Taksim Square Istanbul:
What to See Nearby and How to Get There

History of Taksim Square in Istanbul

The history of Taksim in Istanbul is rich in events and transformations over many centuries.

Taksim has been one of the key centers of historical Istanbul for many centuries, dating back to the Ottoman Empire. At this time, the area developed as a commercial and cultural center, and the houses and shops of wealthy merchants and aristocrats were located here.

At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, during the period of modernization of the Ottoman Empire, Taksim witnessed various reforms and changes. At this time, the first European stylish buildings, cafes and shops appeared on Istiklal Street.

After the founding of the Turkish Republic in 1923, Taksim continued to serve as an important city center. At different times it was the site of rallies, demonstrations and celebrations, as well as a variety of cultural events.

Nowadays, Taksim remains one of the most popular areas in Istanbul for both tourists and locals. Istiklal Street has become a symbol of modern lifestyle, trade and entertainment. Taksim Square also continues to attract many people for public events and celebrations.

Historical tram in Taksim

The Taksim Historic Tram is a popular tourist attraction featuring a restored vintage tram that runs along Istiklal Street, the central artery of the Taksim district of Istanbul.

This tram, also known as the Taksim Nostaljik Tramvay, is a replica of the historical trams that plied Istanbul in the past. It was introduced in the 1990s as part of an initiative to preserve the city’s historical heritage and create the atmosphere of old Istanbul.

The tram follows a short route along Istiklal Street, starting from Taksim Square and ending in the Tünel quarter, where you can find the world’s oldest underground funicular. The entire route is only about 1.6 km long, but this short route allows tourists and locals to enjoy the atmosphere of old Istanbul, feel the spirit of history and take memorable photographs.

The historic tram is part of Taksim’s overall cultural palette and adds extra flavor to the area. It attracts tourists by giving them the opportunity to take a little trip back in time and see what the old trams in Istanbul looked like.

What does the word Taksim mean?

In historical context, “Taksim” (تقسيم) is an Arabic word that means “divided” or “divided”. The name may be due to the fact that Istiklal Street divides the area into two parts, or may have another historical context related to the geographical or architectural features of the area.

In which area of ​​Istanbul is Taksim Square located?

Taksim Square is located in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul. This area is the center of modern cultural, commercial and entertainment life in Istanbul. Taksim Square is one of the most famous and lively places in the area and in the entire city.

What to see near Taksim Square?

Taksim Square and the area around it offer many interesting places to visit and explore.

Republic of Istanbul Statue

The Statue of the Republic in Istanbul is located in Taksim Square and is a symbol of the creation of the Turkish Republic after the fall of the Ottoman Empire.

Construction of the monument began in 1925. It was designed by Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica.

The sculptural composition consists of the figures of the founders of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and his closest associates, the successors of his work: Ismet İnönü and Fevzi Çakmak.

The monument has two sides. On the one hand, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is depicted in military uniform during the Turkish War of Independence. This symbolizes his role as a military leader. On the other hand, Ataturk and his comrades are dressed in modern Western clothes.

The statue was erected in Taksim Square in 1928 to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic, which took place in 1923 after the fall of the Ottoman Empire and the end of the Greek-Turkish War.

This statue has become one of the symbols of modern Turkey and a demonstration of its desire for a new, independent and secular identity. Taksim Square and the Statue of the Republic were often used for public events, rallies and celebrations.

The Statue of the Republic has also become a historical and cultural symbol of Istanbul and continues to attract tourists and locals.

Gezi Park

Gezi Park is a vast green area in the Taksim district of Istanbul, Turkey. It is a popular place for recreation, walking and relaxation for both locals and tourists. However, the park has also become a center of protests and demonstrations in Turkish history.

In June 2013, the park became the center of mass protests known as the Gezi Park Protests. Beginning as a protest against the demolition of part of a park to build a shopping center, the movement quickly expanded, attracting thousands of participants opposing government action and voicing a wide range of social and political demands. The protests have attracted global attention and sparked widespread debate about democracy, freedom of speech and human rights in Turkey.

Since then, Gezi Park has become a symbol of civic activism and the fight for civil rights in Turkey. It remains a popular place for meetings, celebrations and cultural events, while at the same time providing visitors with the opportunity to relax surrounded by greenery and nature.

Ataturk Cultural Center (Atatürk Kültür Merkezi)

Atatürk Cultural Center (Atatürk Kültür Merkezi), also known as AKM, was one of the important cultural and artificial centers in Taksim. It was named after Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first president of the Turkish Republic.

AKM was founded in 1969 and was intended to host a variety of cultural events, including concerts, theater productions, exhibitions and conferences. The center was designed to modern architectural and technical standards and provided a stage for outstanding events and performances.

However, in the late 2000s and early 2010s, AKM became the subject of discussion in the context of reconstruction and changes in the structure of the Taksim district. In 2013, the renovation of AKM began, which caused heated discussions in society. Many people spoke out both in favor of the renovation and preservation of this cultural symbol, and against it, believing that this could negatively affect the historical appearance of the area.

Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Triada (Aya Triada Rum Ortodoks Kilisesi)

The Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Triada (Aya Triada Rum Ortodoks Kilisesi) is located in the Taksim district. This historical building has great cultural and religious significance related to Istanbul’s Greek heritage.

The Church of the Holy Triad was built in 1880 and was one of many Orthodox churches that existed in the city during the time when Istanbul was part of the Ottoman Empire. She served the Greek believers living in Istanbul.

The Church of the Holy Triad continued to be one of the symbols of Greek heritage in Istanbul and regularly hosted religious services and cultural events.

Cihangir District

Cihangir is a district in Istanbul. It is located in the Beyoğlu district , close to Taksim Square and the Istiklal pedestrian street. The Cihangir area is known for its beautiful atmosphere, quiet streets, ancient architecture and modern cultural scene.

The Cihangir area is a popular place to live, work and play for both locals and tourists. Here you can find many cafes, restaurants, galleries and shops. The area is also known for its cultural diversification and attracts both art lovers and young people.

The name “Jihangir” has Persian roots and can be translated as “warrior for peace.” This name adds even more interest to the area, which is truly a place of calm and creativity in the pulsating city of Istanbul.

Taksim Restaurants

The Taksim district of Istanbul is known for its variety of restaurants , offering culinary flavors from different countries and regions.

Cezayir Istanbul

Cezayir Istanbul is a popular restaurant and cultural space located in the Beyoglu district of Istanbul, close to Taksim Square and Istiklal Street. This restaurant is part of a historic building that has been transformed into a meeting, leisure, arts and cultural venue.

The building in which the restaurant is located has a rich history. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century and was used as a school for girls. The building was later restored and converted into a restaurant and cultural space.

The restaurant is known for its atmosphere, combining ancient architecture with modern design. Inside you will find stylish interiors enriched with art and decorative elements.

The restaurant provides a terrace with stunning views of the city, where diners can enjoy food and drinks under the open sky.

Leb-i Derya

Leb-i Derya is another famous and popular restaurant and observation deck in Istanbul. This restaurant is also located in the Beyoğlu area, close to Taksim Square, and is famous for its stunning views of the city and the Bosphorus.

Leb-i Derya provides magnificent panoramic views of Istanbul, including views of the Old City, Bosphorus and Galata Tower. This place is known for its romantic atmosphere, especially in the evening when the city is illuminated with lights.

Leb-i Derya Restaurant offers a mixture of traditional and modern Turkish cuisine. Here you will find a wide variety of dishes including meat, fish and vegetarian options.

The restaurant is decorated in a modern style with elements of glass and metal, creating a minimalist and stylish atmosphere. Visitors can choose a seat on the outdoor terrace or inside the restaurant.

Leb-i Derya also offers a wide selection of wines and cocktails that can be enjoyed while enjoying the views of the city.

Mikla Restaurant

Mikla Restaurant is a famous restaurant in Istanbul, famous for its modern Turkish cuisine and stunning views of the city.

Restaurant Mikla is owned and managed by chef Mehmet Gurs. His culinary delights combine traditional Turkish ingredients with modern cooking techniques. The restaurant presents modern Turkish cuisine with an emphasis on local products.

One of the main features of the restaurant is the fantastic views of Istanbul. Mikla is located on the roof of the hotel, allowing visitors to enjoy stunning panoramas of the city and the Bosphorus.

The restaurant’s menu includes a variety of dishes created using modern techniques and traditional recipes. Here you can try both meat and fish dishes, as well as a variety of snacks and desserts.

Fıccın Restoran

Fıccın Restaurant is a taste stop where homemade Circassian and Anatolian cuisine meets with love. Particularly famous for its ravioli, this place proves how harmonious wine or beer and home cooking can be. Carefully prepared snacks, daily fresh dishes and sincerity meet at Fıccın Restaurant.

Historic Pano Winery (Tarihi Pano Şaraphanesi)

The historic Tarihi Pano Şaraphanesi Winery is a popular destination in Istanbul that offers the atmosphere of an old Turkish winery where you can enjoy the flavors of local wine and authentic cuisine.

Tarihi Pano Sarafanesi Winery embodies the spirit of old Istanbul. It is located in an authentic building and creates the atmosphere of the Ottoman Empire. The decor and interior are decorated in a traditional style, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the past.

The winery is famous for its local wines, which are produced in Turkey. Here you can taste different types of wine and also learn more about winemaking in this region.

In addition to wine, the winery offers traditional Turkish cuisine. Here you can enjoy local mezes and other dishes that go well with wine.

Taksim Hotels

The Taksim area in Istanbul is one of the most popular areas for tourist accommodation, as there are many hotels of various categories, from economy to luxury.

1. The Marmara Taksim: A luxurious hotel offering stunning views of the Bosphorus and Istanbul. Located directly on Taksim Square.
2. Gezi Hotel Bosphorus: Located next to Gezi Park, this hotel offers modern rooms with city and Bosphorus views.
3. Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul: This hotel offers luxurious interiors, extensive amenities and panoramic views of the Bosphorus.
4. InterContinental Istanbul: This hotel offers comfortable rooms, a spa, a swimming pool and beautiful views of the city.
5. Taksim Square Hotel: A cozy hotel with an excellent location close to Taksim Square and Istiklal Street.
6. Grand Hyatt Istanbul: This hotel offers luxurious rooms, restaurants, a spa and a swimming pool.
7. Crystal Hotel Istanbul: A cozy hotel close to major attractions and Istiklal Street.

What shops are there in Taksim?

Taksim Square and the surrounding Istiklal Caddesi Street offer a huge variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, galleries and other entertainment venues. Here you will find shops of different categories including fashion, cosmetics, jewelry, souvenirs, books and much more. Below is a small overview of the types of shops you can find on Istiklal Street and Taksim:

• Zara
• H&M
• Lacoste
• Nike
• Adidas
• Mango
• SuperStep
• Mavi
• Colin’s
• Koton
• Avva
• Starbucks
• McDonald’s
• Burger King
• KFC
• Hafız Mustafa

Nightlife in Taksim area

The nightlife in Taksim and other parts of Istanbul is one of the most diverse and picturesque in the world. This city always has places to have fun, dance, music and enjoy the nightlife atmosphere.

Istiklal Street and its surroundings offer many bars, clubs and nightlife spots. Here you will find a variety of music styles, from live music to electronic music, as well as dance floors.

1. Istanbul Irish Pub
2. Moretenders’ Cocktail Crib
3. Balcony Cafe Bar
4. Beat
5. Orient Bar
6. Arsen Lupen
7. Zarifi

How to get to Taksim Square

Taksim Square is a central and easily accessible location in Istanbul. There are several ways to get to Taksim Square, depending on your starting point.

Metro : Istanbul Metro has the M2 line (Yenikapi-Hadzhiosman line), which has a Taksim station. This is one of the convenient ways to get to the square.

Taxi : You can take a taxi to go to Taksim Square. It is important to choose official taxis and check the price before boarding.

Walking: If you are near the Taksim area, you can walk to the square. This will also allow you to enjoy the surrounding atmosphere and views.

Bus: The Istanbul bus system provides many routes that pass through the Taksim area.

Funicular: In the Taksim area there is a funicular railway F1, which connects the area with Karaka and Taksim.

How to get from Taksim Square to Sultanahmet?

Metro and tram: The most convenient way is to use the metro and tram.

• First take the metro (M2) from Taksim station to Veznedciler station. This is approximately 3-4 stations.
• Then change to tram T1 (Kabatas-Bağcilar line) and go to Sultanahmet station . This is approximately 3 stations.

Funicular: You can take the funicular that connects Taksim area with Karaka. Then change to tram T1 and go to Sultanahmet station .

If you prefer walking, you can also walk from Taksim to Sultanahmet . This may take about an hour, depending on your pace.

How to get from Istanbul New Airport to Taksim?

To get from Istanbul Airport to Taksim, you can use several types of transport:

Taxi : The most convenient and fastest way is to take a taxi . The airport has official fixed-rate taxis to different areas of the city. Make sure you use official taxis that have the airport logo on the car.

Metro : The airport has the M11 metro line , which connects the airport with the Gairettepe metro station. From here you can change to the M2 metro (Hadzhiosman – Yenikapi line) and get to Taksim station. This may require a transplant, but it is a cheap and convenient method.

Shuttle Bus: The airport also has shuttle buses that can take you to different areas of Istanbul, including Taksim. These buses operate on regular schedules and provide a convenient way to travel.

Private transfers: You can pre-book a private transfer from the airport to the Taksim area through specialized companies.

How to get from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Taksim?

To get from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Taksim in Istanbul, you have the following options:

Taxi : There are official taxis at the airport that can take you to the Taksim area. Make sure you use official taxis to avoid problems.

Shuttle Buses: The airport also provides shuttle buses to central areas of Istanbul, including Taksim. This is a convenient and cheaper option than a taxi.

Private transfers: You can also pre-book a private transfer from the airport to Taksim through specialized companies.

Taksim on the map