Sport policy in Turkey

Abstract

This paper reviews former and current sport policies in Turkey, focusing specifically on the historical development of sport administrative bodies in Turkey, national government's administrative system for implementing sport policy, and the intersection of sport policy with relevant government policies. Secondary resources and personal communications with current and former high-ranking Turkish sports administrators formed the bases for the paper. Sport in Turkey is managed, administered and financed mostly by the central government. The General Directorate of Sports is the governmental institution that manages, administers and finances sport under the control of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Sport policy in Turkey is characterized as emerging rather than established. Implications of Turkey's recent bids to host the Olympic Games and social-political changes on sport policy are discussed.