Taksim Square in Istanbul

Taksim Square in Istanbul occupies a special place in the hearts of the visitors, as it combines the authenticity of history with the modernity of the current era and provides the visitors with enjoyable activities that have made it sit on the throne of the most prominent tourist attractions in Turkey. 

The activity there continues day and night, for the roads are never empty. Permanently, it is a meeting place for Istanbul's visitors and its vital artery.

The History of Taksim Square in Istanbul

Taksim Square is one of the most famous squares in Istanbul, Turkey, and is considered an important symbol of the city as well as a prominent historical and tourist landmark. The square is located in the Beyoğlu district on the European side of Istanbul and serves as a central hub for transportation in the city.

Ancient and Medieval Periods

The area where Taksim Square is now located was used as a site for distributing water to different parts of the city during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Water was collected from the Belgrade Forest and then distributed to public cisterns and reservoirs in the city.

Ottoman Era

In the 19th century, during the reign of Sultan Mahmud II, the area underwent significant changes. A large military barracks was built on the site that is now Taksim Square, which later became a center for social and political events.

Establishment of the Turkish Republic

After the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1923, Taksim Square became a symbol of the new republic. 

In 1928, the military barracks were demolished to convert the area into a public square. In the same year, the Republic Monument was erected in the center of the square to commemorate the founding of the Turkish Republic. 

The monument was designed by Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica.

Modern Era

In the following decades, Taksim Square became a major site for demonstrations, celebrations, and public events. 

In 2013, the square witnessed large protests that began as a movement to preserve Gezi Park near the square and expanded to include broader political and social demands, making the square a focal point for political activities in Turkey.

Importance of Taksim Square Today

Today, Taksim Square is the heart of modern life in Istanbul, surrounded by numerous hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shops. The square serves as a starting point for many vital streets, such as Istiklal Avenue, which is one of the most famous shopping and walking streets in the city.

Taksim Square represents a blend of history, culture, and modern life, making it an essential destination for anyone visiting Istanbul.

Where is Taksim Square located in Istanbul, more information about it?

Taksim Square in Istanbul is located in the European side of the city in the Buyulu area. The reason for having this name is that the area in the past was designated for distributing water to the city’s neighbourhoods.

The roads leading to Taksim Square in Istanbul are crowded all day until late at night, for being a connection point between a group of main streets, most notably Istiklal and Cumhuriyet, it includes historical places and commercial markets.

Tourist attractions in Taksim Square in Istanbul

There are various tourism destinations in Taksim Square in Istanbul, as it includes several historical landmarks, including the Taksim Mosque, which has an area of 875 square meters, consists of 3 floors, its dome is 10 meters high, and its minarets are 30 meters high. 

It can accommodate about 4,000 worshipers, and includes a digital library and reading places.

Tourists visit the Byzantine Greek Orthodox Church in Taksim Square in Istanbul, which dates back to the 19th century, 

also the Ataturk Cultural Centre, which includes an opera hall that can accommodate 2,040 people and a theater that can fit 805 people, where concerts and ballet are held.

Taksim Square in Istanbul contains markets and shops, where tourists find clothes, jewellery, and gifts they need, as well as old shops and street vendors, where artistic events and book fairs are held, and it contains a monument to the Turkish Republic signed by the Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica.

Taksim Square in Istanbul includes entertainment venues, restaurants, and hotels. It is a major bus hub and metro station. 

Gezi Park is located near the square, and Istiklal Street branches off from it. The square includes entertainment services such as excellent restaurants and stores, in addition to the wax museum, the domed church, and the Hussein Agha Mosque.

While walking around Taksim Square in Istanbul, you will see musicians and painters presenting pieces of art captivating the visitors, and if you are a fan of staying up late, you will find there a group of bars and clubs that are bustling with life until the late hours of the night.

Activities available in Taksim Square in Istanbul

Taksim Square in Istanbul occupies a special place in the hearts of the visitors, providing an entertaining tour among historical buildings and memorials, 

in addition to the amazing variety of goods for shopaholics, and the possibility of enjoying street art performances or attending a distinctive event in the cultural centre.

When visiting Taksim Square in Istanbul, you can wander around Gezi Park, where there are lavish green trees, or you can watch the national celebrations in the square, have meals in the restaurants and cafes located there, and if you are lucky to be there on the weekend with a match for one of the Turkish clubs, you will see the fans singing for their team, which may motivate you to sing with them.

Cafes in Taksim Square in Istanbul

Of course, you would expect to find the best shisha and drinking cafes here, as in any lively spot in an already crowded city. 

But you can feel a special flavor in the cafes of Taksim Square in Istanbul, the most important are:

• Manda Patmaz Cafe: This cafe dates back to 100 years ago. It was established in 1925 and was a haven for writers and musicians. It is famous for the traditional atmosphere and the smell of shisha smoke, the tunes of Turkish music. Here you find delicious local food with many intellectuals and writers as frequent visitors.
• Arda Café: This beautiful place combines traditional and modern style, and serves shisha, Turkish and international food, and a wide range of traditional drinks.
• Fayrouz Cafe Taksim: It surpasses the other ones in offering delicious sweets, and the visitors praise the location which is the closest to the market with acceptable prices.
• Tulip Café: A cafe with an elegant, modern design. It opens the doors around the clock, so it is preferred by many nightlife lovers.
• Azur Bosphorus Café: One of the finest cafes in Taksim, with a luxurious design and a wonderful view of the turquoise Bosphorus Strait. The menu is filled with Turkish and international foods and delicious drinks, as well as multi-flavored shisha. This place is considered five-star, and is not suitable for those on a limited budget.
• Mado Café: It is also famous for the traditional and contemporary oriental sweets, especially borek with honey, in addition to drinks and shisha. It is suitable for families.

Services provided to you by Reyana Tourism

Reyana Tourism (Istanbul Private Tour) offers hotel and resort bookings and airport pick-up services in Istanbul. 

They assist you in selecting suitable packages tailored to your interests in activities and tours throughout the year, covering the most beautiful destinations, diverse natural landmarks, and famous sites.

Benefit from the Istanbul tour program and sightseeing trips provided by early bookings for you and your family, ensuring a comfortable and unforgettable travel experience.

Steps to benefit from the Istanbul tour program with Reyana Tourism:

1. Pre-planning: It starts with communicating with Reyana Tourism's team and devising a detailed itinerary, including identifying desired tourist attractions and activities and determining the duration of the stay.
2. Choosing the suitable program: Reyana Tourism offers a variety of tourist programs that suit the needs and budgets of travelers, ensuring an enjoyable and comfortable experience.
3. Arranging transportation and accommodation: Reyana Tourism's team arranges transportation to and from the airport and provides comfortable and suitable accommodation options, whether in luxury hotels or furnished apartments.
4. Sightseeing: The program includes visits to famous tourist attractions in Istanbul, such as Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, the Ottoman Palace, and many beautiful museums and gardens.
5. Cultural experience: Travelers can enjoy the Turkish culture and traditions by tasting traditional cuisine and attending artistic performances and cultural festivals.
6. Comfort and relaxation: The Reyana Tourism tour program allows travelers to relax and enjoy their time without worrying about arrangements and organization, as the team takes care of all the details and needs.
7. Communication and support: Reyana Tourism's team provides continuous support during the trip, allowing travelers to communicate and address any inquiries or requests needing assistance.

When choosing any tourist program in Istanbul or sightseeing trips in Istanbul with Reyana Tourism, travelers can enjoy a unique and unforgettable tourist experience combining culture, fun, and relaxation.