İstiklal Avenue

İstiklal Avenue is a 1600-meter pedestrian street in Beyoğlu that links the Tünel district to Taksim Square. Buildings along the route show late Ottoman architecture from the 19th century, with neoclassical facades, Gothic elements, and Art Nouveau details.

The street was called Cadde-i Kebir during Ottoman times, meaning grand avenue, and served as the main axis of the European quarter of Pera. After the War of Independence it received its current name in 1923 to commemorate the victory and the founding of the republic.

The name means Independence Avenue and honors the founding moment of modern Turkey, reflected in the many flags and patriotic symbols along the pedestrian zone. Side streets and passages such as the Flower Passage hold traditional taverns where locals gather over drinks and small plates.

The entire route is car-free and easy to walk, with the red vintage tram running slowly down the center. Galleries, bookstores, and cafes line both sides, so you can stop or take a break anytime.

Several houses of worship from different faiths stand along the route, including the Catholic church of Sant'Antonio di Padova and the Greek Orthodox Hagia Triada. This diversity recalls the time when the neighborhood was home to numerous European communities.