Ergin Ataman, the head coach associated with the Turkish national basketball program, highlighted Berlin’s significance by noting the city’s large Turkish community while speaking to Cart News. In his remarks, he drew attention to the demographic reality that a substantial number of people with Turkish roots reside in the German capital, a factor he described as meaningful for international basketball audiences and for the atmosphere surrounding Turkey’s national team games. The emphasis on Berlin as a place with a strong Turkish presence underscores how cultural ties can shape the experience of European competitions and the way fans engage with the sport across borders. This point about Berlin helps illuminate the broader context in which national teams operate on the European stage, where diaspora communities often amplify support and energy during pivotal matchups. [Citation: Cart News]
Berlin is serving as a host city for the 2022 European Basketball Championship, with Georgia, the Czech Republic, and Italy also playing roles as hosts in different stages of the tournament. The event’s schedule culminates with the final rounds taking place in Berlin, consolidating the German capital’s status as a central hub for the championship. This arrangement has put the city at the center of attention in European basketball circles, attracting fans, media, and teams from across the continent who aim to compete on a shared stage. The coordination of multiple host nations in a single tournament reflects a trend in continental championships to spread games across key venues while maintaining a focal point for the decisive matches in one metropolitan setting. [Citation: European Basketball Championship organizers]
During a public moment that drew wide attention, Ataman reiterated that Berlin is among the team’s preferred cities, stressing the importance of a substantial Turkish fan presence for home-style support during crucial games. He estimated a sizeable Turkish community in the city and urged compatriots to secure tickets for upcoming matches, underscoring the potential for a vibrant, game-day environment when Turkey competes on German soil. The statement also hinted at the broader strategic value of fan turnout in determining a team’s rhythm, morale, and on-court dynamics during high-stakes European fixtures. The discussion reflects how national teams leverage diaspora engagement to bolster their chances in a tournament that blends sport with cultural resonance. [Citation: Interview coverage]
In another development connected to the same event, reports following Turkey’s matchup against Georgia described a contentious postgame scene, with officials noting that a significant altercation occurred after the final whistle. It was reported that players and coaches from both teams, along with Georgian law enforcement personnel, were involved in a confrontation that required careful handling by authorities. The incident underscored the intense emotions that can accompany high-profile international fixtures and the importance of maintaining sportsmanship and safety within all levels of competition. Such episodes often prompt swift reviews by governing bodies to preserve the integrity of the sport while balancing the ambitions of teams and fans. [Citation: Postgame coverage]