In May 1996, photographer Bill Stephenson found himself in the heart of Istanbul, documenting a footballing moment that would etch itself into the memories of Fenerbahçe S.K fans for years to come. It was a monumental occasion – Fenerbahçe had just secured their first Turkish Süper Lig championship in seven years by defeating rivals Istanbulspor 2-0.
Stephenson, well known for his insightful portraiture and documentary style, had a specific mission in mind. His series, shot ahead of Euro 1996, was created to highlight the shared passion for football between two nations: Turkey, a country about to debut in the European Championships, and the UK, where football is almost a religion. Istanbul, with its passionate football culture, provided the perfect backdrop, and Fenerbahçe S.K’s victory celebrations offered an emotional core to his work.
Fenerbahçe, one of Turkey’s most prestigious and historically significant football clubs, had faced a seven-year championship drought before their triumphant 1995-96 season. Based in Kadıköy, on the Asian side of Istanbul, Fenerbahçe S.K. had long been a powerhouse in Turkish football since its founding in 1907. Over the years, the club developed a large and fiercely loyal fanbase, often referred to as “Fenerbahçe’s army.”
“The underlying purpose of this assignment was to build bridges of common interest between the UK and Turkey, namely their shared love of football,” explains Stephenson.
“I made a three day recce to Istanbul to make contacts and make a plan. I returned several weeks later to follow and photograph the final week of the Turkish Süper Lig season in Istanbul.“
“It was recommended that I follow the fortunes of Fenerbahçe S.K which together with Galatasaray, Beşiktaş, and Istanbulspor then made up the Turkish Süper Lig football teams in Istanbul. Throughout my time in Istanbul I was impressed and often overwhelmed by the help offered, passion and enthusiasm shown to me by Fenerbahçe football supporters. Many gave me scarves, wristbands, caps and other football mementos as souvenirs, my thanks to them.”
“Fenerbahçe beat rivals Istanbulspor 2-0 on the 15th May 1996 making them Turkish Süper Lig Champions, their first championship victory in seven years.”
Stephenson captured the fevered atmosphere at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium on that historic night. After Fenerbahçe’s 2-0 victory over Istanbulspor, fans flooded the pitch and the streets of Kadıköy, waving flags, chanting, and lighting flares that turned the night sky into a glowing sea of yellow and navy blue – the colours of Fenerbahçe. Players, coaches, and supporters embraced in jubilation, celebrating not just the end of a championship drought, but a victory that reaffirmed the team’s legacy.
Istanbul, a city of over 15 million people, is home to some of the most passionate football supporters in the world. Its clubs – Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray, Beşiktaş, and Istanbulspor – boast rivalries as fierce and emotional as any in Europe. Among these rivalries, the most intense is undoubtedly the one between Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray, known as the “Intercontinental Derby.” The geographical divide between Fenerbahçe’s home ground, Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium in Kadıköy on the Asian side of Istanbul, and Galatasaray’s stadium on the European side symbolises the cultural and competitive tensions that play out on the pitch.
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Blades 1989-90 | Bill Stephenson£8.50 -
England Lad – Italia 90£100.00 – £150.00 -
Wembley 1990-03 | Tony Davis£8.50
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