Galatasaray

Galatasaray is one of the eighteen teams that constitute the Turkcell Super Lig, the Turkish Premier Super League. This is by far the most popular sporting competition in the country, and it is managed by the Turkish Football Federation, formed in 1923. Established in 1959, the Premier Super League plays its teams against each other in two half seasons. At the end of the league season, the bottom three teams are relegated to the Secondary League Category A. The champion and the runner-up represent Turkey at the UEFA Champions League the following year. Additionally, the teams of the Premier Super League participate along with the 36 teams of the Secondary League for the Fortis Turkey Cup, which yields two slots for the UEFA Cup. Turkish teams are limited to six foreign players. 

The city of Istanbul is the biggest, most populous city in Turkey with over eight million residents, as well as being its cultural and economic center, and it is the one that houses the Galatasaray. It is located in the Bosphorus strait and features a natural harbor known as the Golden Horn. Istanbul spreads both on the European and Asian sides of the strait, and consequently, it is the only metropolis in the world that is situated on two continents. It is also known as “The City of the Seven Hills” after the seven hills and mosques upon which the city rests.

Galatasaray Spor Kulubu, also known as Aslandar (Lion), is a true pillar of Turkish football. Founded in 1905 as a sport club, it quickly became popular for its football team, and has amassed 16 Turkish league championships, most recently during the 2005-2006 season, as well as winning the UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup in 2000 to become European Champions. Last but certainly not least, Galatasaray reached the number one position of the world club ranking in January 2001, becoming “Best Football Club in the World”. President Ozhan Canaydin is currently at the head of the organization, and Belgian Coach Eric Gerets leads the team. Galatasaray plays at the Ali Sami Yen Stadium, which has capacity for twenty five thousand fans, and sports a red and yellow uniform.