Once there was a time when Istanbul’s famous skyline comprised purely of its famous minarets and the Galata Tower. These days, however, that skyline can only be seen in old photos and postcards. Instead, Istanbul has welcomed the 21st century with a skyline that boasts many of Turkey’s tallest buildings. The rapidly increasing population has passed the 15 million mark and demand for housing has created a boom in real estate investment in Istanbul. As a result, the skyline has become a striking collage of the nostalgic one with a modern version that quite resembles cities like NYC or Dubai. Still, Istanbul’s silhouette is something else altogether and the updated version contributes to the dynamism of this progressive and gorgeous city. Whether you are simply visiting or planning to buy Istanbul property, a guide to the city’s tallest buildings will definitely come in handy to understand the transformation that Istanbul has seen in the last few years. Without further ado, here are the top 5 tallest buildings in town.
Istanbul Sapphire, 261m
The tallest building in Istanbul and Turkey is also the 19th tallest in Europe. Located in Levent, the commercial center of the city, it extends over 54 floors. Levent hosts several skyscrapers, but this giant towers above them all. Its terrace also gives you one of the best panoramic views of the city. It is the first ecological building in Istanbul and it is built to withstand extreme weather conditions, while blocking out urban noise. A gaze from its windy top will give you a true sense of the level of development the city has witnessed in recent years. It doesn’t matter whether you are planning to invest in real estate in Istanbul or just interested in taking a selfie 261 meters above the city. Just don’t miss the unique experience of seeing it all from Sapphire.
Anthill Residences, 210m
The twin towers of Anthill Residence in Şişli each extend up to 210 meters over 54 floors. This makes them the second and third tallest buildings in Istanbul. With panoramic views of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, these towers combine luxury and comfort with smart indoor and outdoor solutions. The area itself is home to several other mega housing projects, but these two outshine the others through their sheer sizes. Bomonti is the name of the neighborhood in Şişli that is home to Anthill and it is one of the most in-demand areas for people, who want to buy luxury real estate. From the top of Anthill, Istanbul’s residents, cars and other buildings will indeed seem small like ants.
Spine Tower, 202m
Priding itself on sustainability, safety and comfort, this 202-meter tower is located in Maslak, one of Istanbul’s primary business centers. Spread out over 51 floors, Spine incorporates luxury apartments and high-end offices. Its strategic location in Maslak and its imposing size offer 360-degree views of the Belgrade Forests, the Marmara Sea and the Bosphorus.
Varyap Meridian Grand Tower, 198m
Located in Ataşehir, home to some of the hottest properties for sale in Istanbul’s Asian side, this mixed-use development project is 198 meters long. The tower consists of a total of 61 floors and apartments ranging from Studios to 4+1’s. The residents of the tower can benefit from indoor and outdoor pools. Featuring many sustainable elements including rainwater collection sites and facilities to optimize water usage, the project also reduces energy consumption and utilizes wind turbine technology, cooling water pools that enhance the external landscape, and a co-generation plant that produces electricity for the development.
Rönesans Tower, 186m
Developed in Ataşehir, where the new financial district of the city, Istanbul Financial Center, is also being developed. Running on 186 metres, the building is strategically located at the junction of E-5 Highway and TEM Highway connection road. The building is the most significant landmark on the Asian side, incorporating office buildings, shopping centers and luxury flats.