Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium
Fenerbahçe Ülker Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium
Opened: 1908
Renovated: 1929–1932, 1965–1982, 1999–2006
Capacity: 50.530
Location: Kadıköy, İstanbul
Surface: Hybrid grass
History of Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium:
Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium is Turkey’s first organized football field. Initially, it was put into operation in 1908 under the name Union Club. Before this date, the field was known as “Papazın Çayırı,” where football matches were played. The transformation of Papazın Çayırı into a football stadium was a coincidence.
In July 1908, following a speech by Reji Whittall, a guest of the invitation by Şehremini Operator Cemil Bey (Cemil Topuzlu) for the aid of freedom heroes, and in line with the youth’s desire for sports, especially football, Fenerbahçe President Ziya Bey (Ziya Songülen) and a few English and well-known Rıfat Bey held a meeting to decide that the most suitable place for the field was this meadow owned by the treasury.
Through Head Clerk Cevat, the matter was presented to Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II. Initially rejecting the proposal, the Sultan later decided to make a 20-year lease agreement with Union Club for an annual rent of 30 gold coins. After costing 3,000 gold coins, the meadow was enclosed with a wooden fence and a local construction, making it ready for football matches until the winter to come.
However, the lack of interest in football led to the inability to cover the rent. In 1909, the field was leased to Fenerbahçe Club for one year. With the outbreak of World War I, the British became enemies, and as a result, they lost interest in Union Club. In 1915, it was seized by Kara Kemal and renamed İttihat Sports Club as Turkish shareholders dispersed.
Left under the management of Basri Bay, under the new name İttihat Sports Field, it became the venue for all sports activities in Istanbul until the middle of the occupation era. In 1922, the field’s management was transferred to Emin Bey, the deputy of Basri Bey. For unknown reasons, Emin Bey left the operation of the field to a committee consisting of Ali Sami, Cevdet, and Tevfik Bey.
With the construction of Taksim Stadium, the field was left to itself. In 1929, Fenerbahçe rented the field, and it was reopened with a sports festival on October 25, 1929. On the same day, its name was changed to Fenerbahçe Stadium. Developments started from this date.
On September 30, 1931, the construction severed the connection between the stadium and its surroundings. After many changes, the opening ceremony of Fenerbahçe Stadium took place on May 13, 1932, with the participation of Governor Muhittin Üstündağ. Following a fire that left Fenerbahçe’s headquarters in Kuşdili in ruins, the decision to buy the stadium was made, laying the foundation for the modern stadium whose capacity will soon reach 62,000 people as the marquee tribune begins to be demolished.
With the superior efforts of Şükrü Saracoğlu and Kemal Onan, this area of 36,000 square meters and the building inside became the property of Fenerbahçe Sports Club on May 27, 1933, with a cost of 9,000 TL to be paid in 10 months. In addition to gaining ownership of the stadium, Fenerbahçe became the first club in Turkey to own a stadium. This prideful title also brought some responsibilities. Aware of its responsibilities, Fenerbahçe spent the 17,000 lira income from a lottery held on July 14, 1933, on Fenerbahçe Stadium. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the same year, Vice President Celal Bey said:
“Esteemed ladies and gentlemen, we present ourselves with a new move and a successful new business that has been compressed into a narrow and short three years. These works, compressed into three years, include; The old club building carrying the memories of a lively and successful 25-year life, fell victim to the treacherous and bad greed of fate. On the morning of a pitch-black night, we found ourselves in front of a pitch-black pile of coal. Nothing was left in our hands except the name Fenerbahçe. Shortly before the fire, we entered today’s Fenerbahçe Stadium as a poor tenant with the remains in our hands. This year, as Fenerbahçe celebrates its 26th anniversary, it has achieved a new and great honor.
The venerable Gazi [Mustafa Kemal Atatürk] bestowed a great and invaluable favor on youth and Fenerbahçe. They allowed their statues to be erected in Fenerbahçe Stadium. With our incapacity, we, all Fenerbahçe fans, do not know how to thank them for this absolute weakness. With this statue, this field has become an indestructible and unbreakable mass. This community, integrity, and unity are also a symbol of the whole country. This statue rises here as a picture of perseverance, humility, and discipline. Anyone looking at this statue has a heart that beats with a clean and new move. Anyone looking at this statue cannot be a troublemaker and a dissolute person. The heart of anyone looking at this statue is invincible and cannot be defeated.”
It was modernized and its capacity was increased.
Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium; At its most advanced state; with a seating capacity of 50,530 and the Fenerium Stand, the latest addition, it was opened to fans in April 2006.
Although it was referred to as Fenerbahçe Stadium for many years, it was renamed Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium by the management under the presidency of Aziz Yıldırım, honoring the former president Şükrü Saracoğlu.
The stadium incorporates all the innovations of technology. Additionally, with Fenerium Stores, the Fenerbahçe Museum, stores, and showrooms within its premises, the stadium holds the status of a popular destination for fans from various regions of Turkey every day.
Providing a peaceful and comfortable atmosphere for fans of all ages, along with their families, to watch matches, Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium not only stands out among stadiums in Turkey but also boasts a more modern infrastructure compared to many stadiums in Europe and around the world.
