Taksim Square (Turkish: Taksim Meydanı), situated in the European part of Istanbul, Turkey, is a major shopping, tourist and leisure district famed for its restaurants, shops and hotels.
Taksim Square, it is considered the heart of modern Istanbul, with the central station of the Istanbul Metro network, on a normal day, Taksim Square is a mess of buses and crowds, a tangle of plazas, streets, shops and taxi horns.Istanbul Taksim Square is also the location of the Monument of the Republic (Cumhuriyet Anıtı) which was crafted by Pietro Canonica and inaugurated in 1928. The monument commemorates the 5th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, following the Turkish War of Independence.
History
The word Taksim means “division” or “distribution“. The Taksim square was originally the point where the main water lines from the north of Istanbul were collected and branched off to other parts of the city. This use for the area was established by Sultan Mahmud I. The square takes its name from the Ottoman era stone reservoir which is located in this area. Additionally, the word “Taksim” can refer to a special improvisational musical form in Turkish classical music that is guided by the Makam system. Another significant building that once stood on the square was the 19th century Taksim Artillery Barracks (Taksim Topçu Kışlası, which later became the Taksim Stadium), but it was demolished in 1940 during the construction works of the Taksim Gezi Parkı.
Today
Taksim is a main transportation hub and a popular destination for both tourists and the native population of Istanbul. Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue), a long pedestrian shopping street, ends at this square, and a nostalgic tram runs from the square along the avenue, ending near the Tunnel (1875) which is the world’s second-oldest subway line after London’s Underground (1863). Surrounding Taksim Square are numerous travel agencies, hotels, restaurants, pubs, and international fast food chains such as Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, Subway, and Burger King. It is also home to some of Istanbul’s grandest hotels including the InterContinental, the Ritz-Carlton, Hilton and The Marmara Hotel.
Taksim is also a favourite location for public events such as parades, New Year celebrations, or other social gatherings.
Taksim Square, Istanbul
We walked all down the shopping street to get there but were very disappointed when we arrived. There's not much there, and there aren't any special places to sit and have tea at nearby either. We took the tram back to Tunel and had some tea at a warm little cafe there instead.
It's true, you can find there many shops, restaurants, but no historic objective. It's very crowded, be aware with your pockets. We had no problems there…but anyway, be careful..
We saw it in night. Even at late hour it was very crowded, mostly tourists. From the square starts a long street with shops, clubs, restaurants, so there are a lot of options for spending time.
The square itself or the area has nothing special. It is overcrowded, noisy and has useless shops.
If you are looking for a spot for shopping, then Taksim Square can be a good place for you. Famous brands have their outlets here and during sale, it can be extremely crowded. The night is colorful here…with lotsa people flocking.
Not much at Taksim Square but the area has great shopping as you walk towards the square from Galata Tower and Taksim area.
Great and lively area with both locals and tourists! A must stop place for anyone visiting Turkey! Our concierge from the Edition hotel recommended this area for us to go and shop and eat and be part of the culture for the evening.
Yes, there is a small noodle resto in taksim area, they provide asian style noodle.
Taksim square is a must visit area to see the modern side of Istanbul blending with the old structures. Apart from the historical importance and the majestic statues of Ataturk,the founder of modern Turkey,the area houses some posh upmarket zones with plush swanky showrooms of big brands.It is also lined with some eateries that offer good cheap sandwiches and kababs.
It was a crowded street with lots of modern shops, u can see the fashion stuff that Turkish young people like, quite interesting. U must try the tram way. We had dinner at a fish restaurant, not bad but not cheap as well.. Worth to see..