The most popular and busy square of
Istanbul is
Taksim Square. At the
Taksim Square which is used for demonstrations for several purposes there stands the
Atatürk Culture Center the construction of which commenced in the year 1950 and opened to public in 1969. When you walk towards the left from the
Atatürk monument which is situated here and which was sculptured by the
Italian sculptor Canonica in the year 1928 you walk into the
Istiklal Street. This street connects Taksim to Tünel (underground) . During the Ottoman time foreign embassies were located on this street. Even today there are some consulates on this street. There are
shops,
cafe’s,
restaurants,
bars,
book shops on this street which is rather crowded at any time of the day. In addition to that there is the historical streetcar operating between Taksim and Tunel. The historical buildings on the
Istiklal Street have been constructed in the 19th century. The street which was named as
Pera and
Beyoğlu in the past has become an important art center with the launching of drawing ateliers during late
Ottoman period. The buildings on this street attract attention with the reliefs on them and their architectural designs. There are two churches on the street which are still used.
St Maria Draperis and the italian
church St. Antoine which is the most important
katholic church of İstanbul and which again dates back to 1906-1912. Besides there are important landmarks such as
Galatasaray High School,
Galatasaray Bath,
Çiçek Pasajı.
Pera Palas which is one of the oldest hotels in
Istanbul is situated here as well.
