Historic Taksim Stadium Equipped with New Lighting for Nighttime Sports

Located in the Green Line area and granted for use by Çetinkaya Türk Sports Club (ÇTSK), Taksim Stadium has undergone lighting renovations, allowing athletes to train during the cooler evening hours, especially in the hot summer months. Rebuilt with Turkey’s support and reopened in March 2023, the stadium has become a central meeting point for young athletes to share their passion and achievements.

Mehmet Tatar: "Taksim Stadium is the Lifeline of Çetinkaya"

Speaking to the Turkish Cypriot News Agency (TAK), ÇTSK President Mehmet Tatar highlighted the stadium's deep-rooted history and importance to Çetinkaya and the Turkish Cypriot community.

"This stadium is the lifeline of Çetinkaya. We have used this field for years. During my first presidency in 2011-2012, we held numerous friendly matches here without any issues. It was one of the best and most beautiful fields in the TRNC," Tatar stated.

He recalled that the stadium was transferred to the Automobile Club in 2014-2015 for rally events but was left neglected after the cancellation of these competitions. In 2022, efforts to revive the facility resumed with Turkey’s backing, ensuring a rapid renovation process.

Key Support from Turkish Officials

Tatar acknowledged the contributions of Turkish Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak and former Turkish Ambassador to Nicosia Yasin Ekrem Serim in completing the lighting project.

"We had been waiting for over two years for the lighting to be completed, but it was finalized in just one month," he noted.

The stadium is now open for all children and youth teams, though access issues remain a challenge.

"We Hope to Overcome UN Access Restrictions"

Tatar expressed concerns over the requirement for United Nations (UN) permission to enter the stadium, stating:

"Previously, we could freely enter and exit the stadium. Now, we must submit a list for approval, and exceeding the allowed number of visitors can lead to issues. We used to celebrate championships here, but now we must wait for UN approval. This is not a situation we want, and we hope these problems will be resolved."

Plans to Expand Taksim Stadium into a Sports Complex

Looking ahead, Tatar outlined plans for a second-phase project, which includes the construction of basketball and tennis courts.

"This area will evolve into a full-fledged sports complex for youth. The projects are ready, and we are engaging with the relevant authorities to implement them. I see no reason why anyone should object to this initiative," he said.

Additionally, he stressed the importance of expanding the playing field:

"We have enough land. If we widen the field by 7-8 meters instead of 15, it won’t interfere with the UN Peacekeeping Force’s patrols. They can adjust their routes without needing to circle the field. This adjustment is necessary and entirely reasonable."

Call for Electrical Infrastructure to Sustain the Stadium

Tatar emphasized the need for a permanent electricity supply, stating:

"Running the stadium on generators is unsustainable. The Turkish Cypriot Electricity Authority must urgently install a three-phase power connection to ensure uninterrupted use. If this matter is delayed, it risks being forgotten."

A Symbol of Turkish Cypriot Sports: Taksim Stadium

Originally known as "Cirit Field" or "Cirit Fortress" during the Ottoman era due to equestrian competitions, the venue was renamed Taksim Stadium in the 1950s.

Following restrictions on Turkish teams by Greek Cypriots in 1955, the stadium was allocated to Çetinkaya. However, between 1963 and 1974, it was repeatedly closed due to attacks on Turkish Cypriots. After 1974, it fell under UN control, remaining largely unused for decades.

In 2009, the UN Peacekeeping Force permitted Çetinkaya to use it for training, but in 2014, it was demolished to host a European Rally Championship stage. The stadium then remained closed for eight years.

Following diplomatic efforts by the Turkish Cypriot Foreign Ministry, the UN restored Çetinkaya’s access in October 2022, and Turkey facilitated its reconstruction. The revamped stadium was inaugurated on January 12, 2023.

Beyond sports, Taksim Stadium has historically hosted religious and national celebrations, as well as cultural events, serving as a crucial venue in Turkish Cypriot history.