In Istanbul, as the volleyball game entered its thrilling final moments, a wave of anticipation swept over the thousands of fans gathered in a local park. The tension was palpable as the ball flew through the air, only to be skillfully set up and spiked by a Turkish player near the net. Although her Italian opponents managed to block the shot, their subsequent error sent the ball out of bounds, securing victory for the Turkish team. The crowd erupted into ecstatic chants of “Turkey! Turkey! Turkey!”
This nail-biting triumph of Turkey’s national women’s volleyball team in the Women’s European Volleyball Championship is the latest in a series of successes that have made them the country’s most accomplished major sports team. They have become a source of national pride, transcending social divides. While some ultraconservative elements have criticized the women as being contrary to Islamic values, their fans view them as exemplars of female empowerment in a society where gender equality remains an ongoing struggle. In a turbulent time of economic instability, political polarization, and recovery from a devastating earthquake, the team’s victories offer a much-needed source of joy.
Known affectionately as “the Sultans of the Net,” the team claimed the Volleyball Nations League championship in Arlington, Texas, in July, earning the title of the world’s top-rated women’s national team according to FIVB, the sport’s international governing body. Now, they face Serbia in the final match of the European championship.
At home, the team’s games are broadcast live by the state broadcaster, and each player has garnered a significant following on social media, where fans celebrate their achievements and speculate about their personal lives. With corporate sponsorships and state support flowing in, the team’s success has been recognized and rewarded. Notably, when Cuban-born player Melissa Vargas was granted Turkish citizenship in 2021, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan personally presented her with her new Turkish ID card.
“These women are fighters,” says Ceren Duyan, a biologist who watched the game in the park. “Their achievements show us that we, too, can be powerful when we witness women excelling in sports and other domains.”
The team’s rise coincides with a global awakening to the disparities faced by female athletes compared to their male counterparts. Recent incidents, such as the Spanish soccer federation’s president giving an unwanted kiss to a female player and the BBC’s inappropriate questioning of the Moroccan national women’s soccer team captain about players’ sexual orientation, have sparked conversations about gender equality in sports. Thankfully, Turkey’s team has largely avoided such controversies. However, their personal choices have connected them to deep divisions within Turkish society.
Turkey, founded as a secular state in 1923, has a population primarily adhering to the Islamic faith. The nation’s politics often revolve around tensions between those who value its secular legacy and those pushing for an increased role of Islam in public life. Unfortunately, this division has led to criticism of the players who do not conform to the expectations of conservative Muslim women. Instead, they proudly wear the standard volleyball uniform of shorts and tank tops, with some even sporting tattoos. For example, team member Ebrar Karakurt faced backlash and homophobic messages after posting affectionate photos with other women on social media, leading an Islamist newspaper to label her a “national shame.”
While these controversies persist, the team’s spokesperson has emphasized that their private lives are their own concern and that their on-court performances speak for themselves. The players, including Ebrar Karakurt, have deftly responded to their critics, asserting their right to live life on their own terms.
The team’s achievements strike a chord in Turkey, where sports have long been regarded as a vehicle for asserting national pride on the global stage. Daghan Irak, a senior lecturer in media communication, explains, “Turkish sports have always sought success in international competitions to demonstrate our legitimacy—our strength and success on par with Western nations. It is deeply ingrained in our society.” While President Erdogan has not attended any of the team’s games, his phone call to team captain Eda Erdem during the Tokyo Olympics demonstrated his appreciation for the inspiration they provide. He praised their performance and relayed his greetings “to all the girls.”
Some critics have questioned the government’s support for the team, raising concerns about their absence from important matches. However, the popularity of women’s volleyball remains unaffected, with significant investments being made in the sport. The national women’s league is highly competitive and well-funded, while the Education Ministry runs initiatives like the “Sultans of Tomorrow” program, which introduces volleyball to girls in provincial cities.
The success of the national team has had a profound impact, inspiring a new generation of girls to take up the sport. Neslihan Demir, a former player who retired in 2017, attests to this phenomenon. “All the little girls in Turkey want to play volleyball now since they are watching their big sisters as role models,” she says. The broad acceptance of the players within Turkish society has given parents the confidence to allow their daughters to pursue volleyball.
In the midst of social and political tensions, the triumphs of Turkey’s national women’s volleyball team provide a unifying and hopeful narrative for the country. Their achievements transcend religious and societal divisions, demonstrating the power of female empowerment and inspiring future generations.
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