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
Turkish food on the streets, very interesting. Many tourists in this area, expensive shops, when you get tired theres a train to take you round. Ice cream is mouth watering. You cant get tired of walking around this place.
Lots of tourists, hustle and bustle of locals coming and going, great shopping and cafes… awesome people watching. I felt safe walking at night, no issues. Great place to see Modern Turkey and its young crowd gather. Loved the energy! I love Istanbul.
Huge paved square on top of the Taksim hill, busy place day or night, area full of hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes, tourist shops. Top end of the pedestrian street and end of the trolly car from Golden Horn, amazing for people watching and tourist shopping. Not much history but a great place.
The Kabatas funicular takes you directly to Taksim Square. It's the perfect rendezvous to start your shopping along Istiklal Caddesi. The pedestrian walkway takes you to the Galata Tower.
I loved the area, its modern, clean, people of all ages and countries. I felt very comfortable.
A multi purpose square full of fun and may be one of the busiest I have seen.
You can find anything in Taksim, especially on the Istiklal Street the street was super crowded!There are lots of restaurants, bars, cafés and especially the rooftop cafés are very nice.
At least from what I could find in a Sunday morning walk, Taksim square doesn't have much to offer. It's however a starting point to see the Galata area and other location in this neghborhood. One tip is to ride the nostalgic tramway which runs from Taksim down to Tunel.
Taksim is the most useful area in Istanbul. you could find the main transfer ways and station in there. Also many nice hotels and shopping centers around and closely. But please be careful, never and never eat at street side restaurants!
Taksim is a nice area, where you can enjoy the modern atmosphere and daily life. It is also interesting location historically and for me a must place to visit in Istanbul. Walk down the Istikal Avenue, full of shops and restaurants.