History of Galatasaray S.K. in Timeline

Galatasaray Spor Kulübü, known as Galatasaray or Cimbom, is a prominent Turkish sports club located in Istanbul. While encompassing various sports like basketball, volleyball, and more, it's primarily recognized for its soccer team. Galatasaray is a key member of the Galatasaray Community Cooperation Committee, which includes Galatasaray University and Galatasaray High School. This highlights the club's deep roots and influence within the broader Galatasaray community.

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: Club Name Origin

In 1905, Galatasaray's name originated from spectators calling them "Galata Sarayı Efendileri" after a 2-0 victory over Rûm club.

1905: Initial Club Colors

In 1905, at its founding, Galatasaray Sports Club's colors were initially red and white.

1907: Wore Yellow and Black Colors

Galatasaray wore yellow and black colours during the 1907–1908 season.

December 1908: Settled on Red and Yellow Colors

For a match against the football team of the Royal Navy cruiser HMS Barham, played on December 8, 1908, Galatasaray settled on playing in red and yellow.

1908: Wore Yellow and Black Colors

Galatasaray wore yellow and black colours during the 1907–1908 season.

1908: New Club Colors Chosen

In 1908, after governmental reforms, Galatasaray chose new colors: red and yellow.

1912: Club Legally Registered

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

1921: Taksim Stadium Opened

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

1925: "Ghayn-Sin" Crest Designed

In 1925, the current "Ghayn-Sin" crest, designed by Ayetullah Emin, replaced Galatasaray's first emblem.

1940: End of Playing in Taksim Stadium

In 1940, Galatasaray stopped playing in Taksim Stadium when it was demolished.

1952: Professional Football Recognition

In 1952, professional football was recognized in Turkey, leading to the Istanbul Professional League.

1959: End of Istanbul Professional League

In 1959, the Istanbul Professional League concluded.

1959: Turkcell Super League Formation

In 1959, the Turkcell Super League, Turkey's top-flight professional football league, was formed, with Galatasaray joining all seasons.

1962: Turkish Cup Organized

In the 1962-63 season, the Turkish Football Federation started organizing the 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.

1998: "I Will Survive" Played After Goals

Since 1998, the song "I Will Survive" by the Hermes House Band has been played after every goal scored by Galatasaray.

2000: Galatasaray Wins UEFA Cup and Super Cup

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

2002: Started Playing European Cup Matches at Atatürk Olympic Stadium

After 2002, Galatasaray started playing European Cup matches at Atatürk Olympic Stadium.

2008: Wheelchair Basketball Team Wins Champions Cup and Kitakyushu Champions Cup

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

2009: Wheelchair Basketball Team Wins Champions Cup and Kitakyushu Champions Cup

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