By Open Chronicle with Agencies
Amedspor has achieved a historic milestone by securing promotion to the Turkish Super Lig for the first time in its history, sparking celebrations among millions of Kurdish supporters worldwide.
The Diyarbakir-based club confirmed its place in the top flight after a dramatic 3–3 draw away to Igdir FK in the final round of the TFF First League season. The result lifted Amedspor to 74 points, ensuring a second-place finish and automatic promotion.
Scenes of jubilation followed the final whistle, both on the pitch and across Kurdish communities globally, marking a landmark moment for a club that has long carried symbolic importance beyond football.
Founded in 1972, Amedspor has often found itself at the center of political and cultural tensions in Turkey. In 2014, the club changed its name from Diyarbakir Buyuksehir Belediyespor to Amedspor, adopting the Kurdish name for the city of Diyarbakir. The move was met with opposition from the Turkish Football Federation, which imposed fines on the club.
Over the years, Amedspor players and supporters have reported facing hostility during away matches, including incidents of violence and discriminatory behavior. The federation has also sanctioned the club and its fans on multiple occasions, including penalties related to displays of Kurdish identity.
In 2016, the TFF banned Amedspor supporters from attending away games, citing security concerns. The restriction remained in place for seven years before being lifted in 2023.
The club’s rise has also been a subject of political debate. In 2023, Umit Ozdag, leader of the Victory Party, publicly opposed the idea of Amedspor reaching Turkey’s top divisions, stating that a team under that name should not compete at the highest level.
Despite these challenges, Amedspor has continued its upward trajectory. After winning the TFF Second League title in 2024 and earning promotion to the First League, the club has now completed a remarkable ascent to the Super Lig in just two seasons.
The achievement represents not only sporting success but also a significant moment for representation and identity within Turkish football, as Amedspor prepares to compete among the country’s elite clubs.