir, Istanbul. It consists of two towers: a residential tower and an office tower. The residential tower is 186 meters high with 44 floors and offers 400 luxury apartments. The office tower is 160 meters high with 38 floors and offers 57,000 square meters of office space.

19. Akasya Tower

Ak-Asya Tower photo by CeeGee

Akasya Tower (Ak-Asya Shopping Center & Tower) is a prominent mixed-use building located in Istanbul, Turkey. Completed in 2014, it stands at a height of 172.6 meters (566 feet) with 55 floors. The tower serves multiple functions, including residential, office, and retail spaces. Situated in the Akasya Avm area, this modern structure is constructed entirely from concrete, showcasing its robust and contemporary architectural design.

20. Seljuk Tower

Seljuk Tower photo by Hüseyin Öcal

Seljuk Tower, also known as Selçuklu Kulesi, is a 42-floor skyscraper within the Konya Trade Center (Konya Ticaret Merkezi) in Konya, Turkey. Completed in 2006, it stands 163 meters (535 feet) tall. The tower includes a revolving restaurant on its top two floors, offering panoramic views of the city. Adjacent to the tower is the Kulesite AVM shopping mall, enhancing its appeal as a key business and retail destination in Konya.

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Iconic and Unique Structures

Levent financial district photo by Derrick Brutel

Turkey boasts a collection of impressive and unique buildings that showcase the country’s architectural prowess. Here are some of the most iconic and unique structures that are worth exploring.

21. Folkart Towers Izmir

Folkart Towers photo by Metuboy

Folkart Towers are 47-floor twin skyscrapers located in the Bayraklı district of Izmir, Turkey. These iconic landmarks, completed in 2014, each reached a height of 200 meters (656 feet), making them the tallest buildings in Izmir from 2014 until 2017.

22. Soyak Crystal Tower

Soyak Crystal Tower photo by QNB FinansBank

Soyak Crystal Tower, situated in Istanbul, Turkey, is an iconic office skyscraper standing at 169 meters tall. Known for its distinctive, crystalline architectural design, the tower offers modern office spaces and advanced facilities, contributing to the dynamic business environment of the city.

23. Mistral Office Tower

Mistral Office Tower photo by BSRF

The Mistral Office Tower is a sleek and modern skyscraper located in Istanbul‘s Maslak district. The tower stands at a height of 216 m (709 ft) and features a distinctive, curved design that gives it a futuristic appearance. The building’s interior is equally impressive, with state-of-the-art technology and amenities such as a fitness center, a cafeteria, and a rooftop terrace.

24. Trump Towers Istanbul

Trump Towers Istanbul photo by Bill Rand

Trump Towers Istanbul, situated in Istanbul‘s Sisli district, is a pair of skyscrapers standing approximately 155 meters tall. These towers are modern landmarks in the city’s skyline, representing architectural prowess and cultural significance. Despite their name, these towers are not owned by former US President Donald Trump but by a Turkish conglomerate. They feature a striking glass-panel exterior that reflects the cityscape, embodying modern architectural design.

Trump Towers photo by Rapsar

See Also : Tallest Buildings in Spain

Future Projects

25. Merkez Ankara Office Tower

Merkez Ankara Office Tower photo by their own website

The Merkez Ankara Office Tower, also known as EGO Ofis Tower or Ofis Kulesi, is a proposed skyscraper located in Ankara, Turkey. It is part of the Pacific Construction EGO complex and is planned to reach a height of 301 meters (988 feet) with 66 floors. The tower is anticipated to be an architectural landmark in Ankara. It’s designated for office use and is planned to be constructed using all-concrete structural material. As of now, it is in the proposed stage.

Tallest Buildings in Turkey: A Recap

Ataşehir, İstanbul photo by Jose A.

Turkey’s architectural landscape is evidence of its rich history and modern aspirations. From ancient marvels like the Galata Tower to futuristic skyscrapers such as the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey in Istanbul, the country skillfully blends heritage with innovation.

Iconic structures like Istanbul Sapphire and Atakule Tower stand tall, symbolizing Turkey’s economic prowess and cultural vibrancy. Whether exploring historical landmarks or marveling at contemporary designs, Turkey’s skyline offers an exploration through time and technology, showcasing a blend of tradition and modernity that captivates visitors and locals alike.

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