The Taksim Square

The large square at the end of the Istiklal Street is the Taksim Square, which is one of the most active centers of Istanbul. This square which witness hundreds of people passing by everyday, is at the center of the commercial and shopping districts. The square derives its name from the building in which the water distribution for different districts of the city is administered, and which by the entrance of the Istiklal Street. This building dates back to 1733. This square has witnessed many political meetings and demonstrations in the past.

At the center of the Taksim Square there is the Republic Monument of 12 meters high, which was planned in 1928 by the Italian Architect Pietro Canonica. The ground around the bronze figures are decorated with green and red Italian marbles. The monument symbolizes the Independence War and the foundation of the Republic. The large building at the other end of the square, which was started to be built in 1950, and which entered into service in 1969, is the Atatiirk Cultural Center. It was restored after the fire in 1970. There are concert and exhibition halls, and a cinema theater in it. On one side of the square is the five star The Marmara Hotel, and on the other side is a park area called 'Taksim Trip'. There were barracks in some part of the park. At the beginning of the Istiklal Street, on the left there is the St. Trias Church, built in 1880, which has a single dome and two bell towers.

The large street leading from Taksim to northwards, is the Cumhuriyet Street. On walking through this street toward the districts of Elmadag and Harbiye; we come across Hilton, which is the first five star hotel in the city; the tall building used as officers' club, Harbiye Kiglasi; and finally the Military Museum, which is one of the finest museums in Istanbul. The museum, established in 1959, contains the weapons, helmet, uniforms, armors, and materials used by the Turkish army since 12th century till the Korean War. In addition to these, lots of paintings related to war, tents, flags, and pennants, medallions, the war spoils taken from the enemy armies are on exhibition (Mehter Musics are also performed by Mehter Orchestra in this Museum.

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