Altay Spor Kulübü is a Turkish professional football club based in the city of İzmir. Formed in 1914, Altay are nicknamed Büyük Altay (Great Altay). The club colors are black and white, and they currently play their home matches at the Bornova Stadium, while a new stadium is under construction at the site of the İzmir Alsancak Stadium, where they previously played.[1]
Domestically, the club has finished third place for the Süper Lig three times and have won the Turkish Cup twice. They hold the record for most İzmir Football League titles with 14. They are the most successful İzmir-based club with 16 championships in various competitions.
Collecting 24 points of first halve of 1969–70 season in undefeated 15 games with 9 wins and 6 draws, Altay SK is one of four non-champion clubs that topped the first halve of 1. Lig ladder, along with İstanbul Başakşehir F.K. in 2016–17, Kocaelispor in 1992–93, and Sivasspor in 2007–08 and 2008–09.[2]
History
Altay was founded in 1914 in İzmir as İstiklal. The initial aim of the club was to unite Turkish youth under sporting activities and to encourage them, because in the 1910s minorities dominated sporting activities in İzmir. Under Ottoman rule, Turkish footballers were unable to compete. Altay was supported by Turkish politicians of the era. Celal Bayar worked very hard in foundation of the club and gave his full support.
Altay has an important place in Turkey's football history. The club had a key role in uniting the Turkish community during the Turkish War of Independence. Many players and supporters of Altay SK lost their lives in the Turkish War. After the Surname Law was adopted, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk gave General Fahreddin Pasha the surname of "Altay". Altay play in the former Stadium of Panionios and also use the former offices of the same club.[3]
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