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Taksim Square is the heart of modern Istanbul, laid out in the late 1800s near a taksim (branching-point) in the city's water distribution system. You can still see the taksim at the beginning of Istiklal Caddesi.

The Independence Monument (Istiklal Anıtı) in the circle at the southern end of the square commemorates the Turkish Republic's founder, Kemal Atatürk, in both his roles, as military commander-in-chief and as statesman.

The open space to the north was once a reservoir. Facing the square at its northern end is the Atatürk Cultural Center.

Cumhuriyet Caddesi (Republic Avenue) goes north from the square to the upscale districts of Elmadağ, Harbiye, Nişantaşı and Şişli.

Taksim Park, to the west, was formerly a huge Ottoman artillery barracks. Across Cumhuriyet Caddesi from it was the barracks parade ground, called the Talimhane. After World War II this large, flat, open area was developed with a grid of streets, and more recently has seen the construction of more than a dozen medium-size 4-star hotels.

One long block north of the square are three of the city's best luxury hotels, the Divan Oteli, Ceylan InterContinental, and Hyatt Regency Istanbul. The Hilton Istanbul is a few blocks farther north.

The Marmara Hotel Taksim is right in Taksim Square itself.

Istiklal Caddesi, formerly the Grande Rue de Péra, starts in Taksim Square by the Independence Monument and extends southwestward to Galatasaray Square and Tünel Square.

From Taksim Square, you can walk all the way down Istiklal Caddesi to Tünel Square in a half hour or less; you can ride the Nostalgic Tram; or you can take the Metro to the Şişhane station.