A modern masterpiece, Istanbul’s most exclusive real estate project: Zorlu Center
At the juncture of Europe and Asia, a new lifestyle destination has been created in the heart of Istanbul. Zorlu Center is the product of a collaboration between two award-winning architectural groups, Architect Emre Arolat (EAA), winner of the Aga Han award, and RIBA international Award winner Architect Murat Tabanlıoğlu (Tabanlıoğlu Architects). Even during the design phase, Zorlu Center, the first project by Zorlu Property Group, a part of one of Turkey’s leading conglomerates, the 60-year-old Zorlu Group, attracted international attention.
In the heart of the city, a new urban square featuring five functions
Zorlu Center represents a total investment of over US$ 2.5 billion dollars and is noteworthy as Turkey’s first five-function mixed-use project, featuring a performing arts center, shopping mall, hotel (Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center), office space and residences.During the development of Zorlu Center it became clear that one of the things Istanbul needed most was a space to host artistic and cultural events. The Performing Arts Center, which was designed as a multi-purpose culture and arts center able to host events encompassing the full spectrum of the performing arts, is a key element in the Zorlu Center project.Nestled in a green expanse, an environmentally sensitive lifestyle destination
Zorlu Center features over 72,000 square meters of green space that are home to 200 different types of plants, including 68 different species of tree. A total of more than US$ 20 million was invested in landscaping. At the heart of the project is a 10,000 square meter urban square designed to serve as a new meeting point for the city. An additional 12,000 square meter open-air park located in an adjoining square is Zorlu Center’s gift to Istanbul. Underground pedestrian tunnels link Zorlu Center to the Metro and Metro-bus, as well as serving to connect these two public transport systems. The 770-meter long connecting tunnels and 230 meters of underpasses were entirely financed by Zorlu Property Group.
An unparalleled retail experience… Zorlu Shopping Mall
As part of this vibrant structure at the very heart of contemporary Istanbul, Zorlu Shopping Mall brings numerous high-profile brands to Turkey for the first time ever and, combined with its ambitious gourmet and alfresco city square concept, creates exciting synergies with Zorlu Center’s other functions, including the Performing Arts Center, Raffles İstanbul Zorlu Center, residences and offices, combining them into what is unquestionably one of the most engaging and attractive shopping malls not only in Istanbul but in all of Europe.With approximately 180 stores, a 10,000 square meter main square, adjoined by a 12,000 square meter park square, the Zorlu Shopping Mall is a new urban destination, the centerpieces of which are its inviting squares and green spaces offering a combination of alfresco and enclosed areas.The store mix at the Zorlu Shopping Mall rivals New York’s 5th Avenue. Apple opened its first ever Turkish location in Zorlu with its iconic cubical store. Along with a 9,600 square meter Beymen department store, Zorlu Shopping Mall features the world’s most sought after global brands such as Dolce&Gabbana, Valentino, Saint Laurent, Tiffany& Co, Fendi, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Burberry, Roberto Cavalli, Michael Kors, Moncler, Mont Blanc, Vakko, Sevan Bıçakçı, Sponza, Urart, Max&Co. and many opening their first-ever Turkish locations, including Brooks Brothers, Cos, Lanvin, Pomellato, Stella McCartney, Superdry as well as locomotive brands like H&M, Beymen Club, GAP, Pinko, Faconnable, Tommy Hilfiger, Gant, Network, İpekyol, Abdullah Kığılı, Koton, Mango, Yargıcı and Lacoste.The Zorlu Shopping Mall also plays hosts to flavors from around the world, featuring restaurants by award-winning and world-famous chefs, as part of an innovative gourmet concept that presents fine dining, slow food and fast-food all under one roof. In addition to restaurants came to Turkey for the first time like Eataly, Jamie’s Italian, Tom’s Kitchen and Morini, Zorlu Center also highlights brand new concepts by Turkish restaurants including Cantinery, Köşebaşı, Günaydın, Far East and Welldone.
A world-class showplace right in the midst of the city, ‘The’ address for the Performing and Contemporary Arts: Zorlu Performing Arts Center
Featuring a "Main Theater” with amplified and enriched acoustics capable of seating 2,190 guests and a "Dramatical Theater” with natural acoustics for up to 678 guests, Zorlu Performing Arts Center brings world famous shows to Istanbul. One of the most important of the project’s five functions, the Performing Arts Center is an important demonstration of Zorlu Property Group’s commitment to corporate social responsibility.A US$ 300 million investment with a total built area of 50,000 square meters, the Zorlu Performing Arts Center is hosting a variety of artistic and cultural events ranging from the world’s top musicals and huge Hollywood names such as The Phantom of the Opera, An Evening with Hugh Jackman, Gerard Depardieu, Cats, Notre Dame de Paris, Jersey Boys, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast to concerts, recitals, theater and dance performances, as well as art exhibitions and auctions As Europe’s number-two address for musicals, Zorlu Performing Arts Center is a must-see venue not just for Istanbul and Turkey but also for the Middle East, Russia, the Turkic Republics of Central Asia and even Western Europe.Zorlu Performing Arts Center is not only the largest in Turkey, it is the region’s largest artistic and cultural events center. After New York’s Broadway and London’s West End, the third address for the world’s best musicals is now Zorlu Performing Arts Center.