Taksim literally means division or distribution. The Taksim square was originally the point where the main water lines from the north of Istanbul were collected and branched off to other parts of the city (hence the name). The square takes its name from the stone reservoir which is located in this area.

Taksim Square is a very popular destination for both tourists and the native population of Istanbul. It is famed for its travel agencies, restaurants, bars, nigth clubs, shops and hotels including some of Istanbul’s grandest hotels including Hilton, Ceylan Intercontinental, Marmara and Ritz Carlton.

It is one of the main transportation terminal for buses, metro and finicular. The square is considered the heart of modern Istanbul. The nostalgic tram runs from the Taksim square along the Istiklal Caddesi and ends near the Tunel (1875) which is the world’s second-oldest subway line after London Underground (1863).

The square has been an important meeting place for political protests for groups from all sides of the political spectrum in Turkey. Because of many violent incidents like in1969 and 1977 it was banned to all forms of group protests until 2010. But for gatherings for events such as New Year’s Eve, Republic Day celebrations or mass-screenings of important football matches are excluded from the ban.

Taksim Square on Google Maps

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