History of Galatasaray S.K. in Timeline

Galatasaray S.K., nicknamed Cimbom, is a major Turkish sports club based in Istanbul. It's a key member of the Galatasaray Community Cooperation Committee, along with Galatasaray University and Galatasaray High School. While renowned for its football team, Galatasaray also fields teams in basketball, wheelchair basketball, volleyball, water polo, handball, athletics, swimming, rowing, sailing, judo, bridge, motorsport, equestrian, esports, and chess, making it a comprehensive and significant sporting institution in Turkey.

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. The exact date is disputed but traditionally accepted as October 30, 1905.

1905: Club Name Origin and Unofficial Status

In 1905, Galatasaray adopted its name from a 2-0 victory over Rûm club, being called "Galata Sarayı Efendileri" by spectators. Due to the absence of association laws in the Ottoman Empire, the club could not be officially registered during 1905.

1905: Initial Club Colors: Red and White

In 1905, Galatasaray's founding colors were red and white, inspired by the Turkish flag and the Young Turk Revolution. However, these colors made the administration uncomfortable, leading to a temporary change.

1907: Club Colors Changed to Yellow and Black

In 1907, Galatasaray temporarily changed their colors to yellow and black for the 1907-1908 season.

December 1908: Galatasaray Settles on Red and Yellow Colors

In December 1908, specifically on December 8, Galatasaray settled on playing in red and yellow for a match against HMS Barham, a Royal Navy cruiser's football team. This decision marked a pivotal moment in the club's identity.

1908: Club Colors Worn in Yellow and Black

During the 1907-1908 season, Galatasaray wore yellow and black colors.

1908: New Colors Chosen: Red and Yellow

In 1908, after governmental reforms, Galatasaray chose new colors: red and yellow. Ali Sami Yen described them as symbolizing "brightness of yellow – red fire," envisioning victory.

1912: Club Legally Registered

In 1912, after the enactment of the Law of Association, Galatasaray was legally registered as a club. This marked the formal establishment of the club under the new legal framework during 1912.

1921: Taksim Stadium Opens

In 1921, the first stadium, Taksim Stadium, opened in Istanbul. Galatasaray played there until 1940, marking the beginning of a new era for the club with a dedicated venue.

1925: Current "Ghayn-Sin" Crest Adopted

In 1925, Galatasaray replaced its first emblem with the current "Ghayn-Sin" crest, which was designed by Ayetullah Emin. This design has since become the club's iconic symbol.

1940: Galatasaray Moves to İnönü Stadium

In 1940, when the historic Taksim Stadium was demolished, Galatasaray moved to İnönü Stadium. This transition occurred because the construction of a new stadium was delayed due to World War II.

1952: Galatasaray Continues Winning Istanbul League Titles

By 1952, Galatasaray had won ten more Istanbul League titles. The club continued to dominate regional football as the sport grew in Turkey.

1959: Galatasaray Wins Istanbul Professional League Titles

By 1959, Galatasaray had won three Istanbul Professional League titles since professional football was recognized in 1952. They continued to be a strong team during this period.

1959: Galatasaray Joins Turkcell Super League

In 1959, Galatasaray joined the newly formed Turkcell Super League, the top-flight professional league in Turkish football. Since then, they have won 24 league titles, making them one of the most successful teams in the country. 1959 marks the start of an era.

1962: Turkish Football Federation Organizes Turkish Cup

In 1962, the Turkish Football Federation started organizing the "Turkish Cup" (now Ziraat Turkish Cup) for Turkish clubs to qualify for UEFA competitions. Galatasaray joined all seasons and has since won 18 trophies. 1962 marked the beginning of a national cup competition.

December 1964: Ali Sami Yen Stadium Opens

In December 1964, specifically on December 20, the Ali Sami Yen Stadium opened in Mecidiyeköy. Named after the club's founder, it had a capacity of over 35,000, later reduced to 24,990 with all-seater arrangements, and was nicknamed "Hell".

1998: "I Will Survive" Adopted as Goal Song

Since 1998, Galatasaray has played the "la la la la" part of the song "I Will Survive" by the Hermes House Band after every goal. This tradition enhances fan participation during games.

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2000: Galatasaray Wins UEFA Cup and Super Cup

In 2000, Galatasaray won the UEFA Cup by defeating Arsenal F.C., and the UEFA Super Cup by defeating Real Madrid C.F. These wins marked Galatasaray as the only Turkish football club to achieve such European success. 2000 was a milestone year for the club.

2002: Galatasaray Plays European Cup Matches at Atatürk Olympic Stadium

In 2002, after Atatürk Olympic Stadium was built, Galatasaray began playing European Cup matches there. A Turkish stadium attendance record was set during a Galatasaray-Olympiacos match with 79,414 spectators.

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. These victories highlighted the team's dominance in wheelchair basketball during 2008.

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

In 2009, Galatasaray's wheelchair basketball team continued their success by winning the Champions Cup and the Kitakyushu Champions Cup again, solidifying their status as world champions. This year marks another significant achievement for the team.

2011: Wheelchair Basketball Team Wins Champions Cup and Kitakyushu Champions Cup

In 2011, Galatasaray's wheelchair basketball team won the Champions Cup and the Kitakyushu Champions Cup, becoming world champions. This year marks a significant achievement for the team.

2011: Ali Sami Yen Stadium Demolished

In 2011, the Ali Sami Yen Stadium was demolished. This followed the construction of the new Nef Stadium, which became Galatasaray's home ground. The old stadium was reportedly on the verge of collapse.

2012: Wheelchair Basketball Team Wins Kitakyushu Champions Cup

In 2012, Galatasaray's wheelchair basketball team won the Kitakyushu Champions Cup and became world champions. This achievement highlighted the team's continued success.

2013: Wheelchair Basketball Team Wins Champions Cup

In 2013, Galatasaray's wheelchair basketball team won the Champions Cup. This victory added another title to the team's list of accomplishments.

2014: Wheelchair Basketball Team Wins Champions Cup

In 2014, Galatasaray's wheelchair basketball team won the Champions Cup. This win underscored the team's consistent performance in the sport.

2016: Men's Basketball Team Wins EuroCup Championship

In 2016, Galatasaray's men's basketball team won their first EuroCup championship after defeating Strasbourg. This victory marked a significant milestone for the team.