The Republic Monument (Cumhuriyet Aniti) is a notable commemorative monument to honor the foundation of the Turkish Republic in 1923. It is situated at Taksim Square, the center of modern Istanbul. Designed by the Italian sculptor, Pietro Canonica, the monument was inaugurated in 1928, after two and a half years of construction and with the donations of Turkish citizens. 

The eleven-meter-high monument portrays the founders of the Turkish Republic. The north side of the monument depicts the founding father of the Republic of Turkey and the First President Mustafa Kemal Ataturk as the military commander-in-chief during the Turkish War of Independence (1919-1922). While the south-facing side of the monument (towards Istiklal Street) illustrates Ataturk and his comrades, the first Prime Minister Ismet Inonu and the Chief of General Staff Fevzi Cakmak dressed in modern Western clothing, which symbolizes Ataturk’s role as statesman.  

The Republic Monument is an important site, where official ceremonies are held on national holidays; as well as other celebrations take place. The monument is one of the most photographed structures of Istanbul. The Taksim Republic Monument marks the beginning of Istiklal Street, the most popular pedestrianized street of Istanbul.