In 1994, in Atmosphere of terror; the Politicization of Vanspor Football Team's Beating Fenerbahçe

Abstract

Abstract: In 1980s, in Turkey, the PKK terrorist organization which appeared and increased in the East and South Eastern part of the country caused a continuous trauma. In this process of instability, both The Turkish State and the government at the time sought different types of strategies to deal with the situation. The Turkish state used the love for football as a way against PKK in the region, and it supported the football teams in the east and south east of Turkey. Vanspor was promoted to Turkish Super League. The team was popularised in the Turkish media by having defeated Fenerbahçe football team. As a result of this, "national unity was strongly felt" and according to the discourse of the main media, "a non-violent and peaceful way of struggle was shown". The media strengthened the dominant, political and ideological discourse.