06.09.2026 23:30
The Turkish Women's National Volleyball Team's 3-2 victory over Italy, securing their second consecutive European championship, was celebrated with great enthusiasm across Turkey. From Istanbul to Izmir, and Osmaniye to Karabuk, citizens followed the breathtaking final on giant screens, and with the championship whistle, a festive atmosphere filled the squares. While stadium stands in Trabzon rose to their feet, citizens in different cities celebrated the historic triumph of the Sultans of the Net with Turkish flags.
The victory of the Turkish Women's National Volleyball Team, defeating Italy 3-2 in the CEV Trendyol 2026 European Championship final to become European champions for the second consecutive time, was celebrated with great enthusiasm all across Turkey. From Istanbul to Osmaniye, from Karabük to Fethiye, citizens took their championship joy to the squares after following the final on giant screens. In Trabzon, the triumph of the Sultans of the Net was announced at the stadium.
TURKEY CELEBRATES THE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP
In the historic final played at the Sinan Erdem Sports Hall in Istanbul, the Sultans of the Net did not give up despite falling 2-1 behind against Italy. Winning the fourth set 25-21 and taking the match to a decider, the national team secured a 15-10 advantage in the final set, winning the match 3-2 and achieving their second consecutive European championship.
After the final point, citizens in front of giant screens set up in different cities across Turkey experienced great joy. Turkish flags were unfurled, and applause and cheers rose up.
A VISUAL FEAST ON THE BOSPHORUS IN ISTANBUL
The championship excitement also reflected on the Bosphorus in Istanbul. In a drone show held over the 15 July Martyrs' Bridge and the Bosphorus sky, special visuals were created for the Sultans of the Net.
A giant volleyball, national volleyball players in their crescent-and-star jerseys, and the message "Congratulations, Sultans of the Net" appeared in the sky. The show, watched from around the bridge and the Bosphorus, added a visual feast to the championship night.
HUNDREDS WATCHED TOGETHER AT MALTEPE SQUARE
In the Maltepe district of Istanbul, the final excitement also spilled into the squares. Hundreds of citizens followed the match together on a giant screen set up at Maltepe Square.
Citizens filling the square with Turkish flags experienced great excitement at every point scored by the national team during the match. When the deciding set ended 15-10 in Turkey's favor, applause and cheers rose in the square.
Maltepe Mayor Esin Köymen also watched the match with the citizens and shared in the championship joy.
IZMIR SPILLED ONTO THE STREETS
In Izmir, the strongest hubs of celebration were Alsancak Gündoğdu Square and Karşıyaka Bostanlı. The Izmir Metropolitan Municipality set up giant screens at two locations. Citizens following the final together experienced great joy with the championship that came after the deciding set. While celebrations also took place in different parts of the city, colorful scenes came especially from Gündoğdu and Bostanlı.
STADIUM ROSE TO ITS FEET IN TRABZON
The European championship of the Sultans of the Net was also met with great enthusiasm in Trabzon.
At Papara Park, where the match between Trabzonspor and Gençlerbirliği was ongoing, the national team's victory against Italy was announced in the stadium.
While the message "Sultans of the Net are European Champions" was displayed on the scoreboard, "Turkey" chants rose from the stands after the announcement, and a thunderous applause erupted in the stadium.
OSMANIYE'S SQUARE TURNED INTO A FESTIVAL AREA
In Osmaniye, the venue for the final excitement was Devlet Bahçeli Square. Many citizens following the match on the giant screen set up by Osmaniye Municipality experienced great excitement at every point scored by the national team.
With Turkey's 3-2 victory, a festive atmosphere prevailed in the square. Citizens celebrated the championship with Turkish flags in their hands.
At the celebration area, citizens were also offered peanuts, one of Osmaniye's iconic agricultural products, and water, and Turkish flags were distributed.
IN KARABÜK, THE CHAMPIONSHIP WAS CELEBRATED WITH "ERİK DALI"
In Karabük, on the other hand, the triumph of the Sultans of the Net was celebrated with the erik dalı folk dance.
Citizens following the final on an open-air screen at Karabük Municipality's Open-Air Cinema event supported the national team with applause and cheers throughout the match.
After the victory came in the deciding set, great joy was experienced in the celebration area. Citizens celebrated the championship by performing the erik dalı dance.
IN FETHIYE, THE COASTAL STRIP TURNED INTO A CHAMPIONSHIP ARENA
In the Fethiye district of Muğla, citizens also followed the historic final on a giant screen set up at the 3rd Stage Coastal Strip.
Following the 3-2 victory against Italy, a great championship excitement was experienced on the coastal strip. Citizens celebrated the national team's triumph together.
IN DIDIM, CITIZENS SHARED IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP
In the Didim district of Aydın, the final excitement of the Sultans of the Net was also experienced together with the citizens. At an event organized in the district, citizens followed the match, and after the final, the joy of the European championship was experienced.
THE SULTANS OF THE NET MADE HISTORY
Defeating Italy 3-2, the Turkish Women's National Volleyball Team thus achieved the European championship in 2026 as well, following 2023, and retained its title. The national team also completed the season with two major trophies by winning the European Championship after the FIVB Nations League title in 2026.
With the championship, Turkey also earned the right to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The historic triumph of the Sultans of the Net, after the final whistle, turned into a huge wave of pride and joy not only in Istanbul but also in squares, parks, coastal strips, and stadiums in different cities across Turkey.