Beyazıt Square
A historic square in Fatih dominated by the Bayezid II Mosque and the grand entrance to Istanbul University. The Sahaflar book bazaar sits right next to it.
Beyazıt Square, formally called Freedom Square, has been a public meeting point since Roman times when it was the Forum of Theodosius. The early Ottoman Bayezid II Mosque now dominates the space, facing the monumental gate of Istanbul University. The square has seen centuries of transformation, but its role as a crossroads for students, shoppers, and history buffs remains intact. An ambitious 1960 redesign by Turgut Cansever aimed to reshape the square, though the project was never fully realized. Decades later, a 2022 urban design project by Ali Kural and Deniz Çalış Kural finally gave it the clean, organized look it has today—with plenty of room to stroll or sit. Just off the square, the Sahaflar book market offers a quieter, shaded escape where you can browse second-hand books and old prints. It’s a favourite local haunt, not a tourist trap.
“To stand on centuries of history—from Roman forum to Ottoman square—and browse second-hand books in the adjacent bazaar.”
The Sahaflar book market just off the square is best visited on weekdays when the old book sellers are fully stocked and open for browsing.
The square is flat and open, though some areas have uneven paving stones. Ramps are available near the university entrance.
Good to know
- Is Beyazıt Square free to visit?
- Free. Open square by the university gate; the Sahaflar book bazaar sits just off it
- How long should you spend at Beyazıt Square?
- ~1h
- When is the best time to visit Beyazıt Square?
- Morning
- Is Beyazıt Square wheelchair accessible?
- The square is flat and open, though some areas have uneven paving stones. Ramps are available near the university entrance.
