Taksim
the Multicolor District of Istanbul

Taksim, which is the address of multicolor and polyphonic, named after Maxim, which was made to divide the water of Galata - Beyoglu by Sultan Mahmud I, during the period 1732 - 1733 AD.

Taksim, the heart of Istanbul, hosts millions of people every day. Every day is a meeting point of different lives and different stories. It always feels that it is the heart of Istanbul. Sometimes it hosts festivities, smiles, sometimes sadness and tears.

Taksim, which attracts attention with its cosmopolitan structure is one of the places that tourists who come to Istanbul must see.

Places to see in Taksim

There are many interesting places to see in Taksim. Both Turkish citizens and foreigners visit Taksim enthusiastically. The Republic Monument, Istiklal Street, ITU Science Center, Syria Passage, Huseyin Aga Mosque, Botter Monument and St. Antuan Church.

The Republic Monument

Republic Monument is one of the interesting monuments to see. Taksim Republic Monument was built in Taksim Square in 1928 by Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica. With the help of the sculptor Hadi Bara and Sabiha Bengutas, the monument was completed.The pedestal and decoration works of the monument, which was opened on 8 August 1928 was designed by the architect Julio Mongiri.

In 1925, a commission formed under the chairmanship of Hakkı Sinasi Pasha, the Istanbul deputy of the period,  Pietro Canonica was contacted and the monument was ordered. Stone and bronze were used in the construction of the monument which lasted 2.5 years. The monument, which has a weight of 84 tons, was brought by a ship from Rome to Istanbul.

This monument is a statue that introduced Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and the new system to the society with a figurative expression for the first time. In the settlement planning of this monument, landscaping was done considering the ceremony. Due to this plan, many buildings in Taksim were built in round plan.

Istiklal Street

It is the most popular street in Istanbul. Istiklal Street, which is a meeting point especially for young people and tourists is one of the most important places to visit with its cafes, restaurants, shopping centers and historical texture. It is also an important shopping point where it hosts all wold-famous clothing brands.

ITU Science Center

ITU Science Center is located in Taksim inside Istanbul Technical University. ITU Science Center was opened in 2007 to entertain children and encourage science.The science center was established on an area of 3,500 square meters and consists of 120 educational units.

All theoritical information about energy, mechanics, DNA, airplane, space, waves, physics and sound are taught to children by teachers in the center. ITU Science Center is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00 except Monday.

Syrian Passage

The Syrian Passage, which links Timuni Street and Darwish Street, was established in 1908. The ground floor market including the residential floor and the top floor were built of three separate buildings. These buildings were connected to each other later. In 1911 Santral Cinema was opened in the passage.  The name of the cinema, which used to show old films, was named after Safak in 1925 and Cumhuriyet in 1928, and later closed under the name Zafer. The printing press of the Istanbul (Stamboul) newspaper that was published in French, has worked  from 1875 to 1964  in this passage.

The Greek newspaper Apoyevmatini is still published in this passage. The Syrian Passage, which is open from 07.00 to 21.00, continues to serve today with its famous furries and leather makers.

Huseyin Aga Mosque

Huseyin Aga Mosque was built in 1594 by Seyhulislam Huseyin Aga, who was one of the rulers of Galatasarayı. It is considered as one of the historical buildings of Istanbul. One of the details that makes Huseyin Aga Mosque beautiful, is the fountain located in the courtyard.