This extensive square is the centre of the modern part of Istanbul. It is dominated by a sculpture named The Independence Monument, which is meant to commemorate the first Turkish president and an important figure in the process of founding the Turkish democracy, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
There are plenty of shops, bars and luxurious hotels surrounding the square. For the hungry traveller, there are also just as many restaurants. This includes the famous McDonald's restaurant, the first to open in Turkey.
The square is also a popular location for New Year's Eve celebrations, parades, public gatherings – everything important takes place here including political protests. In 2013, people demonstrated here in order to prevent the demolition of the Gezi Park.
Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taksim_Square
Address 5A Sıraselviler Caddesi, Beyoğlu 34437, Turkey
Coordinates 41°2'13.069" N 28°59'6.52" E
