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90 YEARS OF ATATURK & FENERBAHCE

Written by Jem Djemal

Saturday, 03 May 2008

Today marked the 90th anniversary of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's visit of Fenerbahce SK. The club remembered this proud milestone by hosting a gathering at Dereagzi Facilities.

On 3 May 1918 Ataturk visited Fenerbahce to personally congratulate the Kadikoy club on its sporting endeavours and positive impact on the community.

During his visit, the 'Father of all Turks' hand wrote the following sentiments in the club guest book, "Fenerbahce is admired and liked everywhere. The final outcome of such great effort made it my duty to honour and personally congratulate the club. This duty could only be completed today. I am proud to have been able to acknowledge and congratulate the club on this wonderful achievement.”

The head of Fenerbahce members committee Yuksel Gunay along with club president Aziz Yildirim and board members were all present. The day started off with speeches and poems before ending with a cocktail party.

There is constant debate surrounding which Turkish team, if any, Ataturk supported. Many who debate this are often not aware that on 10 August 1928 during a Gazi Cup match between Fenerbahce and Besiktas (which ended 3-3), in the presence of two Fenerbahce fans and 3 Beşiktaş fans Ataturk said: “We are 3 against 3 here, because I support Fenerbahçe.”