Skateboarding Turkey: A Guide to the Thriving Scene and Culture
Skateboarding is more than just a sport or a hobby. It is a way of life, a form of expression, and a source of inspiration for many people around the world. And Turkey is no exception. In this article, we will explore the fascinating history, culture, and community of skateboarding in Turkey, as well as the challenges and opportunities that it presents. Whether you are a seasoned skater, a beginner, or just curious, you will find something interesting and useful in this guide. So, let's get started!
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Introduction
What is skateboarding and why is it popular in Turkey?
Skateboarding is an activity that involves riding and performing tricks on a skateboard, which is a wooden board with four wheels attached to it. Skateboarders use their feet to propel themselves, balance, steer, and manipulate the board in various ways. Skateboarding can be done on any smooth surface, such as streets, sidewalks, parks, ramps, stairs, rails, or specially designed skateparks.
Skateboarding is popular in Turkey for many reasons. First of all, it is fun and exciting. Skateboarding allows people to express themselves creatively, challenge themselves physically and mentally, and experience a sense of freedom and adventure. Second, it is accessible and affordable. Skateboarding does not require much equipment or space, and anyone can learn it regardless of their age, gender, or background. Third, it is social and supportive. Skateboarding creates a sense of community and camaraderie among skaters, who share their passion, skills, tips, and stories with each other.
How did skateboarding develop in Turkey?
Skateboarding was introduced to Turkey in the late 1970s and early 1980s by foreign tourists and expatriates who brought their boards with them. The first Turkish skaters were mostly influenced by American and European styles and magazines. They started to skate in places like Taksim Square, Beşiktaş Pier, Kadıköy Moda Park, and Ankara Kızılay Square. They also formed the first skate clubs and teams, such as SBC (Skate Board Community), SBT (Skate Boarding Turkey), Horn Skateboards, Zoo York Turkey, and Speed Demons.
Skateboarding gained more popularity and recognition in Turkey in the 1990s and 2000s, thanks to the emergence of local skaters who developed their own style and identity. They also organized events, competitions, festivals, exhibitions, workshops, and media projects to promote skateboarding culture and awareness. Some of the most notable ones were SBT City Tours, SBT Chilly Series, SBT/Horn Skateboards Videos, SBT How To Series, Kazanda Bir Gün Daha Festival, Rastgele Festival, Harbiye Takılmacalar Series, İzmir Skatepark VS Series, SBT Shorts Series, and SBT YouTube Channel.
What are some of the best places to skate in Turkey?
Turkey offers a variety of spots and locations for skateboarding enthusiasts. Some of them are natural or urban environments that skaters have adapted to their needs. Others are dedicated facilities that have been designed or built for skateboarding purposes. Here are some examples:
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Taksim Square: This is one of the most iconic and historic places in Istanbul, and also one of the most popular skate spots in Turkey. It has a large open space with smooth marble floor, stairs, ledges, rails, and benches. It is also surrounded by shops, cafes, restaurants, and hotels, making it a lively and vibrant place to skate and hang out.
Kadıköy Moda Park: This is a beautiful park located on the Asian side of Istanbul, overlooking the sea. It has a skatepark with ramps, bowls, quarter pipes, banks, and rails. It also has a grassy area, trees, benches, and a playground. It is a great place to skate for all levels and enjoy the nature and the view.
İzmir Skatepark: This is the largest and most modern skatepark in Turkey, located in the coastal city of İzmir. It covers an area of 3,000 square meters and has a variety of features, such as a street course, a bowl, a snake run, a mini ramp, and a vert ramp. It also has lights, music, security, and a cafe. It is open to the public for free and hosts many events and competitions throughout the year.
Ankara Skate Plaza: This is a skate plaza located in the capital city of Ankara. It has a street-style layout with stairs, ledges, rails, gaps, and curbs. It also has some artistic elements, such as sculptures and graffiti. It is open to the public for free and attracts many skaters from different cities.
Antalya Skatepark: This is a skatepark located in the southern city of Antalya, which is famous for its beaches and resorts. It has a street course with ramps, boxes, rails, and pyramids. It also has a mini ramp and a foam pit. It is open to the public for free and offers skate lessons and rentals.
Skateboarding Turkey: The Community and the Brands
How is the skateboarding community in Turkey organized and supported?
The skateboarding community in Turkey is organized and supported by various groups and individuals who share a common passion and vision for skateboarding. Some of them are:
SBT (Skate Boarding Turkey): This is the oldest and most active skateboarding organization in Turkey. It was founded in 1987 by Cenk Kulişoğlu, who is considered as the father of Turkish skateboarding. SBT organizes events, competitions, tours, workshops, media projects, and social activities to promote skateboarding culture and awareness in Turkey. SBT also supports skaters with sponsorships, scholarships, equipment donations, and legal assistance.
Horn Skateboards: This is the first and most successful skateboarding brand in Turkey. It was founded in 1994 by Cem Akaydın, who is also a professional skater and a pioneer of Turkish skateboarding. Horn Skateboards produces high-quality skateboards, clothing, accessories, and media. Horn Skateboards also sponsors and supports many skaters, events, and projects in Turkey.
Skateistan Turkey: This is a branch of Skateistan, an international non-profit organization that uses skateboarding and education to empower children and youth in Afghanistan, Cambodia, South Africa, and Turkey. Skateistan Turkey was launched in 2015 in Istanbul, and it operates a skate school and a community center that offer free skate lessons, creative education, and leadership opportunities to children from low-income and marginalized backgrounds.
Skateboard Magazines and Websites: There are several skateboard magazines and websites that cover the news, stories, interviews, photos, videos, and tips related to skateboarding in Turkey. Some of them are SBT Magazine, Horn Magazine, Zoo York Turkey Magazine, Rastgele Magazine, SBT YouTube Channel, Horn YouTube Channel, Zoo York Turkey YouTube Channel, SBT Website, Horn Website, Zoo York Turkey Website, Rastgele Website, and Skateistan Turkey Website.
Who are some of the most influential and talented skateboarders in Turkey?
There are many influential and talented skateboarders in Turkey who have contributed to the development and recognition of skateboarding in the country and abroad. Some of them are:
Cenk Kulişoğlu: He is the founder of SBT and the father of Turkish skateboarding. He started skating in 1979 and has been promoting skateboarding culture and awareness in Turkey ever since. He is also a photographer, filmmaker, writer, and activist who has documented and supported many skateboarding events and projects.
Cem Akaydın: He is the founder of Horn Skateboards and a professional skater. He started skating in 1986 and has been competing and performing in national and international events. He is also a designer, producer, director, and editor who has created many skateboarding videos and media.
Burak Karakaş: He is a professional skater who started skating in 1994. He is known for his technical skills and style. He has won many competitions and awards in Turkey and abroad. He is also a coach, judge, organizer, and ambassador who has been involved in many skateboarding events and projects.
Bahar Özgün: She is a professional skater who started skating in 2004. She is one of the most prominent female skaters in Turkey and the world. She has participated and placed in many events and contests, such as the World Cup Skateboarding, the Asian X Games, the European Skateboard Championships, and the Turkish Skateboarding Championships. She is also a role model, mentor, and advocate for female empowerment and gender equality in skateboarding.
Atilla Özdemir: He is a professional skater who started skating in 2005. He is known for his speed and power. He has competed and performed in many events and shows, such as the Red Bull Manny Mania, the Red Bull Skate Arcade, the Red Bull Skate Generation, and the Red Bull Flying Steps. He is also a musician, dancer, and actor who has appeared in many commercials, movies, and TV shows.
What are some of the leading skateboarding brands and shops in Turkey?
There are many skateboarding brands and shops in Turkey that offer quality products and services to skaters and customers. Some of them are:
Horn Skateboards: This is the first and most successful skateboarding brand in Turkey. It produces high-quality skateboards, clothing, accessories, and media. It also sponsors and supports many skaters, events, and projects in Turkey.
Zoo York Turkey: This is the Turkish branch of Zoo York, an American skateboarding brand that was founded in 1993. It offers skateboards, clothing, accessories, and media that reflect the urban culture and lifestyle of New York City. It also sponsors and supports many skaters, events, and projects in Turkey.
Vans Turkey: This is the Turkish branch of Vans, an American skateboarding brand that was founded in 1966. It offers skate shoes, clothing, accessories, and media that are inspired by the originality and creativity of skateboarding culture. It also sponsors and supports many skaters, events, and projects in Turkey.
Skate Shop: This is one of the oldest and most popular skate shops in Turkey. It was founded in 1997 by Cenk Kulişoğlu and it is located in Taksim Square. It sells skateboards, clothing, accessories, and media from various brands, such as Horn, Zoo York, Vans, Element, Spitfire, Independent, and Bones. It also offers skate lessons, rentals, repairs, and customizations.
Skate Station: This is another popular skate shop in Turkey. It was founded in 2004 by Burak Karakaş and it is located in Kadıköy Moda Park. It sells skateboards, clothing, accessories, and media from various brands, such as Horn, Zoo York, Vans, Nike SB, Adidas Skateboarding, Thrasher, and Baker. It also offers skate lessons, rentals, repairs, and customizations.
Skateboarding Turkey: The Challenges and the Opportunities
What are some of the difficulties and risks that skateboarders face in Turkey?
Skateboarding in Turkey is not without its difficulties and risks. Some of them are:
Lack of legal recognition and protection: Skateboarding is not officially recognized as a sport or a cultural activity in Turkey. Therefore, skateboarders do not have any legal rights or protection when they skate in public spaces. They often face harassment, fines, confiscation, or even arrest by the authorities or the owners of the properties. They also have no insurance or compensation in case of accidents or injuries.
Lack of facilities and infrastructure: Skateboarding is not well supported or funded by the government or the private sector in Turkey. Therefore, there are not enough facilities and infrastructure for skateboarding purposes. There are only a few skateparks in the country, and most of them are poorly maintained or inadequate. There are also not enough smooth and safe surfaces for street skating. Skateboarders often have to improvise or modify their spots with their own resources.
Lack of awareness and acceptance: Skateboarding is not well understood or appreciated by the general public in Turkey. Therefore, skateboarders often face prejudice, discrimination, or hostility from the society. They are often stereotyped as rebels, troublemakers, or criminals. They are also often ignored or excluded by the mainstream media and culture.
How do skateboarders cope with and overcome these challenges?
Skateboarders in Turkey cope with and overcome these challenges with their passion, creativity, and solidarity. Some of the ways they do this are:
Advocating and lobbying: Skateboarders in Turkey advocate and lobby for their rights and interests as skaters and as citizens. They communicate and negotiate with the authorities, the owners, and the public to gain permission, access, or support for their spots and activities. They also educate and inform them about the benefits and values of skateboarding culture and community.
Organizing and collaborating: Skateboarders in Turkey organize and collaborate with each other and with other stakeholders to create and improve their facilities and infrastructure. They initiate and participate in projects, campaigns, fundraisers, petitions, or donations to build or renovate skateparks, ramps, or spots. They also share and exchange their resources, skills, knowledge, or contacts to help each other out.
Creating and showcasing: Skateboarders in Turkey create and showcase their art and talent through skateboarding. They produce and distribute their own media, such as videos, photos, magazines, websites, or podcasts. They also perform and exhibit their skills in events, competitions, festivals, shows, or workshops. They use these platforms to express themselves, inspire others, and raise awareness and acceptance of skateboarding.
What are some of the benefits and rewards that skateboarding offers in Turkey?
Skateboarding in Turkey offers many benefits and rewards to skaters and to society. Some of them are:
Health and fitness: Skateboarding is a physical activity that improves the health and fitness of skaters. It enhances their strength, endurance, balance, coordination, flexibility, agility, and reflexes. It also prevents or reduces obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, or mental disorders.
Education and development: Skateboarding is a learning activity that enhances the education and development of skaters. It fosters their creativity, curiosity, critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and risk-taking skills. It also exposes them to different cultures, languages, perspectives, and opportunities.
Social and emotional: Skateboarding is a social and emotional activity that enhances the well-being and happiness of skaters. It creates a sense of community and belonging among skaters, who support, respect, and trust each other. It also provides a source of fun, joy, and satisfaction for skaters, who enjoy the thrill, challenge, and achievement of skateboarding.
Cultural and economic: Skateboarding is a cultural and economic activity that contributes to the diversity and prosperity of society. It enriches the cultural landscape and identity of Turkey with its unique style, art, music, and values. It also generates income and employment for skaters and others who are involved in the skateboarding industry and market.
Conclusion
Summary of the main points and takeaways
In conclusion, skateboarding is a thriving scene and culture in Turkey that has a rich history, a vibrant community, and a promising future. Skateboarding offers many benefits and rewards to skaters and to society, as well as some challenges and risks that need to be addressed and overcome. Skateboarding is more than just a sport or a hobby. It is a way of life, a form of expression, and a source of inspiration for many people in Turkey.
Call to action and invitation to join the skateboarding community
If you are interested in skateboarding or want to learn more about it, we invite you to join the skateboarding community in Turkey. You can find many resources, events, groups, and people who can help you get started or improve your skills. You can also share your passion, experience, and stories with other skaters who will welcome you with open arms. Skateboarding is for everyone, regardless of your age, gender, or background. All you need is a board, a pair of shoes, and a positive attitude. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your board and let's go skate!
FAQs
What are the basic equipment and safety gear for skateboarding?
The basic equipment for skateboarding is a skateboard, which consists of a deck (the wooden board), trucks (the metal axles), wheels (the rubber cylinders), bearings (the metal balls that allow the wheels to spin), grip tape (the sandpaper-like material that covers the deck), hardware (the screws and bolts that hold everything together), and risers (the plastic pads that prevent wheel bite). The basic safety gear for skateboarding is a helmet (to protect your head), pads (to protect your knees and elbows), and gloves (to protect your hands). You can also wear shoes, clothing, and accessories that are comfortable, durable, and suitable for skateboarding.
How can I learn how to skateboard?
The best way to learn how to skateboard is to practice regularly and gradually. You can start by learning the basics, such as how to stand, push, balance, turn, and stop on your board. You can then progress to learning how to do tricks, such as ollies, kickflips, grinds, and slides. You can also watch videos, read books, or take lessons from other skaters who can teach you tips and techniques. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of learning.
Where can I find more information and resources about skateboarding in Turkey?
There are many sources of information and resources about skateboarding in Turkey that you can access online or offline. Some of them are:
SBT Website: This is the official website of SBT, the oldest and most active skateboarding organization in Turkey. It has news, articles, videos, photos, events, contacts, and links related to skateboarding in Turkey. You can visit it at .
Horn Website: This is the official website of Horn Skateboards, the first and most successful skateboarding brand in Turkey. It has products, media, team, shop, blog, and contact information related to skateboarding in Turkey. You can visit it at .
Skateistan Turkey Website: This is the official website of Skateistan Turkey, a branch of Skateistan, an international non-profit organization that uses skateboarding and education to empower children and youth in Turkey. It has information about their programs, activities, impact, partners, supporters, and volunteers related to skateboarding in Turkey. You can visit it at .
Skate Shop: This is one of the oldest and most popular skate shops in Turkey. It is located in Taksim Square and sells skateboards, clothing, accessories, and media from various brands. It also offers skate lessons, rentals, repairs, and customizations. You can visit it at or call them at +90 212 244 24 24.
Skate Station: This is another popular skate shop in Turkey. It is located in Kadıköy Moda Park and sells skateboards, clothing, accessories, and media from various brands. It also offers skate lessons, rentals, repairs, and customizations. You can visit it at or call them at +90 216 330 33 33.
How can I get involved in the skateboarding community in Turkey?
There are many ways to get involved in the skateboarding community in Turkey. Some of them are:
Join a skate club or team: There are many skate clubs and teams in Turkey that you can join or form with your friends. They can help you improve your skills, meet new people, and participate in events and activities. Some of the most popular ones are SBC (Skate Board Community), SBT (Skate Boarding Turkey), Horn Skateboards, Zoo York Turkey, and Speed Demons.
Attend a skate event or competition: There are many skate events and competitions in Turkey that you can attend or enter as a spectator or a competitor. They can help you showcase your talent, learn from others, and have fun. Some of the most popular ones are SBT City Tours, SBT Chilly Series, SBT/Horn Skateboards Videos, SBT How To Series, Kazanda Bir Gün Daha Festival, Rastgele Festival, Harbiye Takılmacalar Series, İzmir Skatepark VS Series, SBT Shorts Series, and SBT YouTube Channel.
Volunteer for a skate project or organization: There are many skate projects and organizations in Turkey that you can volunteer for or support with your time, skills, or resources. They can help you make a positive impact on the society and the environment through skateboarding. Some of the most popular ones are Skateistan Turkey, SBT Social Responsibility Projects, Horn Skateboards Environmental Projects, Zoo York Turkey Cultural Projects, and Rastgele Magazine Educational Projects.
What are some of the best tips and advice for skateboarding in Turkey?
Here are some of the best tips and advice for skateboarding in Turkey:
Be respectful and responsible: Respect the rules and regulations of the places where you skate. Respect the rights and property of the people who live or work there. Respect the other skaters and pedestrians who share the space with you. Be responsible for your actions and consequences. Clean up after yourself and take care of your equipment.
Be safe and smart: Wear your helmet and pads when you skate. Avoid skating in dangerous or crowded areas. Avoid skating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Avoid skating when you are tired or injured. Know your limits and don't try tricks that are beyond your skill level.
Be creative and original: Skate with your own style and personality. Experiment with different tricks and techniques. Invent new ways to use your board and your environment. Express yourself through your skating and your media.
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