First, there was chaos and heartbreak across the country itself. Less than four months before citizens voted in momentous presidential elections, an earthquake hit Turkey's southeast in February, leaving the nation, and the wider world, in shock.
The former Ghana winger Christian Atsu, then playing for Hatayspor, was among thousands who tragically lost their lives. The tears and tributes poured in, and the league halted mid-season.
In one sense, the campaign's completion was a story. After the earthquake the football hiatus lasted three weeks, with the action resuming before March. But for the league, there were still challenges.
Two affected top-flight sides, Hatayspor - with their damaged stadium becoming a homeless shelter - and Gaziantep pulled out from the championship. After the Turkish football federation authorised their exits, it agreed to reinstate them next season but faced shorter-term uncertainty with postponed fixtures.
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Denne historien er fra August 2023-utgaven av World Soccer.
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Going for Gold in Paris- There are plenty of candidates vying for the Olympic gold medal in the women's football tournament this summer
There are plenty of candidates vying for the Olympic gold medal in the women's football tournament this summer
Face to face - Tom Sainfiet- The final goal is to reach the World Cup and write history - The Belgian coach speaks to World Soccer
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HAT-TRICK HERO
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The isolated Pacific nation faces a long and lonely battle to improve football on the island
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The first edition of the Saudi Pro League's glamorous new era ends with a familiar title winner
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Favourites perform largely as expected, yet Cayman Islands dominate the headlines
