Istiklal Street in Istanbul is a fantastic place from morning until night. However, often recognised in travel magazines because of the nostalgic tram running up and down, it is not the place to go if you dislike crowds. We are talking about the hustle and bustle of significant extremes!
Stretching for more than one mile, from Tunnel Square to Taksim Square, the primary function is shopping and entertainment, but old buildings still stand among modern and new buildings. Such is the hype and attraction that more than three million people walk the famous street every day, officially earning the title of Turkey's busiest street.
Along with narrow side streets, this bustling avenue in the Beyoglu district is the mascot of what is known as the new Istanbul. While the Sultanahmet district refers to the old quarter, once the ruling capital centre of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires—this vibrant street highlights modern-day new Istanbul. So, from tourist attractions to historic buildings, shopping centres, and places to eat and drink, let us explore!
All About Istiklal Street in Istanbul
History of Istiklal Avenue
Istiklal Caddesi has always been prevalent throughout history. Called Grande Avenue or Cadde-I Kebir during the Ottoman period, Istiklal Avenue was especially trendy during the 19th century, where name-dropping to socialise in prestigious circles was normal.
European travellers and the rich Levantine culture called the street, Grande Rue de Pera and embassies based themselves here. They flocked to eateries and social gatherings, but the First World War ended that cultural trend. Followed closely by the Turkish Independence War, Istiklal Avenue gained its current name in 1923 and means Independence.
Unfortunately, neglect in the 1970s ruined the streets, but massive restoration took place in the years that followed, and such was the success that new shopkeepers, hotels, and foreign Istanbul property investors moved in.
In Istanbul, "Pera" refers to the historic district of Beyoğlu, particularly around İstiklal Avenue and the adjacent areas. The name "Pera" comes from the Greek word "πέρα" (pronounced "Pera"), meaning "across" or "beyond," referring to the location across the Golden Horn from old Constantinople (modern-day Sultanahmet) that is home to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
Taksim Square and Independence Monument
Taksim square dates from the late Ottoman Empire, when the famous avenue was a central intersection point. The name "Taksim" means "division" or "distribution" in Turkish, reflecting the location where several main roads converged into one central hub.
One prominent feature, the Independence Monument (İstiklal Anıtı in Turkish), erected in 1928, commemorates the country's Turkish War of Independence. The memorial consists of a tall column topped with a statue of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey and a key figure in the movement. The Atatürk Cultural Centre, which hosts various artistic performances and exhibitions, sits on the edge.
Relax in Gezi Park
Often known for the 2013 protests of the construction of a shopping mall, Gezi Park is a notable green space in Beyoglu and is significant to locals. As one of Istanbul’s smallest parks, Gezi, sits on a former army barracks site. Additionally, tombstones were discovered in previous construction works, as the northern side of Gezi Park was a cemetery. There isn't much to see here, but the park is ideal for sitting on benches in the shade and escaping crowds.
Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church
Saint Anthony of Padua church still holds service on Sundays. Even non-religious people cannot help but admire the intricate neo-gothic architecture inside and the impressive Italian exterior style. Marked by a statue of Pope John XXIII on the grounds, this version of the Padua church, built in the early 20th century, is one of Istanbul's most essential and historic places of worship. The religious building is open to curious tourists, but remember it is a place of worship, so be respectful.
Also, see the Hagia Triada Greek Orthodox church, further along Istiklal Avenue, close to Galatasaray Square and High School. Hagia Triada, which means "Holy Trinity" in Greek, dates from the late 19th century and features traditional Greek Orthodox architectural elements, with a prominent dome and Byzantine-style influences.
Flower Passage: Cicek Pasaji
Filled with traditional Meyhanes (old Ottoman-style restaurants), Flower Passage is a popular place to eat and drink. Originally a theatre during the 1800s, a fire devastated most of the interior. Following restoration, the ground floor became shops while the second floor became offices. Russian immigrants fleeing the revolution promptly snapped up shop rental contracts and sold flowers, hence its current name.
By the 1960s, the shops had become traditional meyhanes, specifically serving Istanbul workers with Turkish mezes and booze. Walking through narrow doors into the long L-shaped corridor, visitors' eyes naturally drift to admire the dome-shaped glass roof before settling to gaze at the second floor, which holds iconic black-and-white portrait photos of previous customers. Other historical passages worth checking out include Hazzopulo and Suriye.
Madame Tussauds
Sitting within the Grand Pera building is Turkey's version of Madame Tussauds, the famous modern-day culture museum that opened in London nearly 200 years ago. Turkey's version isn't as old (it opened in 2016) but holds excellent life-size sculptures to get up and close to a celebrity. Separating into four areas: music, film, sport, and VIPs, they highlight Turkish celebrities as well as international ones.
Galata Whirling Dervish Museum
For decades, whirling dervishes featured in Ottoman religious circles. They practised their Sufism religion throughout the country but were prominent in Konya and Istanbul. Following the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, they fell out of favour with political leaders, and their old houses lay in rack and ruin.
Eventually, their attitude towards them softened, and local council officials restored the old houses to portray the lives of former residents. These days, tourists typically recognise them because they perform the whirling sema ceremony while wearing their long skirts and cone-shaped hats.
The ethnographic section displays musical pieces, ancient scripts, personal items, and clothes. Within the grounds is the hall used for sema practises, a graveyard, and a room holding three Ottoman turbans (tombs).
Museum of Innocence by Orhan Pamuk
Established by Turkey's most famous author, Orhan Pamuk, the Museum of Innocence reflects the plotline in his book of the same name, the story of a lost love. Personal items that the author collected while writing the book take pride of place in bookcase-style cabinets on the floors of an old Ottoman house. Reading Orhan Pamuk's books and visiting his museum greatly help one learn about Turkish literary trends and genres. The museum sits a couple of streets back on Cukurcuma Caddesi.
Pera Museum and the Famous Tortoise Painting
Aptly called after the original name of the Beyoglu district, the Pera Muzesi is an impressive and extensive private collection of Anatolian art. The museum gained considerable fame after buying Turkey's most expensive painting for 2.4 million dollars.
Named “The Tortoise Trainer” and painted by Osman Hamdi Bey in the early 20th century, the painting depicts a whirling dervish standing by a windowsill surrounded by tortoises. Some art experts suspect the painting reflects the demise of Ottoman sultans and their empire at that time.
Pera Museum sits on Meşrutiyet Street, a few streets away. Also on the same street is the Pera Palace Hotel, which used to host guests of the famous Orient Express train. Pera Palace Hotel was where Agatha Christie wrote her novel of the same name.
Galatasaray Square and High School
Sitting halfway, Galatasaray Square earns fame for the historical, art nouveau buildings, cafes, and shops and the high school on the edge. Established in 1481 by Sultan Bayezid II, Galatasaray High School is one of Turkey’s oldest educational institutions.
Initially a school for teaching the Quran, it became a modern academic institution in the 19th century, offering Turkish and French curricula. The school has produced prominent figures in Turkish politics, arts, and literature, and the building highlights neo-classical architecture.
Eat, Drink, and Shop
The significant landmarks above are interesting, but there are many places to drink, eat, and explore and countless shops. Stores line both sides, but watch out for historical passages that lead off it because these throw up hidden delights, known only to the locals, like music stores.
On the main drag, expect to see plenty of international chain stores and souvenir shops, but if you wander the back streets of nearby places like Cukurcuma, antique shops attract locals from around the city. There are hundreds of choices for eating and drinking, from your standard fast-food outlets like McDonalds to fish and lively restaurants.
Seek out the alleyways with cafes, though. This is where you can taste Turkish delights like coffee and biscuits. For nighttime dining and live music, head to Cezayir Street, a few blocks away and nicknamed French Street.
Also Explore Nearby Galata
That is a round-up of Istiklal Street in Istanbul, but there is much more to see nearby. Near the end of this famous street is the Genoese Quarter and, most notably, the 14th-century Galata Tower. A marvellous end to exploring Istiklal Avenue is a panoramic view of Istanbul's city centre from the tower viewing platform.
As a striking landmark of Istanbul, the tower offers fabulous views over the Golden Horn and Bosporus. Also explore the wide variety of boutique shops in Galata, and with prior application, you can also see the Jewish Museum. Another option after seeing the tower is to visit the Istanbul Modern Art Museum and, further along, Galataport, which is Istanbul's cruise ship hub.
More Famous Streets in Istanbul: From the famous Istiklal Avenue to other streets that attract the crowds, if exploration is your passion, put these streets on your list of places to visit. Covering European and Asian Istanbul, each street stands out for a specific reason: architecture, luxury property, or high-end shopping and eating.
Famous Buildings in Istanbul: From the streets to manmade landmark buildings, the walls hold untold secrets. These famous buildings are an excellent way to learn about Istanbul's history, from the old Byzantine days to modern-day living.
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