Nonpolitical Politicization in and Through Sports in Turkey: Four Fragments of Opposition

Abstract

The main objective of the study is to examine the political mobilization of sports clubs and their fans in Turkey, particularly focusing on the intersection of sports and politics. It analyzes various instances, including allegations of match-fixing involving Fenerbahçe Sports Club, the role of soccer fans during the Gezi Park protests, controversies surrounding the national women’s volleyball team, and the resistance of Amedspor, a soccer club associated with the Kurdish political movement. The study aims to highlight the implications of these instances for the broader context of nonpolitical politicization within Turkish society. The study emphasizes the complex interplay between sports and politics in Turkey, reflecting broader societal tensions and the evolving nature of political expression among fans and sports organizations. © 2026 selection and editorial matter, Mark Turner and Jan Andre Lee Ludvigsen; individual chapters, the contributors.