Amedspor rises from ashes to challenge for Turkish title
Ten years after persecution during conflict, Amedspor sits second in Turkey's top league. They got there through successive promotions.
A decade ago, antiterrorism police raided Amedspor. Fans were attacked and the club's survival looked uncertain.
The club had become a symbol of Kurdish identity in Diyarbakir during armed conflict between the state and groups linked to the PKK. Now a peace process is underway and Amedspor is competing in the Super Lig for the first time.
After 10 games, they sit second. A win at leaders Galatasaray on Saturday would put them top.
The turnaround reflects several factors. There is an experienced coach in Besnik Hasi.
There is a talented squad including Nigerian striker Gift Orban with nine goals in 10 games. There are sellout crowds of more than 30,000 at home.
A softened political climate now allows the club fairer treatment in away matches and from referees. One Kurdish studies director called the club's success a "weekly barometer" of whether Turkish society will accept Kurdish identity openly.
- 10
- Years since persecution
- 9 in 10 games
- Goals this season
- 30,000+
- Home crowd
- Second
- Current league position
Why it mattersThe club's rise shows how political change can reshape sport. It also shows whether deeply divided societies can find common ground through shared passion.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, though the story reflects global patterns in how sport and politics intersect that Australian sporting bodies monitor.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
