In the heart of Istanbul lies the legendary Taksim Square, the center of the city’s cultural and social life. The square is one of the city’s most popular landmarks. In the center of the square is the striking Republic Monument, also known as Cumhuriyet Anıtı. This is perhaps the most famous Turkish monument in Taksim Square. The monument was erected to commemorate the founding of the Turkish Republic in 1923 and was restored in the following years. The monument, which depicts the founders of the Turkish Republic, consists of two sides, one of which depicts Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and the other facing Istiklal Street.