Taksim

Described in the 17th and 18th centuries as a region comprised of a water distribution center, coffee houses, promenades and cemeteries determined by the borders of the Pera district, Taksim achieved a military function with the construction of the Artillery Barracks in the early 19th century. It was transformed into one of the most powerful representative spaces of the Republic, the new regime that was expediently constructed from the second quarter of the 20th century onwards. Rather than the Historical Peninsula, which reflected Istanbul's Byzantine and Ottoman identity, it's not surprising that the state chose the Beyoğlu-Taksim region to create a modern, new identity with its apartments, shopping centers and entertainment arcades where the first attempt of urbanization was applied. It wanted to commence its social mobility in the capital with the spatial transformation of Taksim. 

The flat area bordered on the west side by the Taksim Water Works depot and distribution center was utilized as a promenade area during Ottoman times from the mid-18th century onwards. The eastern portion of this area replete with a Bosphorus view, which took in the totally eradicated Ayaspaşa Cemetery within its borders, as well as a coffeehouse operated by imperial palace guards, can be seen in an engraving by Antoine-Ignace Melling in 1819.

The military structure that was commissioned by Selim III for the army's artillery units, was completed in 1806 for the gate guard troops, was known as the “Topçu Kışlası / Beyoğlu Kışlası / Taksim Kışlası.” This marked the northern border of the square that subsequently took shape. These barracks sustained heavy damage during the Kabakçı Revolt (1807) which exploded onto the scene just a year after the structure was inaugurated. Documents found in the Prime Ministry Ottoman Archives indicate that Mahmud II appointed imperial chief architect, Hafız Mehmed Emin Agha and foremen Marki, Nikola and Komyanos to rebuild the barracks in 1812. 

Due to the particular interest in football, the Artillery Corps Barracks began to be utilized as a stadium with the initiative of Turkey's first sports announcer, Çelebizade Said Tevfik Bey (Sait Çelebi) in 1921. It was the first stadium in İstanbul.

A commission chaired by İstanbul Deputy Hakkı Şinasi Pasha was formed for the creation of the Republic Monument in 1925. This commission applied to the Italian sculptor, academician, composer and politician, Pietro Canonica (1869-1959), who had designed the Ghazi Mustafa Kemal (Atatürk) statue in front of the Museum of Ethnography in Ankara. Work on the monument commenced with the approval of the Ministry of Education on 1 December, 1926. Various debates regarding the monument's qualities ensued as it was originally planned to just depict Gazi Mustafa Kemal (Atatürk). 

With the erection of the Republic Monument, İstanbul had now acquired a proper ceremonial and gathering grounds that represented the new regime; these grounds were to become the scene of frequent visits of national and international guests and War of Independence celebrations.

In 1936, the famous architect and urbanist Henri Prost was appointed as per the request of the city administration to come up with İstanbul’s city plan. Prost first re-arranged Sultanahmet Square, then he tackled Cumhuriyet Square after some impossibilities entered the picture. He recommended that Cumhuriyet Square become the public's new ceremony and gathering  grounds. 

As İstanbul's first public park, Taksim Gardens was opened in 1869. It was redesigned by Henri Prost in a free-flowing arrangement with twisting paths that would offer contrast to the geometric order of İnönü Gezisi. The Belediye Gazinosu was designed by architect Rüknettin Güney and constructed in the  northeast corner of this park. Taksim Gardens is connected to No.2 Park, which stretches between Harbiye, Maçka and Dolmabahçe, via a footbridge. Henri Prost created a promenade park in the middle of new residential settlements unfettered by vehicular traffic.