SPURS - Besiktas Preview

By Jon H
October 16 2006

Istanbul has always for me, had a certain mystique – East meets West, the crossing of the Bosphorous into Asia, all of it beckons. The city itself is seeped in history and tradition. The city boasts the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, the Topkapi Palace, among its many famous landmarks.

Besiktas Now that Spurs have been drawn against one of Turkey’s top sides I reckon it’s time to write a short piece about the impending fixture. Or, to tell the truth, I’m well pleased to see that my loyalty points for the game have just been added, and felt I should jot something down. Personally I can’t wait to get out there. Istanbul has always for me, had a certain mystique – East meets West, the crossing of the Bosphorous into Asia, the eastern culture, all of it beckons. The city itself is seeped in history and tradition. The city boasts the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, the Topkapi Palace, and The St Esprit Cathedral among its many famous landmarks. [img]http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f120/jonh1964/Istanbul_from_above.jpg[/img] One could literally spend weeks wandering the myriad of streets, boulevards and passages in the city, and still find something of interest every day [and that’s just by reading up about the city]. Formerly known as Byzantium and Constantinople, it began its current incarnation in the 15th Century. The city now is one of the largest in the region with well over 8 million inhabitants, spanning both European and Asian continents. It is a city of contrasts, with many districts, both old and new. Besiktas’ ground, the Ionou stadium is situated in one of the most famous old districts and is located near the Sultan’s old palace. Many of the newer districts are also on the European side of the Bosphorous. Indeed Istanbul’s thriving business sector is also here. [img] http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f120/jonh1964/Levent_skyline_at_night.jpg [/img] Besiktas’ ground is right on the Bosphorous and must surely offer one of the finest views of any major football club. One can also see two continents from the ground [the only stadium in the world where one can do this apparently]. [IMG]http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f120/jonh1964/inonu_2.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f120/jonh1964/inonu_3.jpg[/IMG] Besiktas are the oldest club side in Turkey and the only one allowed to fly the flag on their jerseys [or so I’ve been informed]. Formed in 1912, they have won the Turkish title many times and have been regular participants in the Champions League. The ‘Black Eagles’ have a reputation as being a club for the working class and as such their fans can be both noisy and colourful. [img]http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f120/jonh1964/inonu_4.jpg[/img] Judging by their squad, bolstered by a recent influx of Brazilians, notably the volatile Ricardinho, who played in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, and the striker Nobre, who recently moved from arch-rivals Fenerbahce, this will surely be a stern test for Spurs, especially as some of their key players are either out through injury, or slowly coming back to full fitness. Off the field it is now Ramadan, so eating and drinking in public is best avoided during daylight hours. I have been reliably informed though that most restaurants, bars and hotel bars will be open as normal. For Spurs fans travelling out there though, there is also a distinct possibilty that you may be woken up by drummers/ loudspeakers waking locals up at around 3 am in order for them to breakfast before sunrise. This though is all part of the rich culture of one of the most fascinating cities, and indeed countries, in the world. Istanbul during Ramadan, is supposed to be amazing, with the Mosques lit up, parties, and festivals and the like, so embrace it, and enjoy it. Come on you Spurs!!!!