Turkey to serve as host for the significant European Go tournament, as the ancient game continues to grow in popularity
In a remarkable turn of events, Türkiye has risen to become Europe's fourth-largest Go nation. This ancient strategy game, with its roots tracing back over 4,000 years, has found a new home in the heart of Europe.
The game of Go, played on a board with 19 horizontal and 19 vertical lines, has gained widespread popularity in Türkiye in recent years. With national championships, tournaments, camps, and training programs contributing to its growth, an estimated 4,000 people actively play Go in the country. In fact, it's been estimated that about 10,000 people in Türkiye know how to play Go, though approximately 4,000 participate actively in tournaments.
The game's appeal extends across all age groups, from 7 to 70. Local associations for Go exist in major cities like Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir, and Eskisehir, and go groups have formed in cities including Antalya and Canakkale to promote the sport's recognition. One of the youngest players in Türkiye's go community was just 4 years old when they participated in their first tournament.
The European Go Congress, scheduled to take place in Türkiye from July 25-Aug. 28, 2026, will be one of the biggest events in this field in Europe and the world. Hacettepe University will collaborate with the Türkiye Go Association to organize this grand event. Istanbul University also offers Go as an elective course and plans to collaborate with the Türkiye Go Association to make the European Go Congress 2026 a success.
Go's popularity in Türkiye has not gone unnoticed. The strategy game has received academic recognition at Hacettepe University's Faculty of Sports Sciences. Ahmet Eren Kurter, Secretary General of the European Go Federation and President of the Türkiye Go Association, stated that the event will mark a significant milestone for Türkiye's growing go community.
Unlike chess, all Go stones hold equal worth in the game. This accessibility to players of all ages, with no age limitations, has undoubtedly contributed to its growing popularity. Go's appeal also extends to women players in Türkiye, attracting significant interest from them.
As Türkiye gears up to host the European Go Congress, the nation's Go community is ready to showcase their love for this ancient strategy game to the world. With Go's broad appeal across demographic groups, it's clear that this ancient game has found a new lease of life in Europe's fourth-largest Go nation.
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