Taksim

The most important monument in Taksim Square is the Independence Monument (Istiklal Aniti in Turkish), at the beginning of Istiklal pedestrian street. This is also the turnaround point for the red old tram which is the only vehicle permitted on Istiklal Street beside police and government cars.

The monument was made by the Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica and opened in 1928, it commemorates Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic, in both of his roles; a military commander-in-chief and a statesman. Since it's opening, the monument became the center spot of official ceremonies.

On its south facade overlooking the Siraselviler Street, there is Ataturk, Ismet Inonu and Fevzi Cakmak in the front and other figures behind them symbolizing the foundation of the Republic. On the north facade overlooking at Cumhuriyet Street, the War of Independence is symbolized. On the east and west facades, the Turkish Army is symbolized with a soldier holding the Turkish Flag.

Across this monument, on the other side of the Square, there is the huge settlement of Ataturk Cultural Center. The changing urban life after the establishment of the Republic pointed out that an opera building was a great need and necessity. After a long construction period of 13 years, opening under the name of Istanbul Cultural Palace in 1969 and suffering a great damage because of a fire in 1970, the place was given the name of Ataturk Cultural Center in 1978, known as AKM in Turkish. Today many national and international concerts, meetings, exhibitions and premiers are made in AKM, especially performances of Istanbul State Theaters, State Opera and Ballet, State Symphony Orchestra, State Turkish Classic Music Chorus, and International Istanbul Festival attract lots of spectators.

During the late Ottoman period Sultan Mahmut I arranged Taksim as a point where the main water lines from north of Istanbul were collected and branched off to other parts of the city. Therefore the Square took its name from the big stone reservoir located on the west side of the square (taksim means distribution in Turkish).

During some of the daily city tours in Istanbul you may have a chance to pass thru this big Square.