Taksim Square in Istanbul is located in the European part of the city. Its name is very symbolic. “Taksim” in Turkish means distribution. This point was once used to redirect the flow of drinking water through the city, but now is used by passersby, office workers and tourists, as this location is in the center of the business and shopping districts. It is from this square begins tourist street Istiklal and business avenue Jumhuriet.
History
For locals, Taksim Square is considered a symbol of freedom and the transition to a republican system, and is the conventional boundary between the old and new quarters of the city. At first there was an important key site – a water distribution plant. By the way, it is recognized as a monument and is still there. Then the intersection of Siraselwiler Street and Istiklal Street became a major traffic interchange.
The clear military-tactical value of this area led to the growth of official buildings and barracks around it. Some of the structures were demolished and their owners were forced to relocate to other counties. In 1939, under a centralized plan, the barracks were demolished. Gezi Park was built in their place.
Taksim Square itself emerged during the Republican period. But it was in 1936 that it was decided to revive the significance of Istanbul, starting with the square. It was a prestigious project, the territory was expanded and ennobled, cultural facilities were built. Later it became clear that the space needed modernization and the emphasis was placed on the business side.
Now in Istanbul’s Taksim Square, tourist routes intersect, speech is heard in many languages, and public transportation routes run nearby. Here they hold holidays and rallies, take walks and make business appointments. Life is boiling around the clock.
Taksim sights
In developing the project, the principle of wholeness was taken as the basis and a unified design for the square itself and the surrounding space was created. The author was Henri Prost. He is known as an architect and urban planner not only in France, but also abroad. In the center is the Monument of the Republic by Pietro Canonica. It depicts Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the military advisors Ismet Inenyu and Fevzi Cakmak. If you look closely, you can also find the figure of Voroshilov there. On the perimeter are the diplomatic missions of various countries, a military hospital, a university, the Ataturk Cultural Center.
Istiklal Street starts from the square. It is pedestrian, but you can also ride on it as a passenger of the red retro streetcar, the route of which has not changed a century. Its final stop is at the funicular station at Tünel Square, which is of a venerable age even for Europe.
Up to 6,000 people travel this route in a day. It has only 3 stops, but it is hugely popular because that is where the most prestigious stores and restaurants, as well as hotels, are located. There are other famous landmarks near Taksim Square.
Galata Tower
The historical monument, which is a symbol of the city, can be seen from anywhere in the European part of the city and not surprisingly, since it is 61 meters high and is erected on a hill in the Beyoglu district. The Galata Tower has an observation deck, a prestigious restaurant and a small souvenir store for visitors and residents.
Holy Trinity Church
It is located on Taksim Square. There used to be a small chapel and a Greek cemetery in its place. In 1880, a grand building in the late Byzantine style was erected. The church is active, services are held. Inside there are several ancient icons, and a feature of the architecture are considered to be 12 windows according to the number of apostles. Inside there is a lot of light and air, the decorations are in light colors. Located next to a famous tourist street, the Church of the Holy Trinity remains an island of calm and tranquility. You can enter it at any time, free of charge.
Gezi Park
Gezi can not boast large size and is considered the smallest in the capital, occupying only 4 hectares. But its location makes it very popular. This is evidenced by the mass protest held by residents to preserve the century-old trees that were planned to be cut down when the area was reconstructed.
How to get to Taksim Square
Its position is so convenient that many routes converge to it or pass in extreme proximity, so you can come here on a tour or just for a walk from any district of Istanbul. On a tourist map of Turkey and its capital marked the most convenient options when using public transport.
Another convenient way is a cab. Especially since there are enough attractions in and around the square and they are all literally within walking distance. So it’s enough to arrive at the main point and then enjoy the hike. You can eat on Istiklal Street and relax from the bustle in Gezi Park.
A walk through Taksim Square will be remembered for the abundance of impressions and the feeling of belonging to the history of Istanbul.
