Taksim Square, situated in the European part of Istanbul, Turkey, is a major shopping, tourist and leisure district famed for its restaurants, shops and hotels. It is considered the heart of modern Istanbul, and is the location of the Cumhuriyet An?t? (Republic Monument), which was built in 1928 and commemorates the formation of the Turkish Republic.
Taksim is a main transportation hub and a popular destination for both tourists and the native population of Istanbul. ?stiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue), a long pedestrian shopping street, ends at this square, and a nostalgic tram runs from the square along the avenue, ending near the Tünel (1875) which is the world’s second-oldest subway line after London’s Underground (1863). Surrounding Taksim Square are numerous travel agencies, hotels, restaurants, pubs, and international fast food chains such as Pizza Hut, McDonald’s and Burger King. It is also home to some of Istanbul’s grandest hotels including the InterContinental, the Ritz-Carlton and The Marmara Hotel. Taksim is also a favourite location for public events such as parades, New Year celebrations or other social gatherings.
The square has been an important venue of political protests during much of its existence. Groups from all sides of the political spectrum in Turkey, as well as many NGOs, try to demonstrate in the square to use the visibility of the square for the benefit of their cause. In the events known as the Taksim Square massacre, thirty-six left-wing demonstrators were killed by unidentified and allegedly right-wing gunmen on the square during Labour Day demonstrations of May 1, 1977. Following many other violent incidents, all forms of group protest were banned in the square and the police units maintain a round-the-clock presence to prevent any incidents. The ban doesn’t apply to surrounding avenues or streets.