Located in the heart of Istanbul, the historical Beyazıt Square, which had lost its original character by turning into a parking lot over time, has regained its former liveliness thanks to the renovation project meticulously carried out by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM). The square, which was opened to the service of Istanbulites in its renewed form in 2022, has since begun to overflow with fairs, talks, concerts and various social events.
Historical Square Reborn in the 99th Year of Independence
On the 99th anniversary of the Liberation of Istanbul, on October 6, 2022, the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Ekrem İmamoğluBeyazıt Square, which was opened to public use with the participation of , has become an important center of the city's cultural and social life in the last three years. It has hosted many different events, from Turkish Classical Music concerts organized by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality to mobile book fairs, from traditional instrument introductions to support marches for Palestine, from solidarity events of university youth to special memory tours and band concerts for the 101st anniversary of the Republic. This lively atmosphere has redefined Beyazıt Square as both a dynamic stage for cultural production and a strong platform for social solidarity.
A Meticulous Renewal Extending from the Past to the Future
The renewal process of Beyazıt Square was initiated by the previous IMM administration in July 2017, but was halted despite being planned to be completed in March 2019. The IMM, under the presidency of İmamoğlu, accelerated the process to revive this historical heritage. The preliminary project submitted to the Preservation Board in December 2019 was approved in June 2021, and with the accelerated work starting from September 2021, the infrastructure manufacturing and flooring operations of this important area with a pedestrian density of approximately 40 thousand square meters were completed in a short period of one year. The parking lot next to Ordu Street was removed and vehicle access to the square was restricted. Thus, Beyazıt Square, known as the first square of Istanbul including the Byzantine, Ottoman and Republic periods, took on an identity that is accessible to everyone, meets all needs, and preserves and sustains the historical texture.
Historical Coffeehouses Revived, Urban Furniture Renewed
As part of the renovation works, while urban furniture specific to Beyazıt was designed, the historical Çınaraltı and Küllük coffee houses, which have an important place in the city's memory, were also rebuilt and brought back to the city. Instead of the flat stones used on the square's ground, slightly indented and protruding stones that are in line with the historical texture and remind us of the Ottoman period structure were preferred. Social meeting areas were created in different scales in the square. The descending stairs, which were demolished in 2017 and have an important place in the city's memory, were rebuilt in accordance with the original and the urban continuity of the square was ensured. With the "Beyazıt Square Urban Design Project", fluid entrance areas were defined from 15 different urban axes to the area, strengthening the square's integration with the city. The pedestrian paths reaching the square were renewed with observation terraces where the monuments could be better perceived, and the existing 174 trees were preserved and resting areas were designed under them. In addition, many new trees were planted with the project. Ramps that facilitate disabled access to the square were built, and a “Courtyard Academy” that can also be used as an open classroom and 14 recreational terraces were created in the main square, which has a pedestrian area of approximately 10 thousand square meters.
