Eczacibasi Sports Club, a true pioneer in women’s Volleyball in Türkiye, recently opened their new sports hall in Kartal, which stands out for its modern architecture and international standards. The ceremony was attended by Istanbul Deputy Governor Ünal Kılıçarslan, Turkish Volleyball Federation President Mehmet Akif Üstündağ, Kartal Mayor Gökhan Yüksel, and many more leading officials from across the world of Volleyball and club legends. The opening was celebrated with special moments symbolising both the past and the future of the club.
A new chapter in a 60-year journey
Eczacibasi Sports Club, which has guided the development of Turkish women’s Volleyball since 1966, has started a new chapter in their journey with the opening of the Kartal Sports Hall, its third major investment following its previous facilities located in Levent (1973) and Ayazağa (2001). At the ceremony, the club’s captains from the eras coinciding with the opening of such facilities – Aylin Üstündağ, Özlem Özçelik and Simge Aköz – along with young athletes, brought the club’s unique Volleyball legacy to the stage – from generation to generation.
Emphasising that women’s Volleyball has now transcended being merely a sport to become a cultural movement, Club President Faruk Eczacibasi said in his speech:
“For Eczacibasi, Volleyball means much more than just trophies. For us, Volleyball symbolises our belief in women’s strength, courage and the necessity of their greater participation in all areas of social life. The hall we are opening today is not just a building; it is a home where the captains and stars of the future will be nurtured, a new stage where Türkiye’s stories of pride will be written.”
Club President Faruk Eczacibasi addressing the many guests in attendance for the opening of the Kartal Hall
4,000-seat capacity
Completed in only 15 months and boasting a construction area of 25,000 m², the hall stands out with its 7,820 m² sports area and 4,000-seat capacity. Built in accordance with FIVB and CEV standards, the main court is complemented by three training halls, accommodation for young athletes, and fitness and physiotherapy areas. The new hall, with its high-definition cube screen, modern stands and in-house museum, is positioned not only as a sports centre but as a cultural hub as well.
From the 2025-2026 season onwards, Eczacibasi Sports Club will play all their national league and European matches at the new Kartal Sports Hall. The facility will also serve as a permanent centre for the development of young players.
