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.
This story is from the August 2023 edition of World Soccer.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2023 edition of World Soccer.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Never Say Never Again
Bayer Leverkusen are determined to shake off their tag of perennial runners-up
The Last Days Of Roma
How Jose Mourinho's time in the Italian capital came to an end
Opponents then friends: Beckenbauer and Cruyff
Franz Beckenbauer and Johan Cruyff’s relationship defined an era of football
THE FIVE-YEAR PLAN
RB Leipzig's as successful strategy to build a women's team as their men's is right on schedule
New-look Ulsan ready to defend title
The reigning K-League champions have rebranded since last season and are the team to beat yet again in 2024
Messi set for MLS spotlight
The Argentine and his Inter Miami team-mates will dominate the MLS headlines in a big year for North American football
Champions League knockout rounds begin
The last 16 has already begun, with the quarter-finals soon to follow
Hannes Halldorsson
The former Iceland goalkeeper looks back on his proudest moment in football
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2023-24 KNOCKOUT ROUND PREVIEW
Turn over now for Nick Bidwell's comprehensive team-by-team guide
Ventforet Kofu
Japanese second-tier side advance to Asian Champions League knockout rounds with a second-string team