Besiktas fans stage choreography to honor Gaza, Global Sumud Flotilla
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- Besiktas fans unveiled a visual display during a match against arch-rival Fenerbahce, featuring images supporting the Global Sumud Flotilla.
- The display drew attention to the international aid convoy (Sumud Flotilla) that had attempted to break the Gaza blockade earlier this year.
Supporters of Turkish football club Besiktas unveiled an elaborate visual choreography supporting Palestinians and the Global Sumud Flotilla during their Turkish Super Lig match against arch-rivals Fenerbahce at Tupras Stadium.
The event, which took place on Sunday evening, transformed the stands into a sea of black, white, and Palestinian colors, drawing attention to international efforts to aid Gaza.
The choreography, organized by Besiktas' passionate fan groups, featured large banners depicting ships symbolizing the Sumud Flotilla – an international aid convoy that had aimed to break ‘Israel's’ blockade of Gaza.
Messages such as "Free Palestine" and references to the "Sumud Filosu" (Turkish for Sumud Flotilla) were prominently displayed, with fans holding up coordinated cards to form images of vessels sailing toward freedom.
Photos: TRT Deutsch
Sumud Flotilla
The term "Sumud," meaning steadfastness in Arabic, resonates deeply in Palestinian culture.
Turkish football has increasingly become a platform for political expression. Besiktas fans, known for their vocal stances on social issues, joined a growing list of Turkish clubs showing solidarity with Palestine.
Earlier this year, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray supporters had similar displays, including chants and banners during European qualifiers.
The Global Sumud Flotilla was a massive civilian-led initiative that set sail from Barcelona on August 31, 2025, with over 50 ships and participants from 44 countries.
The flotilla, organized to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge the siege on Gaza, was intercepted by the ‘Israeli’ navy in early October, sparking international condemnation.
Besiktas v.s. Fenerbahce
On the pitch, the match itself was a thrilling encounter. Besiktas took an early 2-0 lead, but Fenerbahce mounted a dramatic comeback, scoring three goals to secure a 3-2 victory. The winning goal came from Colombian striker Jhon Duran in the 83rd minute.
