Turner Begins Construction on Istanbul’s Ziraat Bank Headquarters

Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, the Ziraat Bank Headquarters complex is situated in the heart of the new Istanbul International Financial Center, a development master planned by HOK. 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 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.