From inauspicious beginnings as a foreign-inspired organization in the 1900s under the name of Fenerbahçe Sporting Club, Fenerbahçe rapidly grew to become one of the leading teams in İstanbul. This was due to a combination of loyal support and the creation of highly talented local players who carried on appearing for their side even during the darkest days of the First World War and the subsequent War of Independence.
Tolga Örnek's film is obviously designed to appeal most to fans of Turkish soccer; but non-aficionados can appreciate the way in which KURULUŞTAN KURTULUŞTA FENERBAHÇE (THE CREATION OF AN INDEPENDENT FENERBAHÇE) draws overt parallels between success on the field and the creation of the new Republic of Turkey, with standards matching those set in Western Europe. All the team's favorable results against foreign opposition are highlighted; and there are explicit references to the way in which Fenerbahçe team members contributed to the cause of Turkish independence by stealing Ottoman rifles. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk appears on film on at least three occasions, as he visited the club and gave it his blessing.
Interestingly the film offers two parallel suggestions of soccer's benefit to the community as a whole; not only does it help to enhance the feeling of nationhood but it can bring different cultures - even warring parties - together in harmony, even during periods of extreme strife.
Constructed with unassuming skill by a highly talented director, this is an entertaining look at the early years of leisure in the Turkish Republic.
