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10 Things To Do In Taksim, Istanbul

MARIA MENEGAKI
UPDATED: 9 FEBRUARY 2017

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Meaning ‘division’ or ‘distribution,’ Taksim used to be the point where the

main water lines from the north of the city were collected to be branched
off to other parts of it. This square is a common meeting point for locals
filled with restaurants, shops, and hotels, where you will truly experience
modern Istanbul. Before you start wandering around, read our guide of
the best things to do.
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Istanbul Commemorative © Let Ideas Compete/Flickr

Monument Of The Republic

Starting from the center of Taksim square, take a look at the monument of the
Republic , crafted by the famous Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica . It
commemorates the fifth anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Turkey
in 1923, following the Turkish War of Independence and features revolutionary
leaders such as Atatürk and İsmet İnönü .

Address: Taksim Square, Istanbul

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Istanbul, Turkey © Alexander Sehmer/Flickr a city

Take A Ride

The area is an important hub for public transportation, serving as the main
transfer point for the municipal bus system and the central station of the Istanbul
Metro network . Also, the heritage tram line starts here. Although you can get off
at different points along the route, going to the very end, the Tünel Square , and
walking back is always a nice idea. If you enjoy shopping, consider a visit to the
nearby Istiklal Street , the long, elegant, pedestrian, shopping street.

Taksim ist überall! – Taksim is everywhere! © Rasande Tyskar/Flickr

Join A Protest

Taksim Gezi Park is a small, green park, mostly known as the starting point or
d fd d l l I 2013 h l
destination of demonstrations and political protests . It was in 2013 that people
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gathered to express their opposition to the demolition of the park for the
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construction of a shopping mall. The police brutality that followed gave birth to
the Occupy Taksim movement. Gezi Park has also been the host place for mass
meetings on Labor Day, as well as the annual LGBT Pride parade. Be careful that
you don’t put yourself in danger and join a demonstration to defend human rights.

Address: Taksim Gezi Park, Istanbul

Cultural Center

Atatürk Kültür Merkezi, or simply AKM, is a multi-purpose cultural center and

opera house with an uncertain future due to the government’s redevelopment
plans. An important example of Turkish architecture from the 1960s, it has hosted
theater performances, the Turkish State Opera and Ballet , concerts by the
Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra and Choir, Modern Folk Music Ensemble, and
Classical Turkish Music Choir, as well as the summer festival of Arts and Culture.
Visit the legendary building at night to enjoy the illuminated breathtaking view.

Address & telephone number: Gümüşsuyu Mh., Tak-ı Zafer Cd., Taksim, İstanbul,
+90 212 251 5600
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Turkish souvenirs © Vladimir Agafonkin/Flickr

Buy Some Souvenirs

Apart from the Grand Bazaar , Taksim is one of the best places in the entire city to
buy some souvenirs. You can find shops of every kind, including clothing, books,
jewelry, and handmade crafts. Just be sure to spend more than one day here if
you don’t want to exhaust yourself.

Doner anyone? © leyla.a/Flickr

Try Some Food

After a tour in Taksim square, take a break to enjoy a meal at one of the
numerous eating spots that surround it, ranging from restaurants, pubs and
international fast food chains to stands selling traditional culinary goodies . For a
complete Turkish experience you need to taste the local favorite street foods like
complete Turkish experience, you need to taste the local favorite street foods,like
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islak (hamburger prepared with a special tomato sauce with herbs) and döner (a
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sandwich with either beef or chicken). If you prefer something lighter, get a
delicious street corn with butter and salt.

ayran © Katarina/Flickr

Drink Ayran

Accompany your meal with a glass of ayran , a cold yogurt beverage, especially
popular during summer and certainly one of those drinks you either love or hate.
Give it a try and make your own decision.
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Turkish delights © Sebastian Piedoux/Flickr

Enjoy A Sweet Delight

No one can resist an afternoon coffee with a Turkish delight . Overloaded with
them, Taksim offers the best shops for sweets. Make sure to taste a selection of
different kinds and take some home for your family and friends. In case you need
something more refreshing, taste dondurma , an ice cream that is thick and
almost chewy. You will be surprised by the near juggling show you will be offered
upon purchasing your cone.
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didgeridoo © Burak/Flickr a city

Street Art

A stroll around Taksim in the evening will convince you of its majesty. Spend
some time enjoying the lovely melodies that talented street musicians offer you
and explore the side streets to give your own critiques on the local graffiti. Art can
be found everywhere after all.

Party

This is the best place to find cheap bars and clubs for every kind of
entertainment. After a busy day, you deserve a drink or two. Taksim will be
without a doubt a pleasant surprise, no matter how high your expectations for
nightlife are. Just find a spot that suits your tastes and have fun.

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