I will continue with the sports themed posts. Saturday night I went with my roommates to a professional "futbol" match here in Istanbul. Our neighborhood is home to Fenerbahce S.K. (literally, Lighthouse Garden Sport Club). Currently, Fenerbahce leads the Turkish Super Liga with only a fews weeks to go in the season. I had to make to a match before leaving Turkey. This night Fenerbahce handily defeated Denizli Spor 4-1. We sat in the very top row of the upper deck, the far side of the field was blocked when we stood up. While the crowd wasn't too fierce for this game, it was at least on par with most American sports events. Fenerbahce is the "Sari Kanaryilar" (Yellow Canaries) so on defense the stadium absolutely rings with the sound of people whistling (like canaries I guess). We had trouble following the chants, but caught onto a few . . ."Lie, lie, lie. . ."
Overall the experience was pretty similar to American sports events. Everyone stood for the national anthem and there was a moment of silence for those in the armed services. I am however, not accustomed to being frisked twice before I can enter the stadium.
*"Long Live Fenerbahce!"
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