Gezi Park: the garden of Taksim Square

Updated on October 8, 2026

Gezi Park (Taksim Gezi Parkı) is a small rectangle of greenery next to Taksim Square, at the end of İstiklal Avenue. It stands on the site of the Halil Pasha Artillery Barracks, built in 1806 and demolished in 1939-1940 as part of the redevelopment plan of the French urban planner Henri Prost; the park, first called the "İnönü Esplanade", was completed in 1943. It became known worldwide in May 2013, when a plan to rebuild the barracks on the site set off the "Gezi" protests, which spread from here across Turkey. For a visitor, it is above all one of the few shady corners of central Beyoğlu: plane trees, paths, benches, fountains and a free break between two visits. Allow 20 to 40 minutes.

Highlights

Paths and trees

The park covers only a few hectares, but its tree-lined paths and lawns offer real coolness in summer, steps from the noise of the square. It is a resting place for locals, who sit here at lunchtime or after work.

The Cumhuriyet Street side

The park runs alongside Cumhuriyet Caddesi, the avenue that leads from Taksim towards Harbiye and Nişantaşı. Seen from the pavement, it is a handy landmark for finding your way around the square, between the hotels, the Atatürk Cultural Centre and the Republic Monument.

A place steeped in history

Before the park, the land held the Halil Pasha barracks and, on its northern part, an Armenian cemetery (Pangaltı) used from 1560 to 1939. The events of May-June 2013 made it a political symbol in Turkey. For a visitor, the simplest approach is to behave as in any public garden: stroll, photograph the trees, and stay away from any gathering.

Practical info

Tips

Entry is free. The park is a public space with no ticket office; the sources consulted show no official opening hours, and how busy it is depends on the season and the weather. Taksim Square is regularly subject to security measures and bans on gatherings: if you see barriers or many police officers, simply go around the area and avoid crowds, as on any big-city square. Keep an eye on your belongings and your phone, as the square is very busy (see scams and safety). For other green spaces in the city, see our guide to parks and gardens in Istanbul. Sources consulted in October 2026.

How to get there

Taksim Square, 34437 Beyoğlu, Istanbul; the park is on the north-east side of the square, along Cumhuriyet Caddesi. Metro M2, Taksim station (Taksim Square exit); funicular F1 from Kabataş (connection with tram T1 and the ferries); the nostalgic tram T2 from Tünel stops at Taksim. On foot from Tünel, walking up İstiklal, allow 20 to 25 minutes.