Taksim Republic Monument

Taksim Republic Monument

Taksim Republic Monument (Taksim Cumhuriyet Anıtı) is a commemorative sculpture group to honor the foundation of Turkish Republic in 1923. The monument is located in the Taksim Square that is the beating heart of Istanbul. In today’s Istanbul, celebrations, protests, official ceremonies, and many other activities take place in Taksim Square. In addition, Taksim Square as well as the Taksim Republic Monument marks the beginning of Istiklal Avenue (Istiklal Caddesi), which is the most popular pedestrian street of Istanbul and approximately three million people pass it everyday.

The monument was erected in 1928 and it portrays the founders of the Turkish Republic as well as the other characters that symbolize the Turkish nation and the military aid of the Soviet Union during the Turkish War of Independence between 1919 and 1923. Taksim Republic Monument is a two sided sculpture group and its one side represents the Turkish War of Independece, whereas the other side represents the modern Turkish Republic.

Pietro Canonica and Taksim Republic Monument

Taksim Republic Monument is 11 meters in height and made from bronze and various stones. It was commissioned in 1925 by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and it was designed by famous Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica. Canonica also designed several statues of Atatürk during the early republic period of Turkish Republic such as Ankara Atatürk Statue erected in 1927 and Izmir Atatürk Statue erected in 1923 at Alsancak Republic Square. The Taksim Republic Monument (Taksim Cumhuriyet Anıtı) is traditional in style and although it is not monumental or historical it is one of the most photographed structures of Istanbul due to its location.

Amazing facts about the Taksim Republic Monument (Taksim Cumhuriyet Anıtı)

• The Taksim Republic Monument was designed by Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica in Rome and this 84 tons weight monument was brought from Rome to Istanbul via ship.

• The Taksim Republic Monument was erected with donations of Turkey citizens.

• Mikhail Frunze and Kliment Voroshilov -who were important generals of the Soviet Union in 1920s- are depicted behind Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of Turkish Republic. Their presence represents the military aid given by the Soviet Union during the Turkish War of Independence between 1919 and 1923.