Why visit / Interesting facts:
- Popular meeting place
- Busy transportation hub
Time required: 30 minutes
Public transport:
- Tünel: Taksim stop
Address: Taksim Square
Photos: (see more photos)
Photo: th0mi
Things you need to know:
- Taksim Square is the main square of Istanbul's New Districts. It lies on the east end of the busy shopping street, Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue)
- It is one of the termini of the nostalgic train that runs along Independence Avenue. The line ends at The Tunnel (Tünel), Europe's second oldest (1875) subway station
- The square's name derives from Arabic meaning 'division' or 'distribution. The city's main water line, built by Sultan Mahmud I in 1732, ended here and branched off to other parts of the city
- The stone reservoir is still in place and can be found on the southern side of the square
- Monument of Independence shows Atatürk and other revolutionary heroes. It was erected in 1928 to commemorate the victory of the Turkish Independence War
- Travel agencies, restaurants, cafés and pubs surround the square along with some of Istanbul's most luxurious hotels, such as InterContinental, and the Ritz-Carlton
- The square is the venue of many public events such as concerts and parades, New Year Celebrations and other social happenings
What to do there:
- Start your visit at the memorial to see the statue of Atatürk and his soldiers, representing the War of Independence
- Take a rest in one of the restaurants before exploring the busy pedestrian street, Istiklal Caddesi
