Darüşşafaka Ayhan Şahenk Sports Hall

The Darüşşafaka Ayhan Şahenk Sports Hall sits on a campus in Sarıyer, near the Maslak area, accessible by car but distant from the public transport hubs.

The building arrived in 1995. The structure has kept its original name, a rarity in a city that loves to rename things. It holds 3,500 people, which is large enough to feel full but small enough to hear the coach shouting instructions. The capacity is not a record-breaking figure, but it fills up when the local team plays.

The most distinct feature of this ground is its history of hosting guests. It became a temporary home for Galatasaray and Anadolu Efes during the late 2000s, a period when clubs were searching for stability. The hall saw the USA women’s basketball team play during the 2014 FIBA Women’s World Cup. That tournament brought international eyes to the district, even if the crowd was mostly local students and fans. The facility also hosts the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour, adding a different kind of energy to the court.

Recent years have seen the walls undergo changes. A five-month renovation in early 2023 addressed structural needs, reinforcing the building against earthquakes. The work was practical, not cosmetic. The arena now sits on Büyükdere Caddesi. It is an indoor sports arena that serves the community quietly, without the fanfare of larger venues. The space remains in use, hosting youth competitions and cultural events alongside the professional matches. It is a place that does not demand attention, but it holds the game when it needs a roof.