[Job Story] Liebherr 280 HC-L Crane Supports Restoration of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul
A Liebherr 280 HC-L luffing jib crane is currently deployed to restore the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, one of the world’s most iconic Turkish landmarks, with 1,500 years of history. Atilla Dural, one of Türkiye’s leading tower crane rental companies, is providing a Liebherr 280 HC-L luffing jib crane for the delicate operation: the luffing […]
machineryasia ![[Job Story] Liebherr 280 HC-L Crane Supports Restoration of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul](https://www.heavyquipmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/liebherr-280hcl-hagia-sophia-mosque-istanbul-02-96dpi_w800-696x464.jpg)
A Liebherr 280 HC-L luffing jib crane is currently deployed to restore the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, one of the world’s most iconic Turkish landmarks, with 1,500 years of
history.
Atilla Dural, one of Türkiye’s leading tower crane rental companies, is providing a Liebherr 280 HC-L luffing jib crane for the delicate operation: the luffing jib crane enables precise and safe lifting operations in the challenging environment between the mosque’s minarets.
“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.”
Explained Managing Director Turgay Dural.
Atilla Dural has worked with Liebherr since the 1980s, supplying equipment for major construction projects, including the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge. The company’s involvement in the restoration of the Hagia Sophia continues this long-standing collaboration.
Due to the historic significance of the site, installation of the crane required unique ground techniques. As 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 2/3 and approval by the scientific committee, the crane was installed on a purpose-built platform. The entire process took around four to five months.
Other site challenges included high tourist traffic, continuous pedestrian movement beneath the crane, and the need for absolute precision during lifting and lowering operations. The Liebherr 280 HC-L luffing jib crane proved to be the right solution, offering both high load capacity and the ability to work at steep angles, an essential combination for operating safely and efficiently in such a sensitive environment.
