Gooooool!

Readers, I have an important decision to make. Given that I am thousands of miles away from my beloved Chicago Blackhawks, I have decided that, for cultural and personal reasons, I should attempt to cultivate an interest in soccer (futbol). I do not know which of the three main Turkish soccer teams to support. I feel like I need to choose my alliance early, because I will need to follow the team to some degree in order to achieve some legitimacy with actual Turkish fans, but not so much that I get involved in a brawl outside a cafe somewhere. (Not to mention the fact that now you will know the names of the three main teams to impress all of your Turkish friends.)

In any case, back in Ankara, I had decided on Beşiktaş for a number of reasons. First, the are sponsored by two companies that make up two parts of a complete breakfast: Cola Turka and Ülker (a cookie and snack company). Second, their team colors, black and white, make for a jersey or t-shirt I might actually purchase and wear. Third, one of their players reminded me of a friend from back home. These were my selling points, and I thought I was sold....until I discovered their Facebook pages.

Now, here is a strong photoshop showing for Beşiktaş. It is downright regal. I did not find a photoshopped image of an eagle ripping apart a soccer ball in its talons like a salmon, but oh, dear readers, I have seen such images on promotional items for this team and they are a delight.


However, when I got to the underdog team, Galatasaray, I was shocked to see such exquisite artwork. If that photo included a soccer ball under a gracefully extended paw, I would be wearing the horrid red and yellow McDonald's-reminiscent colors of this team all the time. This almost changed my mind.


And finally, the favorite of most Turkish soccer fans (I believe), Fenerbahçe. From my most basic research, it seems that their "mascot" is some kind of plant. Unfortunately there are no images to share of, say, a plant growing out of half of a soccer ball or perhaps a goal completely overtaken by vines or what-have-you. Instead, just this adorably sincere blue and yellow homage to the team that someone planted (ahem) in their Farmville game on Facebook. Even though my boss is a Fenerbahçe fan, and even though this kind of soccer fandom is really something I can get behind, I don't think I'll be rooting for this team.


But, I put it to you, dear readers! If you can help me make up my mind I would greatly appreciate it. I know it goes against my U of C heritage to be trying to think about sports, but this is a cultural phenomenon I should at least be more aware of, if only to give me something to talk about in EFL classes, if I am ever allowed to teach them.






UPDATE: 27/10/2010 First of all, an English-speaking woman I met this weekend informed me that since my zodiac sign is Leo (aslan in Turkish), I must support the UltrAslans. Second, I learned that Galatasaray and fans refer to themselves as "UltrAslans", which is awesome. Third, I found out that Galatasaray has a 105-year-old woman fan. I think my choice is now clear. Sorry, Beşiktaş.