The Ziraat Bank Towers, housing Ziraat Bank’s new headquarters, were designed by the renowned international architecture firm KPF (Kohn Pedersen Fox) and developed by A Tasarım Mimarlık. The completed pair of skyscrapers rise to 40 and 46 storeys and are conceived as the centrepiece of the Istanbul International Financial Center.
The complex encompasses 450,000 square metres and contains the bank’s headquarters along with an auditorium, retail space and underground parking. Inspired by the tughra, a traditional Turkish symbol, the towers pay tribute to Turkish architectural heritage and stand atop an 8-story podium with a striking 40-meter-high courtyard at the center.
Quick Facts
| Built / opened | 2024 |
|---|---|
| Architect(s) | Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) and A Tasarım Mimarlık |
| Address | Atatürk Mahallesi, Ataşehir, Istanbul, Turkey Google MapsApple MapsYandex Maps |
| District | Ataşehir |
| Best time to visit | Visit during clear weather when the glass towers reflect light dramatically and provide strong visual impact. Business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.) offer the liveliest atmosphere and full access to retail and dining spaces. Mid-morning (10 a.m.–noon) is often optimal for photography, as sunlight illuminates the tower façades and atrium. Weekends may have reduced operational hours and retail availability. Early mornings (before 8 a.m.) or late afternoons (after 5 p.m.) may have limited public access to certain areas. Avoid peak lunch hours (12–1 p.m.) if you prefer quieter observation. |
| Recommended duration | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
What Is (and Isn't) Part of a Visit to Ziraat Bank Tower?
| Part | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Retail spaces and ground-floor commercial areas | Included in the standard ticket | Publicly accessible on the podium ground level; specific retailers and hours vary. |
| Auditorium | Separate ticket or institution | Hosted events and performances; access depends on programming; check Istanbul Financial Center announcements. |
| Central atrium and pedestrian plaza | Included in the standard ticket | Publicly accessible during business hours; may host exhibitions and temporary installations. |
| Office towers (floors 9 and above) | Not open to visitors | Reserved for Ziraat Bank employees and authorized business visitors; not open to general tourists. |
| Prayer rooms | Included in the standard ticket | Located within the complex; access may require inquiring at information desk. |
| Restaurants and cafes | Included in the standard ticket | Various dining options within the podium; open during typical business and extended hours. |
| Roof gardens | Separate ticket or institution | Limited public access; may be available for events or special access only. |
Why Visit Ziraat Bank Tower?
The towers are defined by horizontal bands dividing each office level, while ornate screens typical of Islamic architecture surround the podium building. An enormous freestanding auditorium inside the eight-story atrium is crafted from nearly 1,800 Turkish travertine stones and 1,100 wood panels, each with unique curvature created using specialized CNC machines.
The podium contains retail space on the ground floor, accessed via entrances fronted by a courtyard, making it a functional landmark in the city’s new financial district. The architectural integration of Ottoman design elements with modern functionality makes it significant both as a workplace and urban landmark.
How Ziraat Bank Tower Is Laid Out
Set atop an 8-story podium, the two towers stand at 40 and 46 stories tall with a striking 40-meter-high courtyard at the center connecting interior and exterior spaces. The complex spans approximately 431,000 square meters and includes office spaces, restaurants, a gym, commercial areas, an auditorium with a capacity of up to 500 people, multi-purpose meeting rooms, prayer rooms, and roof gardens.
The podium is designed as an extension of the district’s public space, with retail space on the ground floor accessed via entrances fronted by a courtyard. Bridges cross the eight-storey interior atrium at multiple levels, promoting connectivity across the building. Visitors can explore the ground-floor retail, view the auditorium from the atrium, and access public areas within the podium structure; the office towers themselves are not open to the general public.
Highlights of Ziraat Bank Tower
Twin Tower Design Inspired by Ottoman Calligraphy
The towers are inspired by the tughra, a traditional Turkish symbol, which is an ornamental seal historically used by Ottoman sultans. KPF's design integrates the curving profiles of the towers and the podium, which subtly reference the Tughra—a traditional Ottoman calligraphic signature—merging contemporary architecture with a deep cultural connection. The visual effect is particularly striking when viewing both towers together from certain angles in the financial district, where the vertical lines clearly echo traditional Islamic calligraphy.
Tip: Visit the Istanbul Financial Center plaza during business hours to view the towers from ground level and appreciate their architectural proportions within the broader financial district complex.
Auditorium with Travertine and Wood Interior
An enormous freestanding auditorium inside the eight-story atrium is crafted from nearly 1,800 Turkish travertine stones and 1,100 wood panels, each with unique curvature and crafted using specialized CNC machines normally reserved for the automotive industry. The auditorium has a capacity of up to 500 people. The interior acoustics and visual design reflect both traditional materials and state-of-the-art manufacturing.
Tip: Ask at the ground-floor information desk about viewing the auditorium from the atrium viewing areas, though access may be restricted depending on event schedules.
Eight-Story Central Atrium with Multiple Levels
An eight-storey atrium sits at the center, crossed with bridges at multiple levels. A striking 40-meter-high courtyard at the center connects interior and exterior spaces. The atrium creates a sense of vertical grandeur and allows light to penetrate deep into the complex, serving both aesthetic and functional purposes for the building's design.
Tip: The atrium is best viewed during business hours when the light coming through the glass roof is most dramatic, typically between mid-morning and mid-afternoon.
Retail and Commercial Podium with Islamic Architectural References
Ornate screens typical of Islamic architecture surround the podium building, and the podium contains retail space on the ground floor accessed via entrances fronted by a courtyard. The complex incorporates both contemporary styles and influences from Istanbul's long history, including the use of wood, stone and ornate screens referencing traditional Islamic architecture. This ground-level design makes the complex accessible to the public.
Tip: The courtyard fronting the retail entrances is designed for public use and often hosts events; check the Istanbul Financial Center website for seasonal activities and exhibitions.
Advanced Elevator Systems and Technical Features
The complex is home to Turkey's fastest elevators, first double-deck and first dual-load elevators. These innovations represent state-of-the-art vertical transportation technology implemented to handle the building's 5,000 employees and complex vertical circulation needs across 46 and 40 stories.
Tip: These technical achievements are best appreciated by simply observing the efficient flow of people through the main lobbies during business transitions, typically between 8–9 a.m. and 4–5 p.m.
LEED Platinum Certification and Sustainable Design
The building received LEED Platinum certification, with features including louvers added to the glass panels on the towers' exterior. Louvers of various sizes are used to allow high-levels of natural daylight whilst reducing glare and preventing excessive solar gain. These environmental strategies make the building a model for modern sustainable architecture in Istanbul.
Tip: Observe how the façade louvers adjust their angle and density based on each tower's orientation to the sun; this is most visible from the plaza at different times of day.
Atmosphere
The two elegant towers top out at 219 meters, and including the ground-level podium, the complex covers more than 350,000 square meters. The complex feels simultaneously monumental and welcoming: the soaring glass towers dominate the skyline, yet the ground-level courtyard and podium create an intimate public realm. During business hours, the atrium echoes with professional activity and movement, while the architectural references to Ottoman design give the space a culturally grounded character distinct from international corporate architecture. The retail areas and common spaces feel contemporary and well-maintained, with natural light flooding through expansive glass facades. The podium’s ornamental screens create visual rhythm and filtering of light, contributing to an atmosphere that balances modernity with cultural heritage.
History of Ziraat Bank Tower
The concept of the Istanbul Financial Center emerged in the early 2000s as part of Turkey’s broader economic vision to elevate its status in the global financial arena. The project gained momentum with the formal announcement by the Turkish government in 2009, signaling its commitment to transforming Istanbul into a significant financial hub.
KPF completed the Ziraat Bank Headquarters comprising a pair of skyscrapers conceived as the centrepiece of the Istanbul International Financial Center in Turkey. The project was completed in 2024, though construction spanned several years. Until 2023, the headquarters of these state-owned banks were in Ankara, marking a significant relocation that reflected Turkey’s strategic decision to consolidate major financial institutions in Istanbul.
The towers were designed by the renowned international architecture firm KPF (Kohn Pedersen Fox) and developed by A Tasarım Mimarlık. The project team included structural engineer Arup, construction manager Turner International and WSP on acoustics. Ziraat Bank, an ambitious and sophisticated client, tasked KPF with designing a modern, yet culturally resonant building in a seismically active region. The result is a project that not only meets the demands of the future but also draws on the rich architectural heritage of one of the world’s oldest cities.
The podium cleverly conceals large movement joints and a tensioned cable system in the base – essential for resilience against seismic activity, a critical engineering consideration for any major Istanbul structure. The building won the International Architecture Awards 2025 and the Architizer A+ Awards 2025 for Office – High Rise, as well as a CTBUH Award of Excellence for Construction in 2023.
Tickets and Booking for Ziraat Bank Tower
Ziraat Bank Tower is not primarily a tourist attraction and charges no admission for viewing the exterior architecture or accessing the public podium areas. General visitors can freely access the ground-floor plaza, retail spaces, and public areas during business hours.
Some areas such as the auditorium are event-driven and require separate arrangements or ticket purchase depending on programming. Check the official Istanbul Financial Center website (ifm.gov.tr) for current event schedules and details on public programming.
Access to upper floors, offices, and certain amenities is restricted to Ziraat Bank employees and authorized business visitors. The complex is operational Monday through Friday during standard business hours; weekend and evening accessibility may be limited.
Suggested itineraries Ziraat Bank Tower
30 minutes
Walk through the ground-level plaza and view the twin towers from multiple angles. Explore the courtyard frontage and observe the podium's ornamental screens. Step inside the atrium to view the architectural design and the auditorium from accessible vantage points. This is ideal for architecture enthusiasts focused on exterior design and public spaces.
1 hour
Begin with a walk around the exterior plaza, photographing the towers from different perspectives. Enter the atrium to appreciate the vertical scale and bridge design. Browse the ground-floor retail and commercial spaces. Visit the visitor information area to inquire about current exhibitions or events within the complex. Grab refreshment at one of the cafes or restaurants on the podium level.
2 hours
Spend time exploring the Istanbul Financial Center as a whole complex. Walk the grounds and view not only Ziraat Bank Tower but also the neighboring Vakif Bank towers and other institutional buildings. Observe the urban design and public realm created by the podium and plaza. Visit retail spaces and restaurants. If an auditorium event or exhibition is scheduled, allocate time for attendance. This offers perspective on the integrated financial district development.
How to Get to Ziraat Bank Tower
Ziraat Bank Tower is located in Ataşehir district, in the new Istanbul International Financial Center. The site is accessible by car, taxi, and public transport.
- By Metro: The nearest planned metro station is Yenisahra Finans Merkezi (Yenisahra Financial Center), part of the extended Istanbul Metro line; check current opening dates and line coverage as the metro system continues to expand into Ataşehir.
- By Car/Taxi: The complex is easily accessed from major roads. Use GPS coordinates (41.0766°N, 29.0525°E) or the address Atatürk Mahallesi, Ataşehir, Istanbul.
- By Bus: Several bus lines serve the Ataşehir area and the financial district; inquire at your hotel or use the Istanbul Transit Authority (IETT) website for current routes and schedules.
- Walking: Once in the financial district, the complex is prominently visible and easily accessed on foot from nearby bus stops or the metro station.
Accessibility
The complex features modern, level ground-floor access with wide, accessible pathways throughout the public plaza and podium. The main atrium is wheelchair accessible. Elevators throughout the public areas are modern and accessible. The courtyard and plaza feature seating areas. However, specific information on accessible restroom locations, companion access policies, or assistance services should be confirmed by contacting the Istanbul Financial Center management or the information desk at the complex.
Food Nearby
The podium contains multiple on-site dining options, including cafes, restaurants, and food vendors within the complex itself. Business-oriented restaurants and casual dining are available for quick meals or extended dining. Coffee shops and food courts serve the employee and visitor base. For additional dining options, nearby Ataşehir neighborhood areas (within walking distance) contain typical Turkish restaurants, kebab shops, and local establishments; specific recommendations depend on the exact location within the financial district.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the plaza and ground-level spaces. A camera or smartphone for photography of the architecture. In summer, bring water and sunscreen, as the plaza has limited shade. In winter, dress warmly as the open plaza is exposed to elements. Light layers work well year-round. A notebook if you wish to sketch or take notes on architectural details. No special restrictions apply to personal items in public areas; standard bag security protocols are typical.
Best Views and Photo Spots of Ziraat Bank Tower
Plaza frontage looking up at both towers
The two towers rise side-by-side against the sky, clearly showing the 40- and 46-storey difference in height. The horizontal banding of the façade and the curving forms are prominent. The podium's ornamental screens frame the lower composition.
Best time: Mid-morning (9–11 a.m.) for strong overhead light; late afternoon (4–5 p.m.) for warm, side-angled light that accentuates the towers' curves.
Interior atrium from the ground level looking up
The soaring eight-story atrium reveals the bridges, vertical circulation, and the auditorium from below. Natural light floods through the upper glass roof, creating dramatic shadow patterns.
Best time: Mid-day (11 a.m.–2 p.m.) when overhead sunlight is strongest and illuminates the atrium's full height most dramatically.
Close-up of podium ornamental screens and archways
The detailed geometric patterns of the screens, inspired by Islamic architecture, create visual rhythm and texture. Sunlight filters through the screens, casting intricate shadows on surfaces.
Best time: Morning (8–10 a.m.) or late afternoon (3–5 p.m.) when angled sunlight emphasizes the three-dimensional quality of the screens.
Courtyard frontage with towers framed above
The forty-meter courtyard shows the towers rising symmetrically beyond, with the ground-level retail entries and landscaping visible. Pedestrian activity and movement add life to the composition.
Best time: Mid-morning on weekdays when business foot traffic creates dynamic human elements; early evening for warm light and fewer crowds.
Façade detail showing louver systems and horizontal banding
Up close, the glass panels, horizontal metal banding, and adjustable louver systems reveal the sustainable design. The precision of the façade construction is evident.
Best time: Overcast days provide even light to show façade details without glare; clear morning light also works well.
Photography Rules
Photography is freely permitted in all public areas, including the plaza, podium, and accessible interior spaces. The twin towers are striking subjects from numerous angles around the complex. The architectural details of the screens, louvers, and façade bands provide good close-up subjects. Tripods and professional camera equipment are generally acceptable in public areas; confirm with the information desk if setting up for extended shooting. Drone photography is subject to Turkish aviation authority regulations and likely restricted in the busy financial district; check local regulations. Flash photography in the atrium does not disturb operations but be respectful of anyone working in the space.
Family Suitability
The complex is suitable for families interested in modern architecture and urban design. The ground-floor plaza and podium are accessible and safe for walking with children and strollers. Wide pathways and open spaces make navigation easy. The atrium is visually impressive for all ages. Dining and retail options provide breaks. However, this is primarily a commercial/office complex rather than a children's attraction; children may find a 1–2 hour visit sufficient unless concurrent events or exhibitions are scheduled. The complex offers no playgrounds or child-specific amenities, but the open air and scale of the architecture provide interest for observant families. Older children interested in architecture and urban planning will find the design rewarding.
Istanbul Vibes Tips
- Visit on a clear day to see the full visual impact of the towers and their reflection in the sky. Overcast days limit the dramatic lighting and color contrasts in the glass and metallic surfaces.
- The atrium is most impressive from multiple vantage points; walk around the perimeter and cross the bridges if accessible to appreciate the full three-dimensional design. Each viewpoint reveals different aspects of the architecture.
- Check the Istanbul Financial Center website or the information desk for current exhibitions, auditorium events, or temporary installations that may be occurring. These can enhance your visit with curated experiences beyond the architecture itself.
- Photography is best during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) to avoid crowds in the plaza and atrium. Weekdays are quieter than weekends for unobstructed views.
- The complex is an active workplace. Be respectful of employee movements and building operations; avoid blocking entrances or high-traffic areas. The public spaces are designed for observation, not extended lingering in work zones.
- Bring water and wear comfortable shoes. The plaza is expansive and there is limited shade; walking around the full complex and exterior can take 45 minutes to an hour depending on pace and stops.
Explore Nearby Ziraat Bank Tower
Sights near Ziraat Bank Tower
Aşiyan Museum – about 700 m away (~11 min walk) · typical visit: 1–1.5 hours3 min on foot from Aşiyan metro, Open 09:00–17:00, closed MonMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Küçüksu Pavilion – about 850 m away (~14 min walk) · typical visit: 1–2 hours13 min on foot from Aşiyan metroMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Rumeli Fortress – about 950 m away (~15 min walk) · typical visit: 1–2 hours7 min on foot from Aşiyan metro, Open 09:00–17:00, closed MonMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Anatolian Fortress – about 1.3 km away (~22 min walk) · typical visit: 1–2 hoursOpen 10:00–17:30, closed MonMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge – about 1.8 km away (~30 min walk) · typical visit: 30 minutes to 1 hourOpen 24 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Borusan Contemporaryabout 2.1 km away · typical visit: 1.5–2 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Metro stations near Ziraat Bank Tower
Aşiyan – about 500 m away (~8 min walk)Open daily 06:00–00:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Boğaziçi Üniversitesi – about 1.1 km away (~18 min walk)Open daily 06:00–00:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Restaurants and cafes near Ziraat Bank Tower
Sankai by Nagaya – about 700 m away (~12 min walk)12 min on foot from Etiler metroMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Nightlife near Ziraat Bank Tower
Taps Bebek – about 400 m away (~7 min walk)4 min on foot from Aşiyan metroMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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FAQ: Ziraat Bank Tower
Is Ziraat Bank Tower open to the public?
The ground-floor plaza, podium, and public areas are open to visitors at no charge. The office towers themselves (floors 9 and above) are restricted to employees and authorized business visitors. Retail, dining, and the central atrium are accessible to the public during business hours.
What is the architecture inspired by?
The twin towers are inspired by the tughra, a traditional Ottoman calligraphic signature historically used as a royal seal. The curving profiles of the towers and podium together subtly recreate the vertical lines and sweeping forms of this ancient script, merging contemporary design with Turkish cultural heritage.
Can I visit the auditorium inside?
The auditorium is an event-driven space that hosts performances and conferences. Access depends on scheduled programming. Inquire at the information desk or check the Istanbul Financial Center website for upcoming events open to the public.
Is there parking available?
The complex includes seven levels of underground parking designed for employees and registered visitors. Public visitor parking may be limited; inquire at the information desk about guest parking options.
Are there restaurants inside the complex?
Yes. Multiple dining options including restaurants, cafes, and food vendors operate within the podium and ground-floor retail spaces. Hours are typically aligned with business operations, though some venues may extend into evening.
How do I get to Ziraat Bank Tower?
By metro: The Yenisahra Finans Merkezi station serves the financial district; check current opening dates as the line is still expanding. By car/taxi: Use the address Atatürk Mahallesi, Ataşehir, Istanbul, or GPS coordinates. By bus: Several lines serve Ataşehir; check IETT (Istanbul Transit Authority) for current routes.
When is it best to visit?
Business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.) offer full access to retail and dining. Mid-morning (10 a.m.–noon) is optimal for photography and viewing. Clear weather days are best to appreciate the towers and their reflections. Weekday visits are quieter than weekends.
Is it free to look at the towers from the plaza?
Yes, completely free. Walking through the plaza, viewing the exterior architecture, accessing the courtyard, and exploring public podium areas are all free of charge. Only certain paid events or exhibitions might have entry fees.
Istanbul Vibes is a one-person project. A coffee keeps it going
Hotels near Ziraat Bank Tower
- Boğaziçi Üniversitesi Misafirhanesi (450 m) Check prices (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
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Restaurants near Ziraat Bank Tower
- Suna'nın Yeri (550 m) Google Maps
Distances are straight-line, from OpenStreetMap data.
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