Istanbul’s investment in sports infrastructure continues with a new project in Sultangazi. The Naim Süleymanoğlu Youth, Sports and Leisure Centre, under construction in the Cebeci neighbourhood, is being developed to accommodate not only sporting activities but also the social and cultural needs of young people.
According to information published by Sultangazi Municipality on 8 October 2026, the centre is planned to host international sporting competitions. Once completed, the facility is expected to expand the district’s capacity to accommodate sports events.
More Than a Sports Venue: A Multi-Purpose Community Space
One of the key features of the centre will be an indoor sports hall with a capacity of approximately 1,500 spectators. The project will also include a swimming pool, sports areas for different disciplines, a fitness centre, a library, a multi-purpose hall and workshop spaces.
Bringing these facilities together under one roof is intended to create a versatile destination that serves more than competitive sports. The centre is being designed as a space where people of different age groups can participate in a range of activities throughout the day.
Access to sports facilities is particularly important for younger generations. By combining sports, learning and social spaces, the project reflects a broader approach to developing public facilities that respond to multiple community needs.
Supporting Urban Life Beyond Sports
Another notable feature of the project is its planned indoor car park, which will accommodate 300 vehicles. The facility is expected to help address parking demand in the surrounding area.
This means the project’s intended contribution extends beyond its sports facilities, taking into account everyday urban needs and the challenges associated with local traffic and parking. It also highlights the importance of considering sports infrastructure as part of wider urban planning.
Honouring a Legend of Turkish Sport
Named after Naim Süleymanoğlu, the Olympic champion weightlifter and one of the most celebrated figures in Turkish sporting history, the centre also carries a symbolic significance. Beyond providing facilities for physical activity, it represents an opportunity to keep the legacy of sporting achievement alive for future generations.
Sultangazi Municipality reports that construction is ongoing, with completion planned in the near future. Once operational, the centre is expected to broaden local access to sports facilities and provide a new venue with the potential to host international sporting events.
The project in Sultangazi reflects a wider trend in urban development: sports facilities are increasingly being planned as multi-functional destinations that bring together recreation, youth activities and community life.
