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
I enjoyed visiting taksim square and its surroundings where you can enjoy the nice cafe's and the delisious food. shopping is great and above all it is very secured any time of the day.
Huge square, whidh at first seems just vast and open. Interesting buildings, monument & flags adorn it. Great Shopping streets.
I loved this area. It's just… filled with life. Tons of shops, restaurants, bars, music, excitement, people everywhere and lots of variety.
Wish I had more time to discover Taksim area, but the short late night visit was satisfying. Interesting small cafes and crowd, pretty much laid back and easy spot. Very cool!
We went to taksim square by the train. The statues look fantastic. The place was flooded with university students for a fund raiser. The flower shops near the square look lovely. Atrip on the tram is recommended. nice shops in istiqlal street.
The whole area was under great rework and finally the square is fully accessible again. Less cars, better kept, this place is a must for anyone visiting istanbul. Starting from here just walk into any direction and never get disappointed. Bars, shops, mosques, churches, pubs, historical sites… you just name it and you will find it !
accesible by funicular and wonderful shopping goes on for miles by foot some great sales there is an old style trolley which is on display at times
Restaurants, shops, party – it's the place to be all night long. All you need is strong legs. We happened to be there when the local club had won a soccer tournament. It was party all night long. You can keep walking and walking. When you get tired, just get out of the street and there are plenty of taxis…
Taksim square in my opinion is one of the most attractive places in the world I have ever visit. Taksim is located in the middle of the northern European side of Istanbul. It's a best choice to the tourists so they can stay there and go to all over Istanbul in an easy way.
Taksim is a great place to be, it is very nostalgic and it is always busy. The nostalgic tram that runs in the middle of the street is something to try out. I suggest being adventurous and wondering down the winding narrow streets towards the Bosphorus.