Istiklal (Istanbul) is one of the most popular pedestrian streets in this ancient and ever-young Turkish metropolis. It is full of mysteries and contradictions. Being in Asia, it represents the most "European" district of the city.
Today we will get to know Istiklal Street in Istanbul. She just breathes the air of freedom. There are always a lot of people, youth, tourists, street musicians and dancers.
This street seemed to embody the contrasts of the modern world - here are nearby Catholic churches and Muslim mosques, nightclubs and discos, restaurants and a very democratic bistro.
In a word, on this street it becomes clear how wrong Kipling was. Because here the West and the East converge.
Where is located
Istiklal Street begins in Istanbul on the famous Taksim Square and goes towards the Golden Horn. It ends at the Galata tower. Its length is approximately one and a half kilometers.
Somewhere in the middle of the street is the Galatasaray Palace. There is also the eponymous lyceum, the most prestigious in all of Turkey. It was discovered back in the days of the Ottoman Empire.
This area of Istanbul is called Beyoglu. It is located north of the Golden Horn Bay.
How to get to this pedestrian street
Many are interested in how to get to Istiklal (Istanbul). It depends on which area of this metropolis you are staying in. Many tourists prefer to live in low-cost hostels in the old quarters of Sultanahmet.
If you live there, take a light rail and get to the final stop called Kabatash. Then take the funicular to the Taksim stop.
You can also get to Karakay station by tram. There you can climb up on foot or by funicular. And if you are in the Galati tower area, then just walk up the stairs. Just ten minutes - and you are on the desired street.
And if you want to get here directly from the airports, then the Havatash shuttle basses go from the Ataturk and Sabiha Gokhchen hubs to Taksim Square.
History
Istiklal Street in Istanbul originated around the fifteenth century. By this time there was a settlement, and near the Galatian Tower there were city gates. But mainly on the top of the hill along which the street passes, a forest grew.
Under Suleiman the Magnificent, this area began to be built up. She was especially chosen by European merchants and diplomats. Here, shops, workshops and taverns also began to open. The street at that time was called Kade-i-Kebir (Main).
In the 17th century, the French received permission to build a church here - the first Catholic church in the area. At the same time, the street connected the Galatian Tower and the Galatasaray Palace. Embassies and representative offices of various countries began to open on it.
A hundred years later, the area was already fully Europeanized. Two more churches were built there, as well as residential buildings in the Parisian style. Since the mid-19th century, the street begins to acquire the features of Asian flavor. Here they opened the second metro line in the world (Tunel).
And the street got its current name during the time of Ataturk. Now it is called Independence Avenue. Among Turkish youth, the street is also popular. In 2013, it became the site of resonant protests against Erdogan’s policies.
Tram
These old cars give a special charm to Istiklal Street in Istanbul. Photos that can be taken from the windows of this tram are always very successful. He walks from the Tunel funicular station to Taksim Square.
Tourists adore this line, built back in 1875. Although the street is pedestrian, the colorful old tram is the only transport that travels here.
When cars appeared, they wanted to close this line, considering it unprofitable. But the townspeople stood up as one to defend their tram. Therefore, he still rides.
But it can be considered a mode of transport with a big stretch, rather, a tribute to tradition and tourist attraction. Turkish boys often ride the bandwagon without a ticket. The driver constantly gets off and drives them. But it looks more like some kind of ritual than the everyday generational conflict.
Major Attractions
Walking here, you will absorb the atmosphere of this Istanbul. Many buildings that are on this street are monuments of architecture. Almost every old house can tell you its own story.
Although Istanbul is not the capital, it is here that the consulates general of some countries of the world, including Russia, are located. Representations of these states are located in very beautiful mansions.
It is also worth visiting the church of Louis of France and other Catholic churches. For a change, you can see the Hussein Agi mosque, the Protestant Union temple, the Neve Shalom synagogue. There is also a Greek Orthodox church.
The street is famous for its art galleries and museums. First of all, these are Pera and Mevlevihan. The last museum is dedicated to Turkish typography, and there are also often shown shows of dancing dervishes. The Pera Museum is fairly new, and exhibits from various European art collections are often exhibited there.
Restaurants and hotels
Istiklal Street in Istanbul has long been a center of commerce, fun and relaxation. Therefore, there have always been many chic restaurants and hotels. The first cafes were opened here during the Ottoman Empire. But now they look very modern.
Here you can taste dishes of Turkish and European cuisine, as well as the best local wines, as well as drinks of famous brands of the world. Small cafes and restaurants with Michelin stars are all mixed up here.
But if you have a limited budget, you can just go to one of the adjacent alleys and eat tasty and very inexpensive. Bars with live music, as well as numerous pastry shops are also popular with tourists and Istanbul people.
By the way, there are many exchange offices on this street, so you won’t have any problems with the purchase of Turkish lira.
The best hotels of the city are traditionally located on Istiklal. This is Art Suites, Paradise, Gritti Pera. They are in old mansions, with good restoration and repair.
And the Gritti Pera Hotel was specially built for passengers of the Eastern Express, famous throughout Europe. The prices here are quite high, this is due to the elite location of the hotels.
What shops in Istiklal (Istanbul) do tourists visit?
This pedestrian street is at the same time one of the main shopping avenues of the city. There are many shops offering international and Turkish brands of clothing, accessories, appliances, jewelry, souvenirs, sweets.
There are also bookstores where you can buy publications in all languages of the world. They trade on Istiklal and antiques, old records, rare cards, musical instruments. Istanbul people also go shopping here.
Istiklal also has many markets and shopping malls. For example, the fish market is very famous.
A Flower passage is located in a beautiful house of the century before last. There are not only shops selling plants, but also cafes and restaurants. They say that here are the most delicious Turkish dishes that are eaten to national music.
Istanbul, st. Istiklal Travel Reviews
This area is one of the most popular among travelers around the world. And tourists consider the street itself the most beautiful in all of Istanbul. More than 3 million people pass through it every day.
Istiklal never sleeps. During the day, the street is full of onlookers and tourists, and at night it is filled with young people who are fond of alternative subcultures and musicians. In the dark, it is beautifully highlighted.
It was thanks to this street that Constantinople was once called East Paris. In the evenings, Istanbul people like to walk here - to show evening dresses, have a cup of coffee and look at the motley audience.