Fenerbahçe vs. Galatasaray - Derby of Istanbul

 This derby, often also called the "Intercontinental derby' is one of the most heated and historic in Turkish and in European football. The derby dates back to when the clubs were founded with Fenerbache being established in 1907, and Galatasaray in 1905. Similar to my previous blog post, this rivalry goes beyond sport, reflecting cultural and societal divisions in Turkish society. Fenerbache as a club and its supporters, more interline with the Asian side of Istanbul and represent a more traditional, local identity, whilst Galatasaray are more interlined with the European size having an outlook of westernisation. How each club identities resonate with differing views in Turkey's national identity are further impacted by government and political influence. Turkish governments have historically sought to harness the passion of each set of clubs supporters for political purposes such as attempting to use football as a means of promoting certain ideologies and agendas which not only fuels the hatred in this derby but on Turkish society as a whole. As a result, on match day the atmosphere is hostile, with fan rivalry often leading to clashes inside and outside of each clubs stadiums as both sets of fans of either club are renewed for their passion and willingness to back they club.

Both clubs have been highly successful in their whole tenure of existence, by far being the best two clubs in Turkey along with another club Besitkas, consistently competing for all domestic trophies and even seeing some success on the European stage. Galatasaray have won their league 23 times, and fenerbache 19 times, but Galatasaray have won the UEFA cup in the year 2000 and then the UEFA Super cup the same year which for me edges them as the superior club in Turkey.

Some of the best players to have played for either club or some of my favourite are, Georghe Hagi, a Galatasaray legend being a key player in the clubs domestic and European achievements and being arguably one of the best players in the world at his time. Another is Ryan Kent, who is a current player for Fenerbache and former Rangers winger,

The derby of Istanbul rightly gets the credit it deserves for being one of the most intense and passionate there is. My next blog post will be changing continent and heading to Egypt...




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Red Star Belgrade vs Partizan Belgrade - 'The Eternal Derby'

Image
 This derby between the two greats of Serbian football is fierce, intense and rich in history. The rivalry between Red Star Belgrade and FC Partizan dates back to the early 20th century, rooted in their foundation and affiliations with military factions during the Second World War. Like most of the worlds Derbys, this derby reflects deep cultural and political divides. Red star is associated with Serbian nationalism, whilst Partizan represents a more diverse Yugoslav identity. Red star represents a more traditional, Serbian identity, placing significance on typical Serbian culture and heritage, FC Partizan however, historically has been more inclusive, representing a diverse Yugoslav identity, meaning emphasis on unity amongst various ethnic groups in the former Yugoslavia. With the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, the rivalry took on a new dimensions as the war that followed, the sides interlined with the values of those fans of either club just feeling the hatred for one anoth...
Read more

Olympiacos vs. Panathinaikos - Derby of the Eternal Enemies

Image
 For my final blog I'll be going over one of the most intense rivalries in Greece and in Europe. Similar to the previous blogs, this rivalry transcends sport, rooted in deep cultural and regional differences. Olympiacos represents the city of Piraeus, a major port city whilst Panathinaikos is based in Athens, the capital of Greece. Olympiacos is associated with Piraeus's working-class identity and maritime culture , and Panathinaikos symbolises a more urban and cosmopolitan identity. Matches are often characterised by fiery displays utilising tifo's and pyro to choreograph visual shows to boost the players and the supporters. these displays are led by each clubs 'ultras' groups which are organised fan associations and also themselves play a role in the political dimension of the rivalry. Each group have strong political affiliations and use matches to promote their contrasting ideologies, further adding tension between the clubs and their supporters. Not only does t...
Read more