Audio GuideTaksim Square

Taksim Square, at the very centre of Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district, has evolved from an Ottoman water distribution hub into one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. Imagine an open plaza alive with the sounds of street musicians, the scent of warm simit drifting through the air, and crowds bustling from morning until late at night.

Misha Pavlo

The name “Taksim” comes from the Turkish word for “distribution.” In the Ottoman era, fresh water was channelled from the northern forests to this point, then collected in a stone building known as the Taksim Maksemi. Three centuries ago, this rather modest structure was vital to the city’s daily life.

Giovanni Staunovo

As Istanbul grew, Taksim became witness to the city’s many transformations. The grand Taksim Artillery Barracks once stood over the square, but in the early years of the Republic they were replaced by a leafy park. Now, only old photographs and memories recall the lost barracks.

Ashraf Lebab

The focal point of the square is the Republic Monument, created by an Italian sculptor in the late nineteen twenties. With its stone and bronze figures, the monument honours Turkey’s foundation after the War of Independence, depicting national heroes alongside ordinary citizens, united in a spirit of pride and optimism for the future.

The buildings that surround the square each preserve a part of Istanbul’s layered past: graceful Greek Orthodox churches, Ottoman engineering, and modern hotels all speak of bygone empires and the city’s vibrant present. Here, you will find the sleek profile of the Atatürk Cultural Centre, the bright domes of Taksim Mosque, and the historic İstiklal Avenue, all meeting together in one place.

Taksim, though, has always been more than just a square. It is a stage for demonstrations, celebrations, and social change. From May Day gatherings to the Gezi Park protests, Taksim has come to symbolise the civic heart of Istanbul. Recent improvements have made the area more welcoming for pedestrians, seamlessly connecting historical landmarks with modern shops, art venues, cafés, and nightlife. Here, locals and visitors mingle in a space that truly captures the spirit and crossroads of Istanbul.