In the year of 1908, when Meşrutiyet ve İttihat-ı Terakki Party has announced freedom , young generation was marching through the streets yelling out “freedom”
However, soccer was under the control of non-Turks. Greeks, Armeanins and Brits had many soccer clubs such as Panionios and Apollon. Minorities were playing soccer among each other and were trying to reflect their sovereignty to the soccer fields. Back in those days, 6 young Karsiyaka lovers purchased a ball combining their monies and started playing soccer at a field which was next to Osman Pasa Mosque.
This field is located where we have the kids nursery house now, one part adjacent to Alaybey, other part adjacent to Karsiyaka; owned by a person named Omiros who was originally Russian with British wife; but from Karsiyaka.
Young leaders among their peers; Kadızade Zühtü Işıl, Kadızade Raşit, Süreyya İplikçi, Refik Civelek, Osman Nuri and Örnekköylü Hüseyin; they decided to start up a community when they have gathered under an olive tree after rain started sprinkling. As an uprising, on November 1, 1328 (1912) they have founded Karşıyaka Muaresei Bedeniye which is known as Karsiyaka Spor Kulubu today. “Kaf Sin Kaf” K.S.K. is how it is pronounced in Arabic language. Until the foundation of Altay in 1912, Karsiyaka was the only Turkish sports club in Izmir.
Karsiyaka Sports Club’s first member and founder Kadızade Zühtü Işıl has fought for 8 years during First World War and National Liberation at different fronts; he even held hostage by Brits at Palestinian Front during “Canal Operation”
Colors of the club are green and red. Based on the foundation dates and conditions, colors have patriotic and religious meanings embedded into it. Green represents Islam, red respresents the Turkey flag and being Turkish.
First squad for red-greens in history is; Raşit Kadızade (captain), Suat Karşıyaka, Refik Civelek, Kaleci Salih, Çakır Kemal, Örnekköylü Hüseyin, İtalyan Hanri Barter, Kemal Paşalı Sarı Ali, Muharrem Hüsamettin ve Zühtü Işıl. When original six was founin the club, they had Hüsnü Tonak, Tahir Bor, Fevzi Fikri Altay ve Sezai Çullu with them as well. This team had played challenging games against foreign teams during First World War and National Liberation.
The team that ex President Adnan Menderes was playing, has joined the Liberation War. This team has fought at multiple fronts joining the the forces of Mustafa Kemal in Anatolia. They were one of the first ones entering Izmir and cleaning their land from foreign occupation. After the war, the team has gathered again; one of the first teams of Karsiyaka can be seen on the following picture. On the back, Salih, Çakır Kemal, Suat Karşıyaka; middle section, Dr. Kemal Tahsin, Örnekköylü Hüseyin, Sabri Süleymanoviç, Emin, Hüsnü; in the front Hasan, Refik, Kadızade Raşit, Kadızade Zühtü Işıl.
Karsiyaka has invited Fenerbahce to Izmir in 1924. There was only Altay back in those days in Izmir, clubs such as Göztepe, İzmirspor and Altınordu didn’t exist. Karsiyaka became champion of Izmir in 1926.
Kadızade Zühtü Işıl is the founder of Karsiyaka Sports Club. He has played soccer his club. Based on Yasar Aksoy’s “Kaf Sin Kaf History” book, he was a customs broker.
Above is the picture of one of Ottoman Sultan; Sultan Reşat when he was at the army
On September 9, 1922; Zühtü Işıl was one of the first rebellions entered Izmir with his sword in his hands. He passed away on April 22, 1985 at the age of 89 years. His grave is at Hacilarkiri Cemetry.
On one side of Karsiyaka’s first identification card, there were soccer ball, tennis racket and golf club. (above) “Strong thoughts exist on strong bodies” was written on the card. “Name: Zühtü Işıl Father Name: Tevfik Bey, Birth: 313 (1897), Registration number:2 Address: Alaybeyi Yalı Caddesi, 63.” On the other side of the card, “Karşıyaka” was written in green and red.