History of Taksim

Sometimes, visitors can get the idea that Old City is the centre of the Istanbul, but it is not right. If the city has a heart, it beats from the Taksim Square where both locals and tourist’s top place to visit. You have a lot of option here because it unites any kind of restaurants, coffee shops, cafes, shopping malls, historical attractions, night clubs, passages, theatres and many more. Also it is the most cosmopolite area in Turkey with the people come from all around the world. It provides you a wide range of options to do, night or day it doesn’t make any difference for this reason Taksim is the only place that you can dance until morning or visit some top tourist attractions with your family or friends. This is really important for understanding the idea and lifestyle of modern Turkey.

Originally Taksim Square was built in 1732 under the direction of Sultan Mahmut I. It was a water distribution center which was ordered for collect the water coming from the Belgrade Forest.Therefore the Square took its name from the big stone reservoir located on the square. Taksim means distribution in English and the stone reservoir can still be seen at the beginning of Istiklal Caddesi.


Taksim is a main transportation hub and a popular destination for both tourists and the native population of Istanbul. “Istiklal Street”, a long pedestrian shopping street, ends at this square, and a nostalgic tram runs from the square along the avenue, ending near the Tünel (1875) which is the world’s second-oldest subway line after London’s Underground (1863).


Surrounding Taksim Square are numerous travel agencies, hotels, restaurants, pubs, and international fast food chains such as Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, Subway, and Burger King.