Istanbul is one of the greatest football cities in the world and Galatasaray's Nef Stadyumu adds to this reputation. It is the loudest football stadium in the world and one of the most intimidating grounds for away teams. There are few places where football lives and breathes like here.
Nef Stadyumu is a relatively basic modern stadium and is situated far outside the centre. It looks nothing like the iconic former Ali Sami Yen Stadyumu that has unfortunately made space for luxury skyscrapers. The old stadium was so intimidating for away teams that it was nicknamed ‘The Hell’. European powerhouses such as FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Juventus and AC Milan were all beaten here.
Galatasaray left the neighbourhood Mecidiyeköy in 2011 and moved to a place next to the highway outside of the city which only has a large ultramodern shopping mall. Luckily though, the Galatasaray faithful transported the same intimidating atmosphere into the new stadium. Football is life in Turkey and Gala’s fans create so much noise that the new stadium even received a Guinness World Record for being the loudest football stadium in the world. Torches, smoke, flags, loud cheers and a war chant are all used to create an intense atmosphere. Although the new stadium does not have as much charm as the former one, a visit to a match of Galatasaray in Nef Stadyumu is still worth the experience.
Galatasaray is located in the European part of Istanbul. It is Turkey’s most successful club and in the 1999/00 season, the club even won the UEFA Cup led by their beloved captain Gheorge Hagi and Turkish manager Fatih Terim. Originally, Galatasaray was the club of the elite upper class in Istanbul, but nowadays the club receives support from all social classes.
The Intercontinental Derby, in Turkish known as the Kıtalar Arası Derbi, between Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe is the biggest game in Turkey. Whenever the two rivals play against each other, life is put on hold in the country and all eyes are set on this game. Fenerbahçe is from the Asian part of Istanbul and is originally the club of the working class.
On match days the centre of Istanbul is filled with singing Galatasaray fans hours before the kick-off. Nevizade, a narrow street full of bars and restaurants, is the home of Galatasaray. This is where fans get together before home games and where they watch their away matches. Do not wait too long before surrounding yourself with the fans so that you can experience the ultimate matchday.
Nevizade is one of the side streets of Istiklal Street, the city’s most famous shopping street that is worth a visit.
The former Taksim Stadium was located in Gezi Park. The stadium was used by all professional football clubs in Istanbul, including Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş. The ground was built in the courtyard of the former military barracks. Nowadays, it is an urban park and one of the few green spaces within the city.
If you are already in the centre of Istanbul, make sure to pay a visit to the Galata Bridge. A bridge located in the heart of the city where fishermen try to catch their meal for the day. Dutch writer Geert Mak even wrote a book called ‘The Bridge’ about this special and historical place in Istanbul.
Tickets to watch a match of Galatasaray in the Turkish Süper Lig can solely be bought through Passo, the official seller of football tickets to all games in Turkey (including league, European, cup and friendly games). You need to register on Passo and buy a PASSOLIG card, with which you can buy a ticket and enter the stadium. Tickets are usually for sale a week before the match. More information can be found on the website of Passo.
Nef Stadyumu is quite far from the centre, but luckily it is easily reachable by the metro system. The green line can take you from the city centre to the metro station Seyrantepe, which is a small walk away from the stadium.
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