23 April Spirit Meets Chess in Kadıköy: 385 Players Take Their Seats

Organized by Kadıköy Municipality as part of the 23 April National Sovereignty and Children’s Day celebrations, the 2nd Traditional Chess Tournament started on Saturday, 25 April 2026, at Kadıköy Caferağa Sports Hall. Aimed at bringing children and young people together with mind sports, the event stands out as an important local sporting occasion that highlights the core values of chess such as discipline, patience, and strategic thinking.

The opening ceremony was attended by Turkish Chess Federation Vice President Seçkin Serpil, Kadıköy Municipality deputy mayors Soydan Alkan and Rasim Emre Fırıncı, Kadıköy Municipality Director of Youth and Sports Services Erhan Karaaslan, Istanbul Provincial Chess Representative Hakan Polat, as well as many players and parents. The message of unity conveyed at the ceremony once again underlined that chess is not only a field of competition, but also a powerful educational tool that helps children develop analytical thinking, sound decision-making, and sportsmanship.

This year, a total of 385 players in 8 different categories are competing in the tournament. This strong turnout shows that interest in chess is increasing year by year in Kadıköy and across Istanbul in general. Bringing together players from different age groups under the same roof both raises the competitive level and creates an important learning environment for newcomers. The strong attendance seen in the playing hall from the very start also reflects families’ growing commitment to encouraging their children to take up chess.

Chess tournaments, especially on child-centered occasions such as 23 April, offer young players a meaningful platform where they can express themselves. From the opening preparations to the first moves on the board, the excitement of the participants was clearly visible, while each table began to tell its own story of plans, opening choices, and struggle. The Kadıköy Municipality 2nd Traditional Chess Tournament carries value not only in terms of final standings, but also in helping children build self-confidence, gain tournament experience, and expand the culture of chess. The event once again demonstrates that cooperation between local governments and chess institutions is one of the important steps in strengthening the grassroots foundation of Turkish chess.