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Beyoglu
and the Istiklal Street are two popular places among
people from every age category, from teenagers to
elderly people. The Istiklal Street is the meeting place
for the lovers and friends. The district starts with the
statute of Ataturk in Taksim Square. The
prominent landmark of Taksim Square is the Marmara
Hotel, a tall building which is another meeting place
for the people. The Istiklal Street is a pedestrian
street which is approximately 3-4 km. long. The cobber
stone street reminds one of the old days...There are
cozy cafés, restaurants, shops, bookstores, movie
theaters, music stores on this street. Most of the movie
theaters are located here. There are small back streets
where you can discover little but friendly cafés. When
one comes to the halfway of the street, the area changes
its name to "Galatasaray" which is also the name
of the Junior High School which gives training in French
and the major soccer team of Turkey.
When
one continues to walk along the
Grande Rue de Pera,
reaches the beautiful gothic Catholic Church of St.
Anthony. It was constructed in 1907. This church
resembles Notre Dame de Paris very much but much smaller.
It is still active and also concerts and special events
take place here.
Historically,
Pera is the name of the district where foreign people
used to reside. The former name of this street was
Grande Rue de Pera. There are many consular
buildings in Pera, including Russian, Swedish, French,
American and British Consulate General. Most of the
buildings in Istiklal Street are from mid-19th C to late
19th C and carry a French influence. French Baroque and
neo-classical style were two leading styles in these
buildings. Foreign people who worked in Istanbul usually
lived in this area and shaped the neighborhood in a very
European way. There are old Russian and French
Restaurants hidden in the small streets of Pera which
gives the taste of the old days.
Today,
this lovely street hosts couples who come to relax after
a long working day, tourists, young students and anyone
who wants to take a peaceful walk and watch around. With
its nice cafes, restaurants and cozy bars, it's an
indispensable spot for Istanbul people... |
