Liebherr 280 HC-L Takes on Historic Challenge at Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque in Istanbul, a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 1,500 years of history, is currently undergoing a careful restoration programme. To support the complex work, a Liebherr 280 HC-L luffing jib crane has been installed inside the historic courtyard, creating a striking addition to the city’s skyline while enabling precise lifting between the mosque’s four minarets.

Atilla Dural, one of Türkiye’s leading tower crane rental companies and a Liebherr partner for more than four decades, is supplying the crane. “On a site as historically significant as Hagia Sophia, reliability and technical excellence are paramount,” said Managing Director Turgay Dural. “Even the smallest mistake could have major consequences. The Liebherr 280 HC-L gives us complete confidence and the support we need for flawless execution.”

The company’s long-standing collaboration with Liebherr has supported high-profile infrastructure projects across the country, including the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge. “In prestigious and challenging projects, options are limited; quality and expertise decide everything,” Dural added.

The installation itself required specialised engineering. Sales Manager Ömer Suiçmez explained that the crane was erected using a custom foundation system designed to protect the site’s archaeological integrity. The process involved detailed static studies, X-ray scanning and approval by the scientific committee before installation on a specially prepared platform over a period of four to five months.

With its steep luffing angles, high load capacity and precise control, the Liebherr 280 HC-L is proving essential for lifting activities in a high-traffic, highly sensitive environment — ensuring the restoration of Hagia Sophia proceeds safely and respectfully.