Taksim Square

If the heart of Istanbul is Eminönü, its hub is Taksim…

The first architectural work built here, which gave its name to the square, was the water building built during the Ottoman period to distribute water to the surrounding neighborhoods. Although Istanbul was a maritime city, the existing water resources became insufficient due to the gradual growth of Galata and Beyoğlu in the first half of the 18th century, and transporting water to the settlements became a vital problem. For this purpose, the Taksim Maksemi at the corner distributed the stored water in various directions. The Taksim Maksemi, which once had a verse on its facade meaning "We gave life to everything with water", continues to exist today, although it has dried up.

One of the most important figures that made Taksim a 'City Square' is the Republic Monument. Taksim, which was previously a narrow neighborhood lined with old houses, was expanded during the Republic Period and attempts were made to turn it into a 'square', but a gap emerged. As a result of the formation of the buildings surrounding the square and the many political and social events it witnessed, the statue, which introduced Atatürk and the newly established order to the society for the first time with a figurative expression, came to life in this square. The 11-meter-high and 84-ton monument, made of stone and bronze by Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica, took 2.5 years to prepare and was brought to Istanbul by ship from Rome. One side of the monument represents the Turkish War of Independence, while the other side represents the Republic of Turkey. On the north side of the monument, which was placed in 1928, Mustafa Kemal is seen in front of his soldiers. On the other side, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in civilian clothes, İsmet İnönü and Fevzi Çakmak, soldiers and the people are depicted, portraying the foundation of the young Turkey. The Republic Monument in the middle of the square is used as a ceremonial place on national days today, as well as being a meeting place for those who come to spend time on İstiklal Avenue and its surroundings. Taksim Square is integrated with its inseparable parts, together with the nostalgic tram that extends from the beginning of the square to Tünel Square. We definitely recommend that you experience this tram while you are here.

In the international design competition launched by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality in February 2020, it was decided to reorganize Taksim Square according to the project that would win the first place with the votes of the people of Istanbul, and a large part of the Taksim Pedestrianization Project, which partially reduced the traffic in the square to the underground, was completed in 2013.