Chess Across the Streets in Turkey
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Recently the Turkish Chess Federation (TCF) initiated
a new project: Chess Across the Streets! Between 21-27 of
September, only a week before the school year started, chess players
of all levels were advised to play chess wherever possible. At recreational
parks, on regular streets, or even in downtowns, you name it.
This influential movement is aimed to make chess more visible to
non-chess playing community. Another important purpose is to urge
local governing authorities to form chess parks, just like the other
chess-cultured countries. So far, 61 various chess activities have
taken part in 36 different cities. Thanks to both local and national
media coverage, this meaningful ‘brotherhood of chess’
has borne its fruits. Let’s see what happened in Turkey in just
a week’s time!
From loneliness in playing halls to the crowded city: Sokakta Satranç
var – Chess Across the Streets! |
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Not only the amateurs, but also chess professionals
have kindly participated in this movement. Above you can see four young
IMs (soon GMs to be): Vahap Sanal, Ogulcan Kanmazalp, Mert Yilmazyerli and
Burak Firat (Urla / Izmir).
Chess players, carrying chess sets, are getting
closer to the park! (Urla/Izmir)
A chess set and a friendly game on each bench
(Urla/Izmir)
The youngest participants, ready to start a
game at the waterfront in Istanbul
Nearby an ornamental pool in Diyarbakir
On the beautiful lawns in Denizli ...
... and in a forest around the city
Chess players at all ages in Bursa
Even a newly-wed couple in Adana!
Young chess players in downtown, Karsiyaka/Izmir
A curious spectator (!)
A nice photo from Adapazari
On a park allee in Konya
In Kadikoy/Istanbul. In the background you
can see the historical Haydarpasa Terminal
The future of chess lies not only in big playing halls, but also in chess-playing
generations across the streets. Turkey seeks for support for this movement
from all other countries. Join us, play chess and take photos wherever possible!
| Info and photos submitted by Ilgaz Gumustas.
Born in Istanbul in 1982, Ilgaz is a chess instructor who has
been publishing chess articles for the national newspaper "Birgün"
for the last ten years. He is also the author of the books:"My
friend Chess", "Checkmate in 1-2-3 Moves", "Checkmate
in 4-5-6 Moves", "Someday, for sure".
Ilgaz is currently a member of Press and Media Relations Board
of Turkish Chess Federation and Izmir Karsiyaka Town Chess Representative.
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