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Many people have a love/hate relationship with the ever-bustling (Istiklal Street or Istiklal Avenue – İstiklal Caddesi in Turkish) that runs from Taksim Square nearly all the way to the landmark Galata Tower. Although it is the beating heart of the city, the three million people that pass it every day, can make it rather challenging to traverse. Yet it serves as a microcosm of Istanbul itself and although chains and fast food joints are starting to edge out the more old fashioned shops, there’s still traces of old Istanbul here.
Why is Istiklal Street So Popular?
Aside from the obvious Istiklal Street shopping opportunities, there are many other Istiklal Street attractions. For instance, its historic cinemas (like Atlas, Beyoglu), historical passages (like Hazzopulo, Suriye and Çiçek), churches (St Antoine, Santa Maria), consulate buildings, and innovative art galleries (SALT Beyoğlu, ARTER and the Mısır Apartments), as well as stunning examples of 19th century Neo Classical and Art Nouveau architecture to admire.
Istiklal Street- From the Caliphate to the Republic
Known as the Cadde-i Kebir (Grand Avenue) during the Ottoman period, when it attracted an intellectual crowd, it later became the place to stroll for the French Levantines, who knew it as the Grand Rue de Pera. It became İstiklal Caddesi (Independence Street) following the creation of the Republic of Turkey.
CATF and Istiklal Street
CATF has portrayed Istiklal Avenue in all its bustling glory in multiple artworks. These paintings depict the avenue’s historical significance as well as its contemporary vitality in a fresh concoction of colors and strokes.
Visit our gallery today to revivify your appetite for aestheticism with these astounding artworks.
1-catf.pixels.com
