The Republic Monument (Cumhuriyet Ant) is right in the midst of bustling Taksim Square at the northern end of stiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue.The government commissioned the Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica to make a work honoring the leaders of the struggle for independence and the formation of the republic in 1923.The monument was unveiled in 1928; only five years after the republic was founded.The 11 m (36 ft) high monument portrays the founders of the Turkish Republic; prominent are depictions of Kemal Atat黵k; his assistant smet n鰊? and Fevzi 莂kmak; the side facing northward depicts Atat黵k at an earlier period; as military commander-in-chief. the other one facing Istiklal Caddesi has Atat黵k and his comrades dressed in modern; western-European clothing; symbolizing him in both his roles; as statesman.Mikhail Frunze; an important leader of the October Revolution; and Kliment Voroshilov; a Marshal of the Soviet Union[2]; are among the group behind Atat黵k. Their presence in the monument; ordered by Atat黵k; points out to the military aid given by Vladimir Lenin during the Turkish War of Independence in 1920.Cumhuriyet Ant is an important site; where official ceremonies on national holidays are being held.