The Heart of Antalya
Cumhuriyet Meydanı — Republic Square — sits at the very centre of Antalya's civic life, directly beside the old city of Kaleiçi. It is the place where the city marks its important days: national holidays, official ceremonies, concerts, and the kind of spontaneous gatherings that define a living public space. In a city full of ancient history and resort glamour, this is where Antalya simply goes about being itself.
The square was known as Yeni Meydan — New Square — during the Ottoman period, and before that as Tophane Meydanı, named for the cannons that were stationed here as part of the city's defences. In 1942, the governor of Antalya, Haşim İşcan, had the area paved and transformed into a modern urban square.
A Quiet Witness to Modern History
The square carries a piece of history that goes beyond its appearance. During the Turkish War of Independence, the Antalya Telegraph Office, located in a corner of the square, served as the communications hub through which Anadolu Agency transmitted news of the resistance to the outside world. Atatürk himself monitored the operation of these lines from Ankara. Few visitors passing through the square today would guess that the ground beneath their feet once carried some of the most consequential messages in modern Turkish history.
The square's defining landmark is the Atatürk Monument — officially the National Ascent Monument — created by sculptor Professor Hüseyin Gezer and unveiled in 1964. It forms the visual and symbolic centrepiece of the square.
The Square Today
Cumhuriyet Meydanı is surrounded by a mix of historic buildings, cafes, restaurants, and shops. It is busy at most hours of the day and actively used throughout the year. As one of the closest points to Kaleiçi and the old harbour, it serves as a natural starting point for exploring the historic city on foot. The tram stops within a few minutes' walk, making it easy to reach from across the city.
Practical Information
- Location: Muratpaşa district, directly adjacent to Kaleiçi. The geographic and civic centre of Antalya.
- Getting there: By tram, 3 minutes' walk from the İsmetpaşa stop. Bus lines CV14, KC06, KL08, LC07A, MC12, and TC16 all serve the square. Also walkable from Kaleiçi.
- Entrance fee: Free.
- Combine with: Kaleiçi, Hadrian's Gate, and Karaalioğlu Park are all within walking distance and form a natural half-day circuit.
