We have inaugurated our new sports arena in Kartal, distinguished by its modern architecture and international standards. The ceremony was attended by Istanbul Deputy Governor Ünal Kılıçarslan, Turkish Volleyball Federation President Mehmet Akif Üstündağ, Kartal Mayor Gökhan Yüksel, local officials, leading names from the volleyball community, and legendary figures of our club. The opening was celebrated with special moments symbolizing both the past and the future.

A New Era in a 60-Year Journey
Since 1966, our club has led the development of women’s volleyball in Türkiye. Following our facilities in Levent (1973) and Ayazağa (2001), the Kartal Sports Arena marks our third major investment, opening a new chapter in our journey. During the ceremony, former captains Aylin Üstündağ, Özlem Özçelik, and Simge Aköz, together with our youth players, showcased the volleyball legacy Eczacıbaşı has passed on from generation to generation.

Emphasizing that women’s volleyball has grown beyond sport into a cultural movement, our Club President Faruk Eczacıbaşı said:

“For Eczacıbaşı, volleyball means much more than trophies. For us, it symbolizes our belief in women’s strength, courage, and the necessity of their greater presence in every area of social life. This arena is not just a building; it is a home where future captains and stars will grow, a new stage where Türkiye’s pride stories will be written.”

Voices from the Ceremony
Turkish Volleyball Federation President Mehmet Akif Üstündağ:

“For 66 years, the Eczacıbaşı family has played a vital role in the branding and international success of Turkish volleyball. Today, volleyball is the only team sport in which our national teams raise the Turkish flag and sing our anthem at the highest levels in Europe and the world. Research shows that volleyball is the most preferred sport among girls in Türkiye, with an unprecedented 80% choosing it. This arena will nurture future champions and Olympic medalists. I sincerely thank the Eczacıbaşı family.”

Kartal Mayor Gökhan Yüksel:

“This arena is not just a sports facility but also the realization of a dream for Kartal. It will showcase Eczacıbaşı’s victories and inspire generations of girls, many of whom are children of families who worked for decades at the Eczacıbaşı factory here. Solving a 40-year planning issue in 2019 paved the way for this investment. Today’s opening is a major step for both sports and the transformation of our city. I thank the Eczacıbaşı family for their vision and contribution.”

Istanbul Provincial Director of Youth and Sports Ünal Kılıçarslan:

“I congratulate Eczacıbaşı Sports Club for its contributions since 1966. With the ‘Sports City Istanbul’ project, the number of school sports clubs has grown from 80 to nearly 2,800, reaching over 870,000 licensed athletes. Our goal is to raise this to 1 million and ensure that from 2028 onwards, our anthem is heard more often on the international stage.”

A 4,000-Seat Landmark
Completed in 15 months, the arena covers 25,000 m² of construction space, including a 7,820 m² sports area and seating capacity for 4,000 spectators. Built to FIVB and CEV standards, it features a main court, three training courts, accommodation facilities for youth athletes, as well as fitness and physiotherapy units. With its high-resolution cube screen, modern stands, and in-house museum, the arena serves not only as a sports facility but also as a cultural hub.

Starting from the 2025–2026 season, Eczacıbaşı Sports Club will play all league and European matches in the new Kartal Sports Arena, which will also serve as a permanent development center for youth athletes.