![\"places](\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/taksim-gezilecek-yerler-taksim-meydani-.jpg\")
Taksim Square and Taksim Republic Monument<\/b><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Our tour of Taksim\u2019s attractions begins at Taksim Square, the heart of the neighborhood. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, some historical background: The word \u201ctaksim\u201d means \u201cdivision\u201d in Arabic and Ottoman Turkish; the square is named for the Ottoman-era stone reservoir in the area, which was Istanbul\u2019s main reservoir, and where water lines from the north of the city were collected, divided and branched off to other areas. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now considered one of \u0130stanbul\u2019s most popular tourist destinations, Taksim Square is centered around the Taksim Republic Monument, designed by Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica and unveiled on August 8, 1928, in a ceremony attended by 30,000 people.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Two iconic buildings: Atat\u00fcrk Cultural Center and Taksim Mosque<\/b><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Our first stop in Taksim is the Taksim Mosque, which opened in 2021 and features numerous engineering innovations. Set in the triangle-shaped conjunction of Taksim Square, \u0130stiklal Street, and Tarlaba\u015f\u0131 Boulevard, the Taksim Mosque has four entrances, including the main one. It is the first and only mosque built using the \u201ctop-down\u201d system. Modelled on 19th-century Beyo\u011flu-style architecture, the mosque includes a spacious worship area, an exhibition hall, a soup kitchen, and a library.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Atat\u00fcrk Cultural Center has a long history. The first Atat\u00fcrk Cultural Center building, located on the eastern side of Taksim Square, was opened on April 12, 1969 as the \u0130stanbul K\u00fclt\u00fcr Saray\u0131 (\u0130stanbul Palace of Culture), to stage performances by the State Opera, State Ballet and State Theaters. On November 27, 1970, a fire broke out during the staging of Arthur Miller\u2019s play The Witch\u2019s Cauldron. The fire caused significant damage to the building, due to the lengthy time it took to bring it under control. Eventually, the building was repaired and reopened in October 1978 as the Atat\u00fcrk Cultural Center. Serving until the 2000s, the Atat\u00fcrk Cultural Center building was designated for restoration. On October 29, 2021, the new Atat\u00fcrk Cultural Center reopened with a grand ceremony. This iteration of the Atat\u00fcrk Cultural Center includes highly functional cultural units such as a large Opera Hall with 2,040 seats, a Theater Hall with 781 seats, and the AKM Gallery.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Two iconic streets: S\u0131raselviler and \u0130stiklal<\/b><\/p><\/h2>\n\n\n\n If you stand in front of the Republic Monument in Taksim Square, with the Taksim Mosque at your right, you will see two roads: The street with the tramway identified with Taksim is the famous \u0130stiklal Street; the street on the left is S\u0131raselviler, which was the heart of Taksim\u2019s nightlife for many years. You can reach Cihangir by walking down S\u0131raselviler Street. For now, we will head towards \u0130stiklal Street.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hagia Triada Greek Orthodox Church<\/b><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n Set southwest of Taksim Square and opened for worship in 1880, the Hagia Triada Greek Orthodox Church is an important building identified with Taksim Square.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u0130stiklal Street: Galatasaray Square and beyond<\/b><\/p><\/h2>\n\n\n\n When you enter \u0130stiklal Street from Taksim Square, you\u2019re greeted by a large crowd. This is one of the most cosmopolitan neighborhoods in \u0130stanbul, where residents, tourists and peddlers congregate, and shops and restaurants contribute to a vibrant urban rhythm. Passages \u2013 side streets \u2013 run along \u0130stiklal Street all the way to Galatasaray Square. Number 207 marks the Atlas Passage, erected in 1877 and one of the liveliest passages in Beyo\u011flu. In addition to the Atlas Cinema and Stage, the passage contains clothing and jewelry shops. Halep Passage, opposite Atlas Passage, also features colorful, alternative shops. \u00c7i\u00e7ek Pasaj\u0131 (Flower Passage), a symbol of Beyo\u011flu nightlife, stands out for its atmosphere and architecture. Inspired by Italian architecture, Aznavur Passage, overlooking Galatasaray Square where Galatasaray High School is located, is home to handicraft and souvenir shops.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just before you reach Galatasaray Square from the Taksim direction, you\u2019ll see the famous Bal\u0131k Pazar (Fish Market) on your right. Street delicacies like kokore\u00e7 and mussels are served in laid-back restaurants along the passage; the nearby Nevizade Street is a well-known nightlife destination with taverns and bars.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n Galatasaray High School<\/b><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n Located at 159 \u0130stiklal Street, the stately Galatasaray High School, also known as Mekteb-i Sultani (Galatasaray Imperial High School), is a Beyo\u011flu landmark. Founded in 1481 by Sultan Bayezid II, the school\u2019s mission was to provide a quality education to Muslim and non-Muslim children living in Ottoman lands. The long list of distinguished Galatasaray High School graduates include figures such as Tevfik Fikret, Abdi \u0130pek\u00e7i and Bar\u0131\u015f Man\u00e7o.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n Historical Galatasaray Hamam<\/b><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n The historical Galatasaray Hamam was built at the same time as Galatasaray High School, within the Galatasaray Complex. Today, you can see this building at the end of the street when you take the first left on \u0130stiklal Street before you reach Galatasaray High School. If you have time, you can even experience a Turkish bath.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n Towards the T\u00fcnel<\/b><\/p><\/h2>\n\n\n\n From Galatasaray Square, we walk towards the T\u00fcnel. As we mentioned, T\u00fcnel and Taksim Square are the anchors of \u0130stiklal Street. Immediately after Galatasaray Square, to your left, is Yeni \u00c7ar\u015f\u0131 Street and the Tomtom neighborhood. In this area, you\u2019ll find nightspots like Markus Tavern or gourmet restaurants like Hodan, as well as the German Cultural Center, bookstores and design boutiques. If you continue down Yeni \u00c7ar\u015f\u0131 Street, the road will become Bo\u011fazkesen street and eventually terminate at a small park and the Tophane tram station.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, between Galatasaray Square and T\u00fcnel, \u0130stiklal Street houses numerous chain stores, boutiques and galleries, including Salt Beyo\u011flu, which is described later. Closer to T\u00fcnel, to the right, is Asmal\u0131 Mescit, an area known for taverns, cafes and performance venues, as well as bookstores and antique shops. On the opposite side of \u0130stiklal is the Kumbarac\u0131 Slope, where the Michelin-starred Yeni Lokanta serves modern Turkish cuisine. You can also take a breather at the Tophane Pier, which has been the subject of songs.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back on \u0130stiklal, T\u00fcnel, the last stop of the famous street, offers its own charms. There\u2019s Casa Botter, one of Beyo\u011flu\u2019s most beautiful buildings (more below), or you can hop on the Historic T\u00fcnel Funicular Line and continue to Karak\u00f6y. Alternatively, you can keep walking from \u0130stiklal, down Galip Dede Road, and visit the Galata Mevlevihanesi Museum and the Galata Tower, another \u0130stanbul landmark. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cihangir and \u00c7ukurcuma <\/b><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n Near Taksim Square are Cihangir and \u00c7ukurcuma, a pair of neighborhoods that stand out with their bohemian charm. Featuring stylish coffee shops and caf\u00e9-restaurants, along with antique shops, boutiques and art galleries, these picturesque districts are favorite areas for coffee dates and strolling. You can visit Firuz Aga Mosque and then the Cihangir Mosque, which has lovely Bosphorus views. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n St. Antoine Church<\/b><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n St. Antoine Catholic Church, at 171 \u0130stiklal Street, is the largest Catholic church in T\u00fcrkiye. The first building on the site was erected in the mid-1700s, and later rebuilt in the early 20th century. Set behind a gate, the complex includes the majestic church, along with two apartment buildings and a gallery. The church can be visited on weekdays and Saturdays between 08.00-19.30 and Sundays between 10.00-19.30.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n Casa Botter<\/b><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n At 235 \u0130stiklal Street is Casa Botter, one of the most important structures in Beyo\u011flu. Built in 1900-1901, it was designed by Italian architect Raimondo D’Aronco, known as the \u201cpalace architect\u201d for the Ottoman Empire. Holding the status of \u201cGrade I Cultural Heritage in Need of Protection\u201d, Casa Botter was erected for Jean Botter, the official tailor of the Palace, at the request of Sultan Abd\u00fclhamit II. The Botter Modaevi (fashion house), the city’s first fashion house, was opened here, and for many years hosted private fashion shows organized for the city\u2019s elite. Although Casa Botter remained vacant for years, the structure has been restored and now serves as an exhibition and cultural venue. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n Serdar-\u0131 Ekrem Street<\/b><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n To reach Serdar-\u0131 Ekrem Street, which is home to the historical Do\u011fan Apartment, you can follow the road next to the \u015ei\u015fhane metro stop, on the left side of \u0130stiklal Street. Serdar-\u0131 Ekrem Street is a charming street where, in addition to the stately Do\u011fan Apartment, you\u2019ll find cafes and design boutiques. unique cafes and alternative boutiques. The end of the road leads to the Galata Tower.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n Historical T\u00fcnel Funicular Line<\/b><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n The Historic T\u00fcnel Funicular Line was the first rail public transportation system in T\u00fcrkiye and is the world\u2019s second oldest, after the London Underground in the United Kingdom. The distance of the track between Beyo\u011flu and Karak\u00f6y is approximately 600 meters and takes just a few minutes. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n Galata Mevlevihanesi Museum<\/b><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n The Galata Mevlevihanesi (Mevlevi House) Museum is at the end of \u0130stiklal Street and the beginning of Galip Dede Street. Known as Galata Mevlevihanesi, Kulekap\u0131s\u0131 Mevlevihanesi or Galip Dede Tekke during the Ottoman period, the structure dates to 1491. The Galata Mevlevihanesi Museum, one of the most important Ottoman monuments in Beyo\u011flu along with Galatasaray High School, was organized as the Divan Literature Museum in 1975; it has been open as the Galata Mevlevihanesi Museum since 2011.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n Galata Tower<\/b><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n No tour of Taksim is complete without a visit to the Galata Tower, an important symbol of \u0130stanbul. Originally erected during the Byzantine era and destroyed by the Crusaders, the tower was rebuilt in the 13th century by the Genoese living in the district. It has been deployed as a lighthouse tower, a watchtower and a prison, as well as an observatory and then as a fire observation point. The Galata Tower has been opened to tourists since 1967 and now houses a museum, in addition to an observation platform with panoramic views of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dining around Taksim<\/b><\/p><\/h2>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s no shortage of places to eat in the Taksim area. From fine dining venues to vendors selling seasonal street snacks such as roasted chestnuts and sweet summer corn, the district has a wide array of eateries. \u0130stiklal is dotted with the famous Mara\u015f ice cream shops, while kiosks offering the \u0131slak (wet) burger with sauce are clustered on the left side of Taksim Square. At the Bal\u0131k Pazar, fried mussels and kokore\u00e7 are available and, in \u015ei\u015fhane, you can drop by Mis Pizza for a pie or sample Thai food at Pera Thai, \u0130stanbul\u2019s first Thai restaurant. The delicious Circassian mant\u0131 at Kallavi Street is also quite a treat. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n Museums and art galleries in Taksim<\/b><\/p><\/h2>\n\n\n\n As the heart of \u0130stanbul, the Taksim area is also home to a number of distinguished art spaces, including Arter, Salt, the Pera Museum, the Yap\u0131 Kredi Kaz\u0131m Ta\u015fkent Art Gallery and the Anna Laudel gallery.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n Arter<\/b><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n Originally located on \u0130stiklal Street, the striking Arter gallery is now in Dolapdere. The center stands out as a living and cultural platform encompassing all disciplines of art. Arter features a library and a bistro, along with a bookstore focusing on art publications.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n Salt Beyo\u011flu<\/b><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n One of two Salt buildings, Salt Beyo\u011flu, founded in 2011, is on \u0130stiklal Street. Entry is free of charge and the multi-level gallery includes exhibition spaces, an open cinema, a kitchen, a winter garden and a Robinson Crusoe 389 bookstore. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yap\u0131 Kredi Kaz\u0131m Ta\u015fkent Art Gallery<\/b><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n Opened in 1964 in a corner of Galatasaray Square under the name of K\u00e2z\u0131m Ta\u015fkent, the founder of Yap\u0131 ve Kredi Bank, the Yap\u0131 Kredi Kaz\u0131m Ta\u015fkent Art Gallery has both permanent and temporary exhibitions.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pera Museum<\/b><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n The Pera Museum, which opened in the summer of 2005 in the stately Pera district, is today one of \u0130stanbul’s most important museum-cultural centers. Built in 1893 by architect Achille Manoussos in accordance with the character of the period, and completely overhauled by architect Sinan Genim years later to serve as a museum, the Pera features permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as a caf\u00e9, workshops and a cinema.\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Taksim Square Taksim Square and Taksim Republic Monument Our tour of Taksim\u2019s attractions begins at Taksim Square, the heart of the neighborhood. First, some historical background: The word \u201ctaksim\u201d means \u201cdivision\u201d in Arabic and Ottoman Turkish; the square is named for the Ottoman-era stone reservoir in the area, which was Istanbul\u2019s main reservoir, and where […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":41555,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[145,243,147,240,239],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-41744","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-destinations","8":"category-istanbul-travel-guide","9":"category-trip-ideas","10":"category-turkey","11":"category-city-vacation"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41744","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/53"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=41744"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41744\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41752,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41744\/revisions\/41752"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/41555"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41744"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41744"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41744"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"places](\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/taksimde-gezilecek-yerler-cicek-pasaji-.jpg\")
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