Istiklal Avenue or Istiklal Caddesi, is one of the most famous avenues in Istanbul, Turkey. It is a gallant pedestrian street, approximately 3 km long, that houses tens of exquisite boutiques, music and bookstores, art galleries, cinemas, theaters, cafés, pubs, coffeehouses, historical patisseries, chocolateries and restaurants, all of which are seamlessly integrated into the elegant 19th century Turkish architecture. This nostalgic Avenue starts from the historic neighbourhood around the Galata Tower and leads up to Taksim Square, while taking the individual through a dream-like trip through its unique historical complexion.
The Galatasaray Square is at approximately halfway through the Avenue and houses one of the finest educational institutions established in Turkey at the time of the Ottoman Empire; formerly "mekteb-i sultani" ("the institution of Sultans"), today Galatasaray Lisesi.
In the historic Karaköy district that is located towards the end of the Avenue, it is possible to see the world's second-oldest subway, today generally known and referred to as simply Tünel ("The Tunnel").
The cosmopolitan Avenue also houses an array of historical and politically significant buildings, such as the Çiçek Pasajı ("The Flower Courtyard", where small, intimate restaurants and taverns are found), Balık Pazarı ("The Fish Bazaar"), the St.Antoine, Santa Maria and the Armenian Churches (among many others), several mosques and sinagouges, 19th century European schools (German, Italian, Austrian, French), consulates of several nations including the French, English (now moved out after the terrorist attacks by Al-Quaida in 2003 - see 2003 Istanbul Bombings), Greek, Armenian and the Russian.
During the reign of the Ottoman Empire the street was called Cadde-i Kebir ("Grand Avenue") and became a center for European foreigners, Levantines (who referred to the Avenue as "Grande Rue de Péra"), Ottoman intellectuals and western culture admirers during the reforms in the 19th century. With the decleration of the Republic in October 29, 1923, the street’s name was changed to Istiklal, meaning "Victory", to commemorate the triumphal Turkish War of Independence. (see Atatürk)
