History of Galatasaray S.K. in Timeline

Galatasaray Spor Kulübü (Galatasaray S.K.), nicknamed Cimbom, is a prominent Turkish sports club located in Istanbul. While known for its football team, Galatasaray also fields teams in various sports, including basketball, volleyball, and water polo, among others. It is a key member of the Galatasaray Community Cooperation Committee, which includes Galatasaray University and Galatasaray High School. The club is one of the most successful in Turkey, with a large and passionate fanbase.

October 1905: Galatasaray SK Founded

In October 1905, Galatasaray SK was founded by Ali Sami Yen and other students of Galatasaray High School as a football club.

1905: Original Club Colors

In 1905 at founding, Galatasaray Sports Club's colors were red and white, inspired by the modern Turkish flag and the flag of the Young Turk Revolution.

1905: Club Name Origin

In 1905, Galatasaray allegedly took its name from winning a match 2-0 against Rûm club, leading spectators to call them "Galata Sarayı Efendileri".

1907: Played in Yellow and Black

During the 1907–1908 season, Galatasaray played in yellow and black colors.

December 1908: Settled on Red and Yellow Colors

On December 8, 1908, for a match against HMS Barham's football team, Galatasaray settled on playing in red and yellow.

1908: Played in Yellow and Black

During the 1907–1908 season, Galatasaray played in yellow and black colors.

1908: New Club Colors Chosen

In 1908, after governmental reforms, Galatasaray chose new colors: red and yellow, symbolizing brightness and fire for the team.

1912: Club Registered Legally

In 1912, after the Law of Association was enacted, Galatasaray was officially registered as a club.

1921: Taksim Stadium Opened

In 1921, the first stadium, Taksim Stadium, opened. Galatasaray played there until 1940.

1925: "Ghayn-Sin" Crest Designed

In 1925, Galatasaray's first emblem of a spread-winged eagle with a football in its beak was replaced by the current "Ghayn-Sin" crest, designed by Ayetullah Emin.

1940: Departure From Taksim Stadium

Galatasaray played in Taksim Stadium until 1940. When the historic Taksim Stadium was demolished, Galatasaray decided to build a modern stadium, playing in İnönü Stadium in the meantime.

1952: Istanbul Professional League

In 1952, upon recognition of professional football, the Istanbul Professional League was formed, marking the beginning of professional football in Turkey.

1959: Turkcell Super League Formed

In 1959, the Turkcell Super League, the top-flight professional league in Turkish football, was formed. Galatasaray has participated in all seasons since.

1959: Istanbul League Titles

Until 1952, Galatasaray won ten more Istanbul League titles. In 1952 - 1959, Galatasaray won three of seven Istanbul Professional League titles.

1962: Turkish Cup Organized

In the 1962–63 season, the Turkish Football Federation began organizing the Turkish Cup (now Ziraat Turkish Cup) for Turkish clubs to qualify for UEFA competitions.

December 1964: Ali Sami Yen Stadium Opened

On December 20, 1964, Ali Sami Yen Stadium opened, named after the club's founder and located in Mecidiyeköy. Its initial capacity was over 35,000.

1998: "I Will Survive" Played After Goals

Since 1998, after every goal scored by Galatasaray, the last part of the song "I Will Survive" by the Hermes House Band is played.

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2000: UEFA Cup and Super Cup Titles

In 2000, Galatasaray won the UEFA Cup against Arsenal F.C. and the UEFA Super Cup against Real Madrid C.F., making them the only Turkish football club to achieve this level of European success.

2002: European Cup Matches at Atatürk Olympic Stadium

After 2002, Galatasaray started playing European Cup matches at Atatürk Olympic Stadium. The attendance record for a Turkish stadium was broken there, in a Galatasaray–Olympiacos match played in front of 79,414 spectators.

2008: Champions Cup and Kitakyushu Champions Cup Win

In 2008, Galatasaray's wheelchair basketball team won the Champions Cup and the Kitakyushu Champions Cup, becoming world champions.

2009: Champions Cup, Kitakyushu Champions Cup and FIBA Eurocup Wins

In 2009, the wheelchair basketball team of Galatasaray won the Champions Cup and the Kitakyushu Champions Cup, again becoming world champions. Also the women's basketball team won the FIBA Eurocup.

2011: Champions Cup and Kitakyushu Champions Cup Win

In 2011, Galatasaray's wheelchair basketball team won the Champions Cup and the Kitakyushu Champions Cup, once again becoming world champions.

2011: Ali Sami Yen Stadium Demolished

In 2011, the old Ali Sami Yen Stadium was demolished after the new Nef Stadium was built for Galatasaray. It was revealed the old stadium was on the verge of collapse.