The Story of Istanbul United

There are tales of Galatasaray fans coming to the aid of Fenerbahce supporters trapped by the police, or of fans rushing down the hill from Taksim to the aid of rival supporters in the nearby Besiktas district on the shores of the Bosphorus. They’re on film, and they need to be told.

For years fans of the 3 main football clubs in Istanbul (Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Besiktas), have been known all over Europe for their unconditional support of their teams, and their mutual rivalry that often resulted in extremely violent clashes.

The current protest movement in Turkey originated in order to protect Gezi park in Istanbul against demolition. It soon became a protest movement against the ruling AK party and prime minister Erdogan. The ruthless dealings of the police against the peaceful protesters sparked a nation wide movement uniting environmentalists, political activists from all political spectrums, ordinary citizens and football ultras.

During the demonstrations fans of the competing football teams united for a common cause for the first time ever. The football ultras now work side by side to help the protesters against tear gas and to build barricades.

The film takes an in-depth look at the subculture that created this Istanbul United complex, and you can support the film’s IndieGoGo campaign here.