History of İstiklal Street from Ottoman Empire to Republic Era


History of İstiklal Street from Ottoman Empire to Republic Era

Istiklal Street started to take shape with the Byzantine period. In this process, and after that, the Catholic churches, monasteries had within. These parts were called Pera region. At that time, a large part of the population of Galata lived in the Istanbul walls. The commercial structure developed after the Ottoman administration of Istanbul led to the relocation of the Latins to the Golden Horn and to the slopes facing the Bosphorus. The section between these two parts started to be valued, and the silhouette of İstiklal Street was formed. Increasing trade has also increased migration to the area. Many embassies were built during this period.

The other events that shaped Taksim were the construction of the mosque, known as Asmalı Mescit by Sultan Bayezid II, and the development of the Novice Boys Barracks during the same period. With the 15th century, the Muslim population began to migrate to the region. This population has not increased as quickly as the international population. The international community continued to have fun and need in this region. In 1628, St. Louis Church was completed. Istiklal Street is the route from Galata Tower to Galata Palace Winter School in the 17th century. During this period, Terra Sainte Church and Franciscan Church are located on the street.

The street continued to develop in the 18th century. By the end of the 18th century, facing buildings were placed up to Galatasaray Square. Then, single houses are located in the other part of the street. When we came to the 19th century, modern İstiklal Street understanding started to dominate. The street now addresses the intellectual, intellectual and non-Muslim sections of the Ottoman Empire. In this process, it has continued its development with various reforms. The street, which continued to develop during the Abdülaziz period, started to be similar to the famous streets of Paris. In this process, electric trams were put into service, the sewerage system was built, streets were illuminated with gas, streets were furnished with stone. With these developments, the street is also evolved.

When we came to the 20th century with the proclamation of the republic, the street which once called as "Grande Rue de Pera", "Büyük Cadde" and "Cadde-i Kebir" started to be called "İstiklal Caddesi". During this period, cinemas, galleries, pastry shops and hotels have experienced the most magnificent times of the street. The October Revolution of 1917 took on a whole new atmosphere when the Russians fleeing from the civil war included their culture on the street. Many different languages ​​were spoken, many folks lived. After the proclamation of the Republic, the policy of Turkization was implemented in a way that would not harm the texture of the street. Many events such as the events of 6-7 September in 1955, the Second World War, the establishment of Israel, caused the migration of the street and the artisan and the craftsman and caused the air of the street to deteriorate.

After this process, some buildings were demolished, and tasteless buildings were built instead, and the street received great migrations over time. Until the 90s, the street lost its past atmosphere, and the centre of attraction was lost. In the 90s, the fundamental importance was given to İstiklal Street again, roads that could disrupt the atmosphere were closed, the street was cleaned, and various restorations were achieved. Istiklal Caddesi, which has reached today; has become an important centre in terms of eating, having fun and shopping. It continues to host millions of local and foreign tourists every year.

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