This is the centre of Istanbul’s modern zone (the European part of Istanbul and is a major shopping and hotel district. Even though it isn’t the most touristic area, this square and avenue have a wide range of shops, cinemas, markets and restaurants. It is a modern area, where the most Bohemian artists meet.

The square was originally the point where the main water lines from the north of Istanbul were collected and branched off to other parts of the city (Taksim means division in Arabic).