Taksim Square and Istiklal Street form the vibrant, modern heart of Istanbul, situated in the Beyoğlu district on the European side.
Taksim Square is a major civic space, historically serving as the collection point where water from the Belgrade Forest was distributed (taksim means “division”). Today, it is dominated by the Republic Monument (Cumhuriyet Anıtı), commemorating the founding of the Turkish Republic in 1923. The square is a critical transportation hub and a traditional site for public gatherings, celebrations, and political demonstrations, embodying the city’s contemporary pulse.
Extending 1.4 kilometers from the square is Istiklal Avenue (İstiklal Caddesi or Independence Avenue). This bustling, pedestrian-only thoroughfare is famed for its 19th-century European-style architecture, housing countless shops, international brands, art galleries, historic passages like Çiçek Pasajı (Flower Passage), theaters, and diverse restaurants. The iconic, red Nostalgic Tram runs along its center, offering a charming ride past landmarks like St. Anthony of Padua Church and Galatasaray High School.
Together, Taksim Square and Istiklal Street offer a dynamic contrast to the historic peninsula, showcasing Istanbul’s cosmopolitan history, thriving commerce, and lively cultural scene.
