When discussing the most passionate football supporters in the world, Beşiktaş JK and its legendary ultras group Çarşı always deserve a place among the elite. Known for their incredible atmosphere, rebellious spirit, political commentary and unmatched loyalty, Beşiktaş ultras have built one of the most unique supporter cultures in world football. For decades, Çarşı has represented much more than a simple football supporters group. In Turkey and across Europe, the name became associated with passion, resistance, creativity and the authentic soul of football culture.
Çarşı is the most famous supporters group of Beşiktaş JK and one of the best known ultra movements in Turkish football. The group was officially founded in 1982 by Mehmet Işıklar, also known as Optik Başkan, during a difficult political period in Turkey following the 1980 military coup. The name “Çarşı” comes from the central marketplace of the Beşiktaş district in Istanbul, where supporters traditionally gathered before matches. During the 1980s, local Beşiktaş fans spent their days around the bazaar, meeting friends, creating chants and building a strong community around the club. Over time, that culture evolved into one of the most iconic ultras groups in football history.
One of the most famous slogans in world football belongs to Çarşı. “Çarşı her şeye karşı” translated into English means “Çarşı is against everything.” The phrase perfectly represents the group’s rebellious identity and anti-authoritarian mentality. For Beşiktaş fans, the slogan reflects independence, freedom of expression and resistance against anything that threatens football culture and supporter identity. Unlike many other ultras groups, Çarşı never developed as a rigid organisation with one political ideology or social background. People from different cultures, ethnic groups and political beliefs became part of the movement through their shared passion for Beşiktaş.
During the 1990s, Çarşı became the dominant force inside Beşiktaş’s old İnönü Stadium. The group occupied the famous Kapalı Tribune, where some of the loudest and most intimidating atmospheres in European football were created. Beşiktaş ultras became famous for massive chants, drum driven support, creative banners, political and social messages, huge choreographies and unforgettable derby atmospheres. The atmosphere around İnönü Stadium was legendary long before modern football became commercialised. On matchdays, supporters filled the streets of Beşiktaş hours before kick off, gathering in fish restaurants, bars and cafés near the Bosphorus. Fans travelling from the Asian side of Istanbul often arrived by ferry from districts such as Kadıköy and Üsküdar, transforming the city into a black and white sea of Beşiktaş supporters.
What separates Çarşı from many other ultras groups is its strong social identity. The group became famous not only for football support but also for humour, satire and political commentary. Their banners often included ironic messages about social issues, authority and modern football culture. Çarşı also adopted a modified “A” symbol inspired by anarchist iconography. According to members of the group, the symbol represents “Asi Ruh,” meaning rebellious spirit, rather than traditional political anarchism. This anti establishment identity helped create a unique image that made Çarşı famous far beyond football circles.
In Turkey, Galatasaray SK, Fenerbahçe SK and Beşiktaş are considered the “Big Three” clubs of Turkish football. Within that intense football culture, Çarşı became one of the most influential ultras groups in the country. The group played an important role in shaping modern Turkish supporter culture through organised away travel, creative supporter displays, protest culture inside football and loyal support regardless of results. Çarşı’s influence extended beyond football and gained international attention during the 2013 anti government protests in Turkey, where members of the group became heavily involved in demonstrations and street activism. This further strengthened the image of Çarşı as a movement connected not only to football, but also to broader social issues.
In May 2008, Çarşı shocked Turkish football by officially announcing its dissolution through a farewell letter written by legendary terrace leader Alen Markaryan. The group explained that internal tensions, criticism and the belief that the Çarşı name had become larger than Beşiktaş itself influenced the decision. However, only a few months later, in August 2008, Çarşı officially returned and announced that the group would continue supporting Beşiktaş in order to protect the unity and spirit of the club. Since then, the movement has remained active and continues to be one of the most respected ultras groups in Europe.
For many football supporters, Çarşı represents everything traditional football culture should be. The group combines passionate support, working class identity, anti commercial football values, creativity, humour, political awareness and incredible atmosphere. From the streets of Beşiktaş to the legendary nights at İnönü Stadium, Çarşı has created a legacy that continues inspiring football fans around the world. In an era where modern football becomes increasingly commercial and corporate, Beşiktaş ultras and Çarşı remain symbols of authentic supporter culture, loyalty and rebellion.