Turkey’s Youth and Sports Minister Osman Aşkın Bak affirmed ongoing collaboration with Galatasaray during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Aslantepe Vadisi project on Wednesday, April 23, 2026.
Speaking at the event attended by Galatasaray President Dursun Özbek, Bak emphasized the collective effort required to advance Turkish sports, stating: “For big Galatasaray, for champion Cimbom, for the Turkish national team, we will continue to work together.”
The minister highlighted Galatasaray’s historical identity, referencing the club’s founding principles: “We remind Galatasaray as its founders expressed: ‘The team that defeats non-Turks.’ we applaud it. With its European successes, with its UEFA Cup victory. With the increasing number of Turkish teams reaching basketball finals. All these are signs of the vision and achievements emerging in Turkish sports.”
Bak expressed confidence in the timeline for the Aslantepe Vadisi complex, stating: “God willing, this lovely facility will be completed very soon, within three years. Approximately $200 million investment. We will work together for the completion of these facilities.”
The Sports Minister extended well-wishes to Galatasaray and Turkey’s national teams: “We wish success to Galatasaray, to our national teams. The champions of this country, the champion teams, are endless. The youth of this country will continue to present the world how strong Turks are.”
He concluded his remarks with a broader vision for Turkish sports: “May our facilities be blessed, auspicious. For Turkish sports, for big Galatasaray, for champion Cimbom, for the Turkish national team, we will continue to work together. From here, I too wish success to our national team in the World Cup. For a growing, developing, strong Turkey.”
The Aslantepe Vadisi project, described by Galatasaray officials as a transformative initiative for the club’s future, includes facilities for amateur branches adjacent to the stadium. President Dursun Özbek characterized the development as “Galatasaray’s future” during his remarks at the ceremony.
The groundbreaking event took place amid heightened anticipation for Galatasaray’s upcoming derby match against Fenerbahçe, scheduled for April 26, 2026 at 8:00 PM local time at RAMS Park. Galatasaray entered the match as Super League leaders with a four-point advantage over their rivals with four weeks remaining in the season.
This infrastructure investment represents one of several significant projects currently underway at Galatasaray, signaling the club’s long-term commitment to facility development across multiple sports disciplines.
The next confirmed checkpoint for Galatasaray is their Super League match against Fenerbahçe on April 26, 2026 at RAMS Park in Istanbul.
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