| l is a divided city, split into European and Asian sides by | | | | neighborhood of Kadikoy on the Asian side and named |
| the waters of the Bosporus. Although both halves of | | | | after a lighthouse on its coastline (fener means |
| the city are Turkish, they each have their own way of | | | | lighthouse in Turkish). It was originally a working-class |
| life, and those seeking cheap holidays to Turkey will | | | | club that met in secret to avoid harassment from the |
| find a warm welcome on either side. But this division is | | | | harsh Ottoman authorities, who disapproved of games. |
| epitomized by the long-running feud between Turkey's | | | | Fenerbahce still retains some of the feel of its |
| two most popular soccer clubs, Galatasaray SK and | | | | blue-collar origins, although both clubs now have fans |
| Fenerbahce SK. | | | | from all walks of life, all over Turkey and beyond. |
| This rivalry stretches back over a hundred years, to | | | | Besides soccer, both organizations field teams in other |
| the first game between the two teams in 1909, which | | | | popular sports, such as rowing, basketball, volleyball, |
| Galatasaray won 2-0. Since then, the two clubs have | | | | sailing, boxing, and more (SK stands for spor kulubu or |
| been evenly matched. Fenerbahce has a slight edge in | | | | sports club). Many of Turkey's best athletes and |
| games wonbetween the two , but Galatasaray has | | | | Olympians are members of these teams. Naturally, the |
| more international honors, including championships at | | | | rivalry between the soccer teams has spilled over into |
| the 2000 UEFA Super Cup and 2000 UEFA Cup Final, | | | | other sports, and any meeting between Fenerbahce |
| something no other Turkish team has done. Each club | | | | and Galatasaray teams is guaranteed to produce high |
| has won the Turkish Super Lig national championship | | | | feelings. |
| 17 times, a record no other team is even close to. | | | | If you're looking into cheap holidays to Turkey, check |
| There is also a bit of a class warfare aspect to the | | | | the schedules online. Tickets are not expensive, and |
| rivalry. Galatasaray SK was founded by students at | | | | attending a match between Fenerbahce and |
| the elite Galatasaray high school on the European side, | | | | Galatasaray will give you an uniquely Turkish |
| and enjoys a more upper-class and cosmopolitan | | | | experience. |
| reputation. Fenerbahce SK was born in the ancient | | | | |