Sports activities in İstanbul during the National Struggle (1919-1922)

After the conclusion of World War I, the Armistice Agreement of Mudros, signed with the Ottoman Empire on October 30, 1918, made the city susceptible to occupation. The capital, Istanbul, experienced two occupations by the Allied Powers during this period. The first was the de facto occupation that occurred on November 13, 1918, following the signing of the Armistice Agreement of Mudros. The second was the official occupation on March 16, 1920. Over the five-year period of occupation, the fabric of the city was completely devastated. Various problems such as drinking water shortages, transportation issues, hunger, scarcity, and a coal crisis were faced in everyday life. Despite the hardships created by the occupation, the most noticeable activity indicating that life continued was the active continuation of sports. Sports competitions, serving as a means of integration and a source of competition between the occupation forces and the Turkish society, played a crucial role. Matches organized between our football teams and foreign teams became a source of hope and motivation for the people, leaving a significant impact on society. Additionally, the people of Istanbul had the opportunity to watch modern sports such as basketball, volleyball, cricket, baseball, and more. Perhaps encouraged or tolerated by the Occupation Forces Command, the Istanbul League continued its activities. In 1919, the Turkish sports press's richest-content magazine, ''Spor Âlemi'', began its publication in Istanbul. In 1921, Galatasaray made its first international trip, and in 1922, mini Olympic games were held in Istanbul. Witnessing the institutionalization of sports during the occupation years, the establishment of the Turkey Sports Societies Alliance (TİCİ) is noteworthy. While many cities in Anatolia faced restrictions on free movement, it can be said that Istanbul experienced partial freedom during the occupation years.