Recreation & Sports

In Turkey, soccer has recently become the most popular sport for both spectators and participants. Some of the major Turkish soccer teams are: Besiktas, Galatasaray, and Fenerbahce. Another much enjoyed sport in Turkey is wrestling. It has been the Turkish national sport for many centuries since the reign of the Ottomans, and for over 600 years a traditional competition has been held in the town of Edirne.

A variety of other sports, including volleyball, basketball, wrestling, and swimming are also widely-spread and practiced by the Turkish people. Other recreational activities include watching television, going to the movies, family gatherings, and socializing in cafes and restaurants. However, while in the big cities both men and women can be seen doing these activities, in rural areas women are less likely to be seen socializing in public places. Other popular leisure activities are also folk dancing and other cultural arts.