Mayor Turan Watched the EuroBasket 2025 Final with Thousands of Fellow Citizens at Yedikule Fortress and Congratulated the National Team on their Hist

Mr. M. Ergün Turan, the Mayor of Fatih Municipality who watched the EuroBasket 2025 final at Yedikule Fortress with thousands of fellow citizens, congratulated our National Basketball Team, saying, ‘We really wanted the European championship, we came very close. The 12 Giant Men (12 Dev Adam) put in blood, sweat and tears and did more than they could.’

Turkish basketball achieved another historic success at the 2025 European Championship (EuroBasket 2025). Our National Team, which faced Germany in the final, finished second with a score of 88-83 in a thrilling match from start to finish and won the silver medal. With this result, the national team added another proud chapter to Turkish basketball history by securing the European runner-up title for the first time since 2001.

Türkiye quickly built a double-digit lead early in the game with fast breaks and took control of the match, particularly with a high percentage of three-point shots. With the score at 13-2 in the third minute, the Turkish fans in the arena reached a fever pitch. Germany rallied with baskets from Bonga and Wagner and turned the score around to 19-16 in their favour in the seventh minute. The closely-contested first period ended with Germany leading 24-22.

Despite struggling with rebounds in the second quarter, the national team managed to stay in the game thanks to Alperen Şengün's effective play. An 8-0 run in a short time brought the score to 30-28, and Türkiye took the lead. The resistance shown in defence, combined with the support of the fans, allowed the Turkish team to close the half ahead 46-40.

The third period saw fierce competition between the two teams. Scoring from both beyond the three-point line and under the basket, the national team maintained its lead over its opponent and entered the final period ahead 67-66.

The final quarter determined the outcome of the match. Although Türkiye had a six-point lead at one point, Germany closed the gap with crucial baskets from outside. The contest featured some nail-biting moments, and with 18 seconds remaining, German star Dennis Schröder's basket brought the score to 86-83. Germany maintained its lead in the remaining time and won the match 88-83 to become champions.

The final match was followed with great excitement not only in Berlin but also in Istanbul. Thousands of citizens joined in the national team's struggle on a giant screen set up at Yedikule Fortress, organised by the Fatih Municipality. Basketball fans who filled the area celebrated wildly after every score. Mr. M. Ergün Turan, the Mayor of Fatih Municipality also watched the game with his fellow citizens, showing his support for the 12 Giant Men.

In his post-match assessment, Mr. Turan said, ‘We really wanted the European championship, we came very close. However, the 12 Giant Men put in blood, sweat and tears and did more than they could. This team has brought great pride to our country.’

EuroBasket 2025 was not just a tournament for Turkish basketball, but also a symbol of unity and excitement. The 12 Giant Men reclaimed their place in the hearts of millions, both through their determination on the court and the atmosphere they created across the country.