Istiklal Avenue

The heart of Beyoğlu beats along "Istiklal Avenue." Throughout its history, the promenade that has given the neighborhood its spirit has been "Istiklal Avenue." Located between Taksim and Tünel in Beyoğlu, this avenue has been Istanbul's most cosmopolitan street since its inception, not counting the gap from the 1960s to the 1980s. The development of Istiklal Avenue has paralleled the growth of Beyoğlu. The street's initial nucleus started from the base of Galata Tower (present-day Kuledibi neighborhood) and extended to the "Galatasaray" barracks for novice boys, a status that continued until the 19th century. The development of the street, which was a dirt ground until the 18th century, began with the increase of the foreign population settling in the area. The street, known as "Grande Rue" by foreigners and "Cadde-i Kebir" by the Ottomans, means "Great Avenue" in both languages.

Today, Istiklal Avenue is lined with numerous shops, restaurants, courses, and entertainment venues.