The Memory of Entertainment in Istanbul. Taksim has long been the heart of Istanbul’s social and cultural life. In the 1920s, one of the city’s iconic entertainment venues was built near Taksim Square, at the entrance of Sıraselviler Avenue: the Taksim Stage.
Originally designed as the Majik Cinema by renowned architect Giulio Mongeri, the building underwent a significant transformation. The large hall located behind the stage was leased by a foreign entrepreneur, Frederick Bruce Thomas, who turned it into Maksim Bar — marking the building’s first step into the vibrant entertainment sector.
Over the years, this venue also served as a home to the Istanbul State Theatres, playing a vital role in the city’s cultural memory. In this presentation, we will explore the journey from Taksim Stage to Maksim Casino, uncovering the layered history of this iconic site. We will also reflect on its significance both as a landmark of Taksim Square and within Istanbul’s historic urban fabric.
At the same time, through Maksim Casino, a place filled with my childhood memories, we will take a nostalgic journey into the past together.
Warm regards,
Nur Üçer