Architecture of Turkey - 1980s To Present

1980s To Present

In January 1980, the government of Prime Minister Süleyman Demirel began implementing a far-reaching reform program designed by then Undersecretary of the Prime Ministry Turgut Özal to shift Turkey's economy toward export-led growth. These reforms had a positive effect on the construction industry and architecture. New methods such as prefabrication and curtain wall systems were introduced to Turkish architects and contractors in the 1980s. In addition, steel, aluminum, plastic and glass production increased which allowed architects to free themselves from rigid forms.

Until the 1980s, the government sector was the leading client when it came to architecture and construction. But liberalization of the economy paved the way for the private sector to become the leading influence. Notable architects from this period are Behruz Çinici, Merih Karaaslan, Sevinç Hadi, Şandor Hadi, Ersen Gürsel, Mehmet Çubuk, Doğan Tekeli, Sami Sisa, Emre Arolat, Murat Tabanlıoğlu, Melkan Tabanlıoğlu, Hüsrev Tayla, Doğan Hasol, Atilla Yücel and Kaya Arıkoğlu.

• Skycrapers in Levent district of Istanbul

• Isbank Tower 1 (1995–2000) in Levent district of Istanbul

• Istanbul Sapphire (2006–2011) is the tallest building in Turkey and 4th in Europe.

• Esenboğa International Airport, Ankara

• Şakirin Mosque (2005–2009)