Taksim Square, Istanbul

The Monument to the Republic dominates Taksim Square, but on the days we were there it was roped off and guarded by police. You could see and photograph, but only from oustide the small circular garden that surrounds it. The monument honors the Turkish republic formed by Ataturk in 1923. There is an excellent piece on Ataturk at :
http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/details/History/TurkishRepublic.html
I think every country could wish for a leader such as Ataturk.

Taksim square is also the entrance to the most visited shopping and entertainment area in Istanbul, Istiklal Street. You will also find the beginning of the antique tram ride here which carries you the full lenght of the street. You can ride the Funicular up from the seaside directly into Taksim Square.

Taksim square is probaply the most important suqare in Istanbul.
It´s a huge transportation hub and it has the freedom movement and it´s the center of the very happening part of Istanbul called Taksim.
You might also see demonstartions while you are there as that is the center for that activity in Istanbul.
Apart from the monument the square itself is not really that special, but the surrounding area is real nice and i suggest that you make your way up there when in Istanbul.

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Independence monument symbolizes former Turkish president Kemal Ataturk, his companions, also the depictions of Turkish independence war and Turkish soldiers with flags.

Momunent was built in 1928 by Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica. At the moment it is the main object at Taxim square, always full of people. The Taxim square is the final stop of old tram, running all Istiklal street and suitable more for tourism attraction than for transportation.

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Taksim sqaure is considered to be the heart of Istanbul
almost the heart of the downtown.
Taksim is located at the starting of Istiklal St. which is the most famous street and full or tourists.
Its a really crowded street full of shops,bars and resturants!
Discos are everywhere and drunken people are everywhere too.!
I enjoyed walking in Istiklal street and Taksim square very much as I went there 7 times on the 7 days.!
it was like our target everyday so we should visit everyday.!

from Taksim you can go everywhere you want by bus or metro.!
Hotel Marmara is located in Taksim area if you want to stay in its a cool one!.

Just warning be aware of gays/transexuals who are walking everywhere in this square!.
dont give them any attention as they are really disgusting when they act like women to get some money!

The picture for me and Suat a lovely turksih VT member (xsxsxsxs) who I met in a VT meeting in Istanbul.!

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From Ataturk airport we took Havas bus to the city center and the first thing we saw was Taksim square, a busy hub of Istanbul located at the European side, local buses and taxis passing non stop. Taksim (division in arabic) was once upon a time the point where the water lines from north were collected and from here branched off to other areas of the city. There is still a small stone reservoir as a reminder. For me taksim always reminds me of a special musical style in classical Turkish music.

Near Taksim you can find many 5star hotels but also some cheap ones at the side streets. It’s a good area to have as a base if you don’t want to be at Sultanahmet where you will find most of the touristic sites. I prefer the Taksim area anyway just because I want to be close to the nightlife spots. The square itself isn’t attractive because there are many fast food chains around.

The famous Istiklal street starts from here, a lively street day and night which is full of bars, café, shops, restaurants etc

Right before Istaklal you can see the Monument of Independence, a big structure that was erected in 1928, 5 years after the foundation of Turkey. It shows the figure of Ataturk (founder of Turkish Republic but also a military commander) and other heroes. It was made by the Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica.

Some times the square is used as starting point of parades, state celebrations but also as a meeting point for protests and demonstrations, that’s why the monument is surrounded some days by heavily armed policemen.

What I like most here are the colorful flowers around (pic 3), especially the tulips (pic 4).

Many people believe that Taksim is just the area around the monument but the truth is that is the general area including a nice small park opposite the monument (pic 5).

Late in the night a lot of trans-sexual gather around so have this in mind if you travel with children.

The Taksim area is always busy - the perfect place to watch people. The main street (I never recall the name) is the one where the tram goes. It's a nicely pedestrianized, 2km passageway, full of all kinds of shops and restaurants.

This big square is the centre of the modern part of Istanbul, where most of the 5 stars hotels are located and most of the “western” shops, bars and restaurants. Is a lively bustling square, full of life everyday, day and night

This vast open square is regarded as the heart of modern Istanbul. There is a small park attached to it & in the southwest of the square is the 1928 Monument of Independence. Apart from those there was little else to see, the square is a transport hub with lots of traffic.