What is the square called in Istanbul?

The main, most famous public square in Istanbul is Taksim Square (Taksim Meydanı). Located in the Beyoğlu district on the European side, it is considered the heart of modern Istanbul, renowned for its19th-century water distribution point, the Republic Monument, and as a central hub for shopping, dining, and public gatherings.

What is the main square in Istanbul called?

Taksim Square (Turkish: Taksim Meydanı, IPA: [ˈtaksim ˈmejdanɯ]), situated in Beyoğlu in the European part of Istanbul, Turkey, is a major tourist and leisure district famed for its restaurants, shops, and hotels.

What is special about Taksim Square?

Cultural Attractions: Home to numerous cultural attractions, including theaters, art galleries, and museums. Taksim Square attracts attention not only for its vibrant social life but also for its cultural richness. It is home to many of the most important theaters, art galleries and museums in the city.

What is the main strip in Istanbul?

İstiklal Caddesi. The lifeblood of modern Istanbul is the two-mile-long pedestrian street Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue), running from Taksim Square to the Tünel train station.

What does Taksim mean in Turkish?

Taksim means "division", "partition", or "distribution" in Turkish, Arabic, Persian and Urdu. It may refer to: Taksim (Istanbul Metro), an underground rapid transit complex under Taksim Square, Istanbul, Turkey. Taksim (politics), the Turkish Cypriot political belief in the partition of Cyprus in the Cyprus dispute.

Story of TAKSIM SQUARE - Istanbul's most visited place

What do Arabs call Istanbul?

Qosṭanṭanīye, Ottoman Turkish: قسطنطينيه, translit. Ḳosṭanṭīnīye) is the name by which the city came to be known in the Islamic world. It is an Arabic calque of Constantinople.

Which is better, Taksim or Sultanahmet?

Taksim Guide

In comparison to Sultanahmet, Taksim is the more modern and commercial side of Istanbul. There are not any major tourist attractions in Taksim. Istiklal Caddesi (Istiklal Street) is a long pedestrianised street full of high street & local shops which connects Taksim to Galata.

Are Taksim Square and İstiklal Street the same?

Istiklal Street extends from Taksim Square to the Karakoy area, which is one of the most famous streets of Istanbul, and one of the oldest trams in the city breaks through it and goes back for about a hundred years. Most of the houses and buildings on the street and the old narrow alleys are distributed on its edges.

What is the nicest area of Istanbul?

Istanbul's coolest neighbourhoods are Cihangir, Curkucuma and Karaköy. Cihangir is also called the French Quarter, Curkucuma the Antique Quarter and Karaköy the former red-light district.

How much is a taxi from Istanbul airport to Taksim Square?

By Taxi - Istanbul Airport (IST) being quite far from the city center, a taxi ride to Taksim/Beyoglu area would cost around 1500-1800 TL (around 35-45 €) as of July 2025 with yellow taxis. There is also a turquoise taxi option which has 15% higher fares than the yellow ones.

What is famous to buy in Istanbul?

If you're wondering what to buy in Istanbul, here are 10 must-have Istanbul souvenirs that capture the essence of this enchanting city.

• Turkish Carpets & Kilims. ...
• Evil Eye (Nazar Boncuğu) Charms. ...
• Turkish Delight (Lokum) ...
• Hand-Painted Ceramics. ...
• Turkish Spices & Saffron. ...
• Hammam Towels (Peshtemals) ...
• Copperware & Coffee Sets.

Is Taksim Square worth seeing?

It is a historically significant area and is filled with intrigue and tales, as well as boasting some of the best views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus. Galata tower is one of the oldest towers in the world and it was constructed during the time of the Byzantine emperor, Anastasio, to be used as a lighthouse.

What should you not miss in Istanbul?

Top Things to Do in Istanbul. East meets West in this bustling city. Explore icons like Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia, or see them all on a walking tour. A scenic cruise on the Bosphorus is also a must.

What is the posh area of Istanbul?

As of 2024, Istanbul's most expensive neighborhoods include Sariyer, Nisantasi, and Uskudar—renowned for their Bosphorus views, upscale lifestyle, and strategic location. These districts offer a blend of luxury, culture, and investment appeal, with property values consistently ranking among the highest in Turkey.

What is Taksim in English?

Taksim (Turkish: [takˈsim], lit. 'division') is a Turkish nationalist and secessionist movement of Turkish Cypriots advocating for the independence and recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus under a two-state solution.

Which city is bigger, Istanbul or London?

Yes, Istanbul is significantly bigger than London in terms of population, typically ranking as the most populous city in Europe with over 15 million people, while London has around 9 million, making Istanbul roughly 1.7 times larger by population within city limits. 

How much is a taxi from Taksim Square to Sultanahmet?

The fastest way to get from Taksim Square to Sultanahmet is to taxi which takes 9 min and costs 240 ₺ - 290 ₺.

Is it safe to go to Taksim?

Taksim, while not inherently unsafe, is a vast and bustling area with many winding backstreets and a lively nightlife scene. Visitors should exercise caution, especially during evening hours.

Do they say salam in Turkey?

“Selam!” – This is a standard way to say hi in Turkish. You could also say: “Merhaba!” – This is how to say hello in Turkish – and is a little more formal.

What food is Istanbul known for?

Istanbul's famous foods include savory street snacks like Simit (sesame bread rings), Döner Kebab, and Lahmacun (Turkish pizza); hearty dishes such as Kuru Fasulye (bean stew) and various Kebabs (like Adana or Iskender); rich desserts like Baklava and Künefe; breakfast staples like Menemen; and drinks like Turkish Coffee and Raki.
 

What do Christians call Istanbul?

However, adherents of the Eastern Orthodox Church continue to use the name Constantinople for the title of one of their most important leaders, the Orthodox patriarch based in the city, referred to as "His Most Divine All-Holiness the Archbishop of Constantinople New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch".