Turkish Forum

Category: Sport

  • Istanbul declared Europe sports capital

    Istanbul declared Europe sports capital

    Ist sporAnkara (UNN) This ancient city was declared the 2012 European Capital of Sports here on Sunday.

    European Capitals of Sport Association (ACES) President Gian Francesco Lupatelli during a news conference at the city air facility, Ataturk Airport.

    Lupatelli and an ACES committee surveyed various locations in the city, last week, before unanimously deciding on Istanbul as the 2012 capital.

    For his part, State Minister and Chief EU accession negotiator Egemen Bagis said this decision showed Turkey became “a very important actor of Europe.” This is the first time a Turkish city has been declared a European sports capital./UNN

    17th Nov 2010, 03:28 am.

  • WWE SmackDown in Turkey – By Mohammad Sagha | FP Passport

    WWE SmackDown in Turkey – By Mohammad Sagha | FP Passport

    Posted By Mohammad Sagha Tuesday, November 16, 2010 – 5:03 PM Share

    Many believe that America’s greatest export is its culture; from blockbuster Hollywood films and TV series to jeans and iPods, there is little doubt that American cultural products have profound dissemination and market consumption around the globe.

    wweBut few would have imagined that one day Turkish citizens would be cheering on pro-wrestlers in Istanbul.

    That’s right, WWE SmackDown went to Turkey.

    Much like American parents, though, many Turks were quite reticent in allowing their children to watch shirtless men in costumes beat each other up on stage. As Hurriyet reports,

    Many parents who brought their kids to the WWE show… [expressed] reluctance about exposing their children to something that could contribute to violent tendencies.

    As someone who remembers the glory days of “The Rock” and the playground simulations which inevitably followed, I can say with certainty these parents have a point.

    via WWE SmackDown in Turkey – By Mohammad Sagha | FP Passport.

  • The Canadian Press: Ex-NBA star Allen Iverson debuts for Besiktas Cola Turka, scores 15 in loss

    The Canadian Press: Ex-NBA star Allen Iverson debuts for Besiktas Cola Turka, scores 15 in loss

    By The Associated Press (CP) – 7 hours ago

    Allen Iverson of Besiktas Cola Turka tries to pass Hemofarm Stada defense during their Eurocup group B basketball match in Istanbul, Turkey, Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2010. (AP Photo/Ibrahim Usta)
    Allen Iverson of Besiktas Cola Turka tries to pass Hemofarm Stada defense during their Eurocup group B basketball match in Istanbul, Turkey, Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2010. (AP Photo/Ibrahim Usta)

    ANKARA, Turkey — Former NBA all-star Allen Iverson has scored 15 points in his debut for Besiktas Cola Turka but failed to carry his team to victory against Hemofarm Stada.

    Hemofarm Stada defeated Besiktas 94-91 in a European Cup game on Tuesday in Istanbul. Turkish fans shouted “Allen Iverson, the son of Besiktas Cola Turka” during the match.

    The 11-time NBA all-star had agreed to a US$4-million, two-year contract with Besiktas after no NBA team offered him a contract for the season.

    Iverson is 17th on the NBA’s career scoring list with 24,368 points over a 14-year career with Philadelphia, Denver, Detroit and Memphis. He won the league’s Most Valuable Player award in 2001.

  • Allen Iverson first interview in Istanbul Turkey outside his hotel

    Allen Iverson first interview in Istanbul Turkey outside his hotel

    Allen Iverson’s first interview on Turkish soil shortly after his arrival in the country where he will spend the next two years playing for Besiktas. He says it is the “most important thing to be accepted and wanted and appreciated” and that he hopes to “bring a lot of excitement for the fans”.

  • Turkey’s Istanbul designated as 2012 European Capital of Sport

    Turkey’s Istanbul designated as 2012 European Capital of Sport

    President of the European Capitals of Sport Association, Gian Francesco Lupatelli, announced Sunday they chose Istanbul as the European Capital of Sport for 2012.

    Sunday, 14 November 2010 16:35

    istanbul bridgeIstanbul was designated as the European Capital of Sport (ACES) for 2012.

    President of the European Capitals of Sport Association, Gian Francesco Lupatelli, announced Sunday they chose Istanbul as the European Capital of Sport for 2012.

    Lupatelli told a press conference at the International Ataturk Airpor in Istanbul that ACES Committee following examinations at various spots in Istanbul, decided to designate Istanbul as the European Capital of Sport for 2012.

    Lupatelli said next year’s European Capital of Sport, Valencia would be announced at the European Parliament’s meeting on November 30. He said they would present Istanbul’s certificate to Turkey’s Chief Negotiator for accession talks with the EU, Egemen Bagis and Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbas during the meeting.

    Istanbul’s Mayor Kadir Topbas, said the new infrastructure and sports facilities contributed to Istanbul’s designation as the European Capital of Sport, adding that the city would now eye the Olympic games.

    “We will continue our intense endeavours. I believe people of Istanbul will will join us in our efforts. We have a new target: 2012. We will make some serious preparations for 2012. We say this must be followed by the Olympic games. These steps will bring the Olympic Games to us,” said Topbas.

    AA

  • Turkey pinches would-be Socceroo Gulum

    Turkey pinches would-be Socceroo Gulum

    Australian-born defender Ersan Gulum has been called up for Turkey’s national soccer team, effectively ending any prospect of him playing for the Socceroos.

    Gulum, 23, has broken into the first-team at leading Turkish club Besiktas and cemented a spot in central defence, playing six solid matches in succession.

    But despite being raised in Melbourne and playing twice for the Olyroos during Graham Arnold’s reign, he had not been picked at senior level for Australia.

    Advertisement: Story continues below

    He was again overlooked by new coach Holger Osieck for the Socceroos squad to play Egypt next Wednesday (Thursday AEDT).

    Instead ex-Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink has swooped on the dual citizen, and he has been added to Turkey’s squad to play Holland – also next Wednesday.

    Should he be capped in that match, he would be unable to play for Australia.

    Gulum told SBS’s The World Game website he hoped people would understand his decision to play for Turkey, whose federation has been watching his progress closely of late, after he had continually been ignored by Australia.

    “I have and always and will have a close allegiance with Australia. I love the country,” he said.

    “Through my management, Football Australia has been notified of my ongoing progress.

    “For me it has been a case of being overlooked at all levels in the past for Australia, for whatever the reason has been.

    “People would have differing views about my decision to play for Turkey and I can assure everyone that it wasn’t an easy one.

    “I hope all concerned will respect me for the decision that I have had to make, based on my current position in Turkey.”

    Osieck said last week Gulum was in his thoughts, but he would not be rushed into selecting him.

    “In my network I talk to Besiktas head coach Bernd Schuster and believe me we are not leaving any stone unturned,” Osieck said.

    “It would be ignorant of me not to have a look at him. But four good games do not give you a clear indication.

    “I know about the activities of the Turkish federation. They go everywhere whenever they see a player with a Turkish name.”

    © 2010 AAP