I lived in Mecidiyeköy for my first few months in Istanbul. That part of town is interesting in its own right, and it was cool to really live among the locals, but it often felt a little crowded and lacking in the allure of other areas. I was a bit hesitant at first to move to Taksim, for the usual reasons of someone who frequented Istiklal on the weekends: too crowded, too noisy, too expensive. And we’ve all heard stories of pickpockets, scammers, and aggressively flirtatious carousers. But since moving here, I’ve found these stereotypes to be no truer than any other area I’ve seen. Living in Taksim is never dull and always vivacious. This list sheds an optimistic light on ten great aspects of life in the perpetually bustling center of the metropolis that is Istanbul.
1. Everyone Comes to You. Before I moved to the Taksim area, when trying to meet up with friends spread across the city, we almost always met in Taksim. Everyone had a way to get there, by metro or ferry or whatever. Sometimes, complaints would arise. “Taksim again?” someone would say, with no alternatives to offer. Because let’s face it, we’re not all dying to go to Bahçelievler every Saturday night. The obvious choice is often obvious for a reason: something is always going on in Taksim. When you live here, you’re right in the middle of it, and you’re bound to know someone who is out at a bar within immediate walking distance. And if you feel like laying low, they can walk to your place and say hello. Or you can tell them you’re in Bahçelievler; they’ll buy it.
2. Central Location. In terms of practicality, this is probably the best part of living here. All modes of transportation are quickly available – metro, ferry, tram, cabs (oh, you hadn’t noticed?), the Havataş airport shuttle. And again, tell someone “Meet me at the monument” and they’ll know what you’re talking about, and can likely get there pretty fast. Plus, if you’re feeling a little cramped, it’s about five minutes walking to the fresh air of the waterfront.
3. Diversity. Students, teachers, and tourists from all over the world, and all parts of Turkey, means a lot of unique individuals. The people-watching can’t be beat. Not to mention, the Taksim area is the most LGBT-friendly part of town. A palpable atmosphere of community has developed here – everyone is welcome.
4. International Food Options. All of that diversity brings with it a demand for diverse food choices. Getting away from the McDonalds and Burger Kings and kebap spots of Istiklal, it’s easy to explore Istanbul’s emerging international culinary world. Thai food, sushi, tapas, brick-oven pizza, and ceviche are a short walk from anywhere around Taksim. Sure, you’re living in a country with an excellent and eclectic selection of local cuisine, but every so often you want a taste of the outside world. It’s good to treat yourself.
5. People Speak English. If you’re living in Turkey, yes, you should learn Turkish. It goes without saying – you want to get to know the locals and the culture, and when in Rome and all that. But sometimes you need someone to understand you, like when you need antibiotics or directions to the library or just someone to get your sarcastic “Thanks a lot, Obama.” It’s not always a given in other parts of the city, but you don’t have to travel far in Taksim to find someone speaking your language.
6. Music. Always, Music. Want to see Medeski, Martin, and Wood passing through on another European tour? April 4th, Babylon! Trying to catch your favorite Romanian singer before she catches her big break? I don’t know details on that one, but it wouldn’t surprise me. Care to discover a local group making their way through the club circuit? Couldn’t be easier. Taksim offers live music every night of the week. If you don’t have the scratch for the cover charge or two drink minimum, stroll up and down Istiklal. You’ll find some serious talent right on the side of the road – guitarists, clarinetists, singers. Toss them some change and they’re happy. Also, if you’ve never caught the string quintet that sets up in the Taksim Metro Station, get on that.
7. “Hot Guys On Motorcycles.” I asked a few friends for input on this list, and they agreed on this point. A lot of the motorcyclists wear helmets so it’s hard to say how many of them are “hot,” but I assume they take those off and shake out their glorious manes in slow motion once they’ve reached their destinations.
8. Front Row Seat of the Action. We’re all aware of the protests from last summer, on top of those from the past two months. While I understand where these protestors are coming from, I’m not in any way eager to jump into the front lines and square off with the riot police. It’s exciting, however, to be so close to an impassioned base of citizens trying to change the course of their country’s politics. On a given protest night, it’s an interesting change of pace to drink a beer in the streets (in this particular climate, no one’s going to stop you) and converse with people of different backgrounds working to make a difference. And you hear the tear gas before you feel it; stay on the fringes and be prepared to flee.
9. Buying Random Crap. We’ve all been there. Heading to a friend’s house party with a bottle of wine as a friendly offering, but you want to really accentuate your appreciation for them opening their home to you. That’s when you realize the ideal gift for the situation: a piece of plastic that flashes neon lights and flies up in the air. Or maybe, a bag of roasted chestnuts. Both are good. Perhaps a lotto ticket? Regardless, Taksim, and Istiklal in particular, have a plethora of options in the random gift department. It’s kitschy but unique, and perfect for friends with the right sense of humor. Or children. Children, too.
10. Second Hand Shops. If you’re not into the random kitsch market and are avoiding the high-end shopping of Istiklal, you have plenty of other cheap options which have been written about on this website and passed around via word of mouth. Istanbul has plenty of second-hand shops, but there is a great concentration of them in the immediate Taksim area. For us yabangees, there are a number of bookstores offering an excellent selection of used books in English, many very close to the Taksim metro stop. Record stores and vintage poster selections abound. Cihangir could be named The Land of Another Man’s Treasure for its seemingly endless list of antique dealers. You could spend a lifetime exploring all of the second-hand clothing shops in the area. There is really something for everybody.
These ten points are absolutely open to argument. Sure, sometimes I become a curmudgeon when late-night carousers stand outside my window singing Get Lucky (“Damn kids! Keep it down out there.” – Me). All part of the experience. And I didn’t even mention the architecture and history of the area. (Admittedly, I need to do much more research before I can speak intelligently on those subjects, though I suppose hot guys on motorcycles take precedence anyway.) But living in Taksim is a great way to feel the proverbial pulse we all came here to witness.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in February of 2014. It was updated for relevance on December of 2018.
