Free tour

Taksim Northwards, Empire to Republic Urban Walk

5.00
Excellent(3)
Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Languages: English
Registered on 15 December 2022
Guru Avatar Image
I am a Turkish freelance architect and an academic tutor. I’ve been working as an urban walk guide for five years already. Originally an istanbul native, but living my life in various turkish cities, i learned to study different areas comparatively. And I love to share my insight in a fun way! I am a history nerd and a food enthusiast, also a classical guitarist. I lived in Russia for a year so i’m fluent in Russian. Also can speak french, hebrew, serbian, arabic, mandarin (levels in descending order). Very willing to know new people and learn from their experiences. Feel free to contact me!
Free reservation and cancellation
Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free

Tour description

I gladly offer guided urban walks in my home city İstanbul as an art and architectural historian. During this well researched urban walk, we see how a periphery of the imperial capital gets incorporated into the republican major city, becoming the new center. With the help of maps and old photographs, we see all the changes from this transformation. Wilderness vs city, traditional law vs tanzimat reforms, cemetery vs palace, sultanate vs republic, capital state buildings vs civil infrastucture, and an evermoving entertainment sector... All clarified with fun stories.  This tour would interest every person that's keen on history of show business, international relations, railroads, urban morphology, history of sports, even Russian revolution. Yes it's all in Taksim! 

Itinerary:

- Hagia Triada church
- Maksim Night Club Building
- Istiklal Avenue/ Rue de Péra
(northern end)
- Maksem water infrastucture building
- Railway infrastructure

- Taksim Republic Monument
- Talimhane Apartments

- Parks from Henri Prost plans of urban green lines
- Repurposing of government buildings:
  * 2 barrackses,
  * Ottoman bank guesthouse
  * Atatürk Cultural Center
- Su terazisi Water infrastructure monument
- Elmadağ, Dolapdere Valley stories of shipyards and water buffaloes...
- Hotels in International Architectural style around the public green line
-Maçka Parkı (A valley park overlooking Bosphorus and Dolmabahçe Palace, containing republican public spaces such as Beşiktaş Stadium, open air theatre, sports
- Atatürk House and Harbiye, his military school
- Vedat Tek Evi (Exemplary Revivalist House in the 1st National Style of Architecture in Turkish Republic)
- Teşvikiye an Ottoman neighborhood pocket and its neoclassical western style mosque
- Nişantaşı an upscale central neighborhood hosting aiming stone monuments of the sultans

If you are a newbie to İstanbul's history, no worries! I start the walk with a brief summary of İstanbul's history, related to Galata, Pera, İstiklal avenue and its growth.

Notes: 
In this tour, we talk about demolished buildings as much as the standing ones. So get ready to use your imagination.
No public transport needed
No museums will be visited during the walk, you can visit some on the path after, depending your interests
Most of the visits will be open air, path optimized for maximum shade and uphill walking is minimized as much as possible

In the end you will be fascinated by how every era  leaves its mark in our cities. Butterfly effect of the urban morphology is a rabbit hole full of fun facts, hidden gems and juicy stories. I wanted to fill in the history of a touristically neglected area, despite being so full of hotels. I'm sure, after this walk you will make sense of your surroundings!


Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:
Cihangir, Sıraselviler Cd. No:33 Kat:2, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
Meeting point is at the apsis corner of the hagia triada church as marked. I will be the curly guy waiting by the wall 👋🏼
1
Outside visit
Katip Çelebi Mah.
Hagia Triada Greek Orthodox Church
2
Outside visit
Sofitel Istanbul Taksim
Maksim Night Club Building
3
Free entry
Taksim Maksemi
Main water distribution building, water systems are visible inside the small building. Big building's republic museum is skipped in the walk, but can be recommended for later.
Tour map

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end the amount they consider appropriate (amounts usually range from €15 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour reviews

5.00
Excellent(3)
Generic
3
0
0
0
0
By category
Professionalism
5.00
Fun
4.67
Communication
4.67
Quality
5.00
Route
4.67

Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group bookings.
Pets
Suitable for bringing pets.

What should I know?

Minimum attendees
Does not require a minimum number of people to conduct the tour.
Additional costs
The tour does not require payment for entries or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Cash payment only.
Taksim Northwards, Empire to Republic Urban Walk
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