Turkish sports diplomacy in the service of renewed power? The uses and limits of Turkey’s “sport power”

Abstract

In the last decade, Turkish authorities have utilized the opportunity offered by sporting competitions between the teams of countries with historically difficult relations to display its benevolence towards reconciliation. However, the question is raised as to the intended ends of these strategies. There are multiple possible explanations: national security concerns over its borders, a means of demonstrating its compliance with EU membership requirements, or alternatively, an act made by a regional power demonstrating its commitment and generosity towards populations outside of its borders. Participation in international sports matches have provided opportune Turkish sports diplomacy in the service of renewed power? The uses and limits...

Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG): Historical perspective

“…Participation in international sporting events has provided the right opportunity for Turkey's "zeroproblem implementation with the neighbour country policy" (Polo, 2015). According to Sonntag (Polo, 2015), who stated that 'organizing an international sporting event, or the victory of a Turkish team in an international event, was presented and celebrated as a true national success'.…”

“…Participation in international sporting events has provided the right opportunity for Turkey's "zeroproblem implementation with the neighbour country policy" (Polo, 2015). According to Sonntag (Polo, 2015), who stated that 'organizing an international sporting event, or the victory of a Turkish team in an international event, was presented and celebrated as a true national success'. An example is the linkage of the Olympic Games to Istanbul will be celebrated as a personal victory for Erdogan, evidence that under his leadership Turkey has successfully guided to a new position on the world stage (Polo, 2015).…”

“…According to Sonntag (Polo, 2015), who stated that 'organizing an international sporting event, or the victory of a Turkish team in an international event, was presented and celebrated as a true national success'. An example is the linkage of the Olympic Games to Istanbul will be celebrated as a personal victory for Erdogan, evidence that under his leadership Turkey has successfully guided to a new position on the world stage (Polo, 2015). Likewise, with the implementation of the fifth edition of Islamic Solidarity Games held in Konya, Turkey, it is possible for Erdogan to celebrate a similar issue as his success in conducting multilateral and international diplomacy as a 'new force', especially in the field of sports.…”