Levent

Levent is one of the main business districts of Istanbul, Turkey, located on the European side of the city. It is a part of the borough of Beşiktaş which is situated to the north of the Golden Horn, at the western shore of the Bosporus strait.

Levent is in direct competition with the nearby Maslak business district for new skyscraper projects. One of the major skyscraper clusters of the city is located here, well hidden behind the hills of the Bosphorus, and not disturbing the atmosphere of the historical peninsula of Istanbul, which is at quite a distance.

Levent hosts the tallest completed skyscraper of Turkey, the 52-floor İş Bankası Tower 1 which has a height of 181m (195m including the flag spire on top). The tallest skyscraper currently under construction in Levent is the 54-floor Sapphire, which will reach a roof height of 238 meters (261 meters including its spire). The tallest skyscrapers that are planned to be built in Levent are the Dubai Towers Istanbul twins which will be constructed by Sama Dubai. The 94-floor and 74-floor twin towers will rise on top of a 7-floor shopping mall, reaching a total of 101 and 81 floors above ground, respectively.

Levent is also a name for men in Turkey. The name derives from Levend (Marine Soldier) of the Ottoman Navy. Levend itself has derived from Levantino (Levantine) which means Person from the Levant (East Mediterranean) in Italian. This was how the Italians (Venetians) used to call the Ottoman sailors, a name which was also embraced by the Ottoman Turks themselves.

Image gallery