Kurdish club Amedspor secured promotion to the Turkish top division for the first time in its history after drawing 3-3 away to Iğdır FK in the final round of the 2025–26 TFF First League.
The result gave Amedspor 74 points and a second-place finish, enough for automatic promotion to the Süper Lig.
Why This Promotion Is So Significant
Founded in 1972, Amedspor is more than just a football club for many Kurds. The team is closely associated with Kurdish identity and has attracted support from Kurdish communities across Turkey, Iraq, Syria, Europe, and beyond.
A major turning point came in 2014 when the club changed its name from Diyarbakır Büyükşehir Belediyespor to Amedspor, adopting “Amed,” the Kurdish name for Diyarbakır. The move sparked controversy, with the Turkish Football Federation opposing the name change and imposing sanctions.
Over the years, the club has frequently been at the center of political and cultural disputes. Amedspor supporters have often alleged discrimination, while Turkish authorities have cited security concerns for restrictions imposed on the club and its fans.
A Rapid Rise
Amedspor’s rise has been remarkable:
- 2024: Won the TFF Second League and earned promotion to the First League.
- 2026: Finished second in the First League and secured promotion to the Süper Lig.
- 2026–27: Will compete in Turkey’s top division for the first time.
The achievement marks one of the most notable success stories in recent Turkish football and represents a historic milestone for both the club and many Kurdish supporters who have followed its journey for years.
What Comes Next?
Promotion means Amedspor will now face some of Turkey’s biggest clubs, including:
- Galatasaray
- Fenerbahçe
- Beşiktaş
- Trabzonspor
Their debut Süper Lig season will be closely watched not only for sporting reasons but also because of the club’s symbolic importance within Turkey’s diverse social and political landscape.
For many supporters, promotion represents the culmination of decades of struggle, controversy, and perseverance—and the beginning of a new chapter on Turkish football’s biggest stage.