Liebherr Crane Supports Restoration of Hagia Sopia Mosque in Istanbul

• A Liebherr 280 HC-L luffing jib crane plays a key role in the sensitive restoration of the Hagia Sophia Mosque in Istanbul
• Long-standing Liebherr partner Atilla Dural relies on the crane’s precision, reliability, and technical support for this historically significant project
• Special foundation techniques and careful planning ensured installation without underground excavation in a highly sensitive environment

The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, one of the world’s most iconic landmarks with 1,500 years of history, is currently undergoing restoration. To carry out the highly sensitive work, a Liebherr 280 HC-L luffing jib crane has been installed, becoming a temporary but striking addition to Istanbul’s skyline. The luffing jib crane enables precise and safe lifting operations in the challenging environment between the mosque’s minarets.

Atilla Dural, one of Türkiye’s leading tower crane rental companies and a Liebherr partner since the 1980s, is providing a Liebherr 280 HC-L luffing jib crane for this extraordinary project. Managing Director Turgay Dural explained: “In projects as sensitive and historically significant as the Hagia Sophia Mosque, technical competence must be matched by absolute reliability. Even the smallest error could have serious consequences, which is why we chose the Liebherr 280 HC-L. Liebherr gives us complete confidence and technical support which is essential for flawless execution.”

Long-standing partnership

For Atilla Dural, contributing to the Hagia Sophia restoration is both a responsibility and a source of pride. “Our long-standing partnership with Liebherr has enabled us to play an active role in many prestigious projects, including the 1915 “Çanakkale Bridge”,” Dural continues. “In such projects, options are limited, technical expertise and quality are decisive factors. With Liebherr, we know we can deliver to the highest standards.”

Special foundation work and sensitive lifting operations

Due to the historic significance of the site, installation of the crane required unique ground techniques. Sales Manager Ömer Suiçmez explained: “The crane was erected without underground excavation, using an anchored ground system based on special static calculations. After site analyses, X-ray tests and approval by the scientific committee, the crane was installed on a purpose-built platform. The entire process took around four to five months.”

The decision to use a luffing jib crane was key to meeting the project’s unique challenges. “The Liebherr 280 HC-L allows lifting operations between the mosque’s minarets with precision and safety,” said Suiçmez. “High tourist traffic, pedestrians moving under the crane, and the need for absolute accuracy in lifting and lowering meant that this crane was the ideal choice. Its ability to operate at steep angles combined with high load capacity offered the flexibility we needed in such a sensitive environment.”

The restauration of this iconic landmark proves again that Liebherr cranes are equipped to handle extraordinary conditions and sensitive construction environments.

About the Liebherr Tower Cranes Division

More than seven decades of experience have made Liebherr a recognised specialist for lifting technology on all types of construction sites. The range of Liebherr Tower Cranes encompasses an extensive selection of high-quality tower cranes that are used worldwide. This includes fast-erecting, top-slewing, luffing jib and special-purpose cranes as well as mobile construction cranes. In addition to these products, Liebherr also offers a wide range of services that complete the company’s portfolio: Tower Crane Solutions, the Tower Crane Center and Tower Crane Customer Service.

About the Liebherr Group

The Liebherr Group is a family-run technology company with a highly diversified product portfolio. The company is one of the largest manufacturers of construction equipment in the world. It also provides high-quality, user-oriented products and services in a wide range of other areas. The Liebherr Group includes over 150 companies across all continents. In 2024, it employed more than 50,000 staff and achieved combined revenues of over 14 billion euros. Liebherr was founded by Hans Liebherr in 1949 in the southern German town of Kirchdorf an der Iller. Since then, the staff have been pursuing the goal of achieving continuous technological innovation, and bringing industry-leading solutions to its customers.  www.liebherr.com