Taksim Square is a major transportation hub in Beyoglu District, with numerous bus stops, the terminus of the historic tram from
Istiklal Street, and Taksim Metro Station. Since 2006, an underground funicular line has been built here, connecting the square with the Kabatash pier on the banks of the Bosphorus.
In the center of the square is a 12-meter monument "Republic". It was erected according to the project of the Italian architect Pietro Canonik in 1928. The monument symbolizes the liberating army and the establishment of the Turkish Republic, includes sculptures of marshals Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Fevzi Çakmak and Mustafa Ismet İnönü. In the 50s and 60s of the XX century. on Taksim Square was built Cultural Center. Mustafa Ataturk, and later Gezi Park, popular among the local population, was laid nearby.
On this square there are several prestigious hotels, many shops, cafes and restaurants. The square has become a venue for military parades, various cultural events, rallies, demonstrations and folk festivals.
