Taksim Square History and Features – ISTANBUL
Taksim Square is a major public square and transportation hub in Istanbul, Turkey. It is located in the European part of the city, at the eastern end of the Istiklal Avenue. Taksim Square is a major tourist destination and a symbol of modern Istanbul.
It is surrounded by hotels, shopping centers, and cultural and historical sites, such as the Taksim Republic Art Gallery and the Monument of the Republic.
The square is also a major transportation hub, with the Taksim metro station and numerous bus and taxi lines converging there. The square has a long history, dating back to the early 19th century, and has been a site of political protests and other events in modern Turkish history.
What is the History of Taksim Square?
The square was first laid out in the early 19th century, during the Ottoman Empire, and the first buildings around the square were constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the 1920s, Taksim Square became an important center of trade and commerce in Istanbul, with the construction of the Grand Bazaar and other commercial buildings.
In the 1930s, Taksim Square was redesigned as a modern, European-style square, with the construction of the Monument of the Republic and other public works. The square has been the site of many political protests and other events in modern Turkish history, including the May Day demonstrations of 1977, which ended in violence and the deaths of dozens of people.
Today, Taksim Square is a major tourist destination and a symbol of modern Istanbul, with its numerous hotels, shopping centers, and cultural and historical sites. It is also a major transportation hub and an important center of trade and commerce in the city.
Taksim Square Places To Visit?
There are many places to visit near Taksim Square, both within the square itself and in the surrounding area. Here are a few examples:
- Monument of the Republic: This is a large monument located in the center of Taksim Square. It was erected in the 1930s to celebrate the founding of the Republic of Turkey and features a statue of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the country’s first president.
- Taksim Republic Art Gallery: This is an art museum located in a historic building near Taksim Square. It features exhibitions of modern and contemporary Turkish art, as well as special exhibitions of international artists.
- Istiklal Avenue: This is a bustling pedestrian street located just steps from Taksim Square. It is lined with restaurants, cafes, shops, and cultural and historical sites, such as the St. Antoine Church and the Galatasaray Lycée.
- Galata Tower: This is a historic tower located a short walk from Taksim Square. It offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck and is also home to a restaurant and a cafe.
- Grand Bazaar: This is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, located a short distance from Taksim Square. It is a must-see destination for shopping, with thousands of stalls selling a wide variety of goods, including jewelry, ceramics, textiles, and more.
These are just a few examples of the many places to visit near Taksim Square. There are many other cultural, historical, and recreational sites in the area, so you should have no trouble finding something to see and do during your visit.
What are the Taksim Square accommodation places?
There are many hotels, hostels, and other accommodations located near Taksim Square, ranging from budget to luxury options. Here are a few examples:
- The Marmara Taksim: This is a luxurious 5-star hotel located just steps from Taksim Square. It features stylish guest rooms and suites, a fitness center, a rooftop pool, and a restaurant with panoramic views of the city.
- The House Hotel Galatasaray: This is a 4-star hotel located a short walk from Taksim Square. It features modern guest rooms and suites, a fitness center, a rooftop terrace, and a restaurant and bar.
- Taksim Square Hostel: As the name suggests, this is a budget-friendly hostel located in the heart of Taksim Square. It offers private rooms and dormitory beds, as well as a shared kitchen and a common area with a TV.
- Istiklal Hostel: This is another budget-friendly hostel located a short walk from Taksim Square. It offers private rooms and dormitory beds, as well as a shared kitchen and a common area with a TV and a pool table.
There are many other accommodations located near Taksim Square, so you should have no trouble finding a place to stay that meets your needs and budget.
