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.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.
Located in Taksim Square, the best way to get to the Taksim Republic Monument is to take M2 Metro line and get off at Taksim Station. Taksim Metro Station exit is just in front of the Taksim Republic Monument.