Florya Metin Oktay Tesisleri

The Florya Metin Oktay Tesisleri sits in the Şenlikköy neighbourhood of Bakırköy, Istanbul, on land that Galatasaray bought in the late 1960s. It has served as the club’s training base ever since, though the complex itself opened in 1982 after President Ali Uras financed the project during a difficult economic period. The site is not a single arena but a collection of grounds, with the main pitch featuring a hybrid grass surface installed to improve playing conditions and reduce injuries.

The complex is defined by its history rather than its size. It was named for Metin Oktay, the club’s all-time top scorer, who died in 1991. His presence is felt everywhere at Florya. The small stadium within the grounds, used for friendlies and A2 matches, was built using the roof from the old Ali Sami Yen Stadium. The capacity is often cited as 3,500, though figures vary.

What makes the place distinct is its uncertain future. The land is valued at hundreds of millions of lira, and there are plans for Emlak Konut to redevelop the site. The club has announced intentions to move its training base to Kemerburgaz by 2025 or 2026, meaning the current grounds may not survive the decade. Until then, it remains the heart of the club’s operations, hosting first-team sessions, youth matches, and media events. The pitch is natural grass, laid over a hybrid base. The complex has seen everything from the arrival of Mauro Icardi to fan tensions before derbies against Fenerbahçe. It is a working ground, not a monument.