Taksim Square in Istanbul is the heart of the European district of the city, where it is a wonderful opportunity to experience its modern spirit. It is a major shopping, tourist and entertainment area, famous for its restaurants, shops and hotels. The legendary Istiklal pedestrian street originates here, where many bars, nightclubs and cinemas are located, so it is occupied by young people almost 24 hours a day. The square itself is also lively, because it is a popular and favorite place for both tourists and the local population. Public events, parades, concerts are held on Taksim, and on December 31, local residents gather in the square to celebrate the New Year.
A bit of history
The word Taksim means "division" or "distribution". During the late Ottoman period, Sultan Mahmud I made this place the point where the main water lines from the north of Istanbul converged.and then distributed to other parts of the city. Thus, the square got its name from the large stone reservoir located on its western side. Until the 20th century, the area was partially inhabited, with military barracks, a training ground and a cemetery descending down the slopes. In the 1930s, the cemetery was moved to another part of the city, and the area became open for construction, becoming one of the most revered parts of the city.
Transport system
Currently, Taksim is also an important central hub that distributes not so much water flows as public transport flows. It is not only the main crossing point for the municipal bus system, but also the starting point of the Istanbul Metro.
From the square you can get anywhere in the city, and just 100 meters away buses leave for Havas Airport. Taksim Square is served by the Istanbul Metro and Underground Funicular which connects to a modern tram line. An attractive feature of the square is the historic trams that arrive here from Independence Square. You can take the tram all the way to Tunel Square and walk back to nearby Istiklal, a long and elegant shopping street that is one of Istanbul's most popular pedestrian streets.
Taksim Square has many attractions and one of the most important monuments. This is what we will discuss further.
Republic Monument on Taksim Square in Istanbul
Designed by renowned Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica, it was erected in 1928 despite the strict Islamic ban on depicting living beings.
Commemorates the fifth anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, after the War of Independence, and commemorates the revolutionary leaders, including the founder of the Republic, Kemal Atatürk, commander-in-chief and statesman, and his successor, Turkey's second president, Ismet İnönü. In gratitude for the help of the Soviet Union in the national liberation struggle, Kemal Ataturk ordered to perpetuate Kliment Voroshilov and Semyon Aralov to the left of his figure. Since its opening, the monument has become the centerpiece of official ceremonies in Istanbul.
Atatürk Kültür Merkezi
On the other side of the square is a huge building - "Ataturk Cultural Center". In the first years of the existence of the republic, the construction of the opera began, which took thirteen years and was completed in 1969. Opened as the Istanbul Palace of Culture, it was a showcase of Turkish architecture from the 1960s.
In 1970, the building was damaged by fire and after renovation it opened in 1978 under the name "Ataturk Cultural Center", known as AKM. AKM hosted national and international concerts, operas, rallies, exhibitions and premieres. There were performances of the Istanbul State Theater, the State Opera and Ballet Theatre,the State Symphony Orchestra, the State Turkish Classical Music Choir and the Istanbul International Festival, attracting many spectators. The building is currently undergoing renovation again. Visiting the legendary AKM in the evening will allow you to enjoy breathtaking views.
Resting places
Taksim Square is one of the few parks in the city - Taksim Gezi. It is a small green oasis in the middle of the realm of concrete, where local residents and guests of the city can rest in the shade of trees from the bustle of the city. The park is also known as a starting point or venue for demonstrations and political protests. It was here that people gathered in 2013 to express their disagreement with the destruction of the park for the construction of a shopping center on its territory.
The ensuing police brutality spawned a whole protest movement in defense of this vacation spot. The park hosts massive Labor Day rallies, as well as the annual LGBT Pride parade. Be careful not to put yourself in danger by unwittingly joining an activity you didn't originally intend to attend.
Local food
After touring Taksim Square, it's time to enjoy a meal at one of the many cafes, restaurants and pubs. The choice here is truly wide - from fast food restaurants such as McDonald's and Burger King to chains such as Hard Rock Cafe. For a more complete immersion in the local atmosphere, it is worthtaste local street favorites such as islak (hamburger cooked with a special herb tomato sauce) and döner (beef or chicken sandwich), and if you prefer something lighter, delicious corn with butter and s alt is a great choice, sold by many street vendors. Ayran (cold yogurt drink) is very popular in summer. And of course, few people can resist the temptation to treat themselves to local coffee with a Turkish dessert. The square is home to the best candy stores, which you can also take home as a present for your family and friends. And since we are talking about gifts, Taksim Square is one of the best places in the whole city to buy souvenirs. Shops here offer a wide variety of goods, including clothing, books, jewelry and handicrafts.
Hotels
There are many different hotels in the square, and tourists will have no problem choosing where to stay for the night. One of them - the Ritz Carlton hotel - is perhaps the most prestigious, located in the heart of Istanbul overlooking the Bosphorus, where a breathtaking view opens from the terrace of a tall building.
This luxury hotel features an award-winning spa and gourmet restaurant. The Ritz-Carlton offers modern Mediterranean cuisine in a sophisticated setting, while the elegant RC Bar offers the widest selection of whiskeys in Istanbul.
Entertainment
Taksim Square offers locals and visitorsThe city has many options for recreation. In this part there are inexpensive bars and clubs offering all kinds of entertainment, and an evening stroll through the square will convince you of its grandeur and delight you with amazing views. Here you can spend time enjoying the beautiful tunes of talented street musicians and explore the alleys to form your own opinion about the local graffiti. In your sightseeing tour to Istanbul from Moscow, do not forget to include a visit to Taksim. It will no doubt be a pleasant surprise, no matter how high your expectations.
