Taksim Square is located in the district of Beyoğlu on İstiklal Caddesi in the city of Istanbul, Turkey. The square is a thriving representation of modern Turkey and a popular tourist attraction equipped with many historical monuments. Taksim Square is a landmark melting pot of the country’s cultural roots and present day leisure.
The Independence Monument is the most important attraction in Taksim Square, a symbol of the Republic of Turkey. Directly across from the monument stands the Ataturk Cultural Centre, a current site of many theatrical performances, exhibitions, and events. In addition to these historical attractions, the area abounds with restaurants, shops, pubs, and entertainment venues.
Taksim Square is a major transportation centre for the city of Istanbul, boasting the endpoint station of the Istanbul Metro Network, Hacıosman-4. Levent-Taksim-Yenikapı. From here the Kabataş-Taksim Funicular line connects with the Kabataş tramway station, making for extremely fast access to the area. Taksim Square also contains a dominant public bus transfer station.
First constructed by Sultan Mahmud I, Taksim Square began as a meeting point of the city’s major waterways as it was located near a primary public reservoir. Many of the modern buildings and restaurants were built on the grounds of the Talimhane, originally part of the Ottoman barracks.