Research Article
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Sports Policies in Local Governments: The Case of Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality

Year 2025, Volume: 9 Issue: 2, 242 - 251

Abstract

This study focuses on the importance and impact of sports policies in local governments, using the case of Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality. The sports policies of local governments play a significant role in improving the health and well-being of society. In this context, the shaping and implementation of sports policies in Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality constitute the main research questions of this study.
The study employs qualitative research methods, specifically in-depth interviews and document analysis. Interviews with key actors involved in the creation and implementation of sports policies in Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality serve as an important source of data. Additionally, official documents such as municipal council decisions, strategic plans, and reports are examined to analyze the reflections of sports policies in formal documents.
According to the findings of the study, Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality actively participates in the creation and implementation of sports policies. Activities such as constructing sports facilities, organizing sports events, and providing sports opportunities for youth and children contribute to increasing the accessibility of sports for the local population. Furthermore, projects and campaigns focusing on the social integration and health impact of sports are also carried out.
Factors influencing the success of Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality's sports policies include resources, institutional collaborations, public support, and sustainability strategies. The study suggests increasing resources, developing collaborations and joint projects with other institutions, fostering a sports culture within the community, and adopting sustainability strategies to further enhance the municipality's sports policies.
This study highlights the importance of sports policies in local governments and examines the impact of Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality's sports policies. The findings can guide other local governments and researchers in the creation and implementation of local-level sports policies. Additionally, the study provides recommendations for Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality to further develop its sports policies.

References

  • Akça, Y., & Esen, Ş. (2019). The Approach of Political Parties to Sport in the General Election Declaration of June 24, 2018. İnsan ve Toplum Bilimleri Araştırmaları Dergisi, 8(4), 2626-2641. https://doi.org/10.15869/itobiad.596922
  • Akça, Y., & Özer, G. (2016). Sports Policy of Turkey in Development Plans. International Journal of Sport Culture and Science, 4(2), 177-186.
  • Akman, Ç., & Şahin İpek, E. A. (2019). The strategic planning process in municipalities within the framework of recent amendments. International Journal of Management Academy, 2(2), 359–373. https://doi.org/10.33712/mana.609075
  • Alıcı, O. V. (2012). Relations between metropolitan and district municipalities: The case of Istanbul (Doctoral dissertation). Istanbul University, Institute of Social Sciences.
  • Aliağaoğlu, A., & Mirioğlu, G. (2020). The urban identity of Balıkesir. International Journal of Geography and Geography Education, (42), 374–399. https://doi.org/10.32003/igge.736051
  • Atalay, A., Yücel, S., & Korkmaz, H. (2016). An analysis of mayors’ opinions on the localization of sports services in Turkey. Ankara University Journal of Sports Sciences, 14(1), 63–74. https://doi.org/10.38155/ksbd.1252523
  • Aydın, A. D., Demir, H., & Yetim, A. A. (2007). A study on the realization level of the goals set in Turkish sports policies (Example of GSGM). Niğde University Journal of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, 1(2), 87–96.
  • Aykın, A. G., & Bilir, F. P. (2013). Government programs and sports policies. Çukurova University Journal of Social Sciences Institute, 22(2), 239–254.
  • Aykın, G. (2013). Sports policies in Turkey from the Constitutional Monarchy to the present and the place of sports in party and government programs and development plans after 1980. Academic Review Journal, 38, 1–16.
  • Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality Department of Youth and Sports Services. (2023). Duties and responsibilities. https://www.balikesir.bel.tr/organizasyon-semasi-detay?id=127
  • Başar, S. (2018). The effect of regular exercise on depression, happiness, and psychological well-being. İnönü University Journal of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, 5(3), 25–34.
  • Brown, A. (2016). Qualitative research in sport studies. Routledge.
  • Çalıkuşu, H. R., Usluer, İ. N., & Tanrıverdi, M. (2023). Protective rehabilitation approaches and physical activity in chronic diseases. Anatolian Clinic Journal of Medical Sciences (Anadolu Klin.), 28(2),225–234. https://doi.org/10.21673/anadoluklin.1233191
  • Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (2018). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research. Sage Publications.
  • Ekiz, D. (2003). Qualitative research methods and interview techniques. Anı Publishing.
  • Gök, Y., & Sunay, H. (2010). A comparative analysis of sports management in Turkey and France from a public administration perspective. Spormetre Journal of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, 7(1).
  • Güler, E., & Yaman, M. (2023). Local governments and sport policies in Türkiye. Karadeniz Journal of Social Sciences, 15(28), 40–56. https://doi.org/10.38155/ksbd.1252523
  • Güler, T., Şahnagil, S., & Güler, H. (2016). The importance of cultural elements in the formation of urban identity: A study on Balıkesir. Paradoks Journal of Economics, Sociology and Politics, 11(3).
  • Gümüş, H. (2018). Envıronmental sensitivity, urbanizatıon and recreationalareas. Fresenius Environmental Bulletin. 27(12). 8553-8559.
  • İmamoğlu, A. F. (1992).Some observations on Turkish sport towards the 2000s. Gazi University Journal of Education Faculty, 8(1).
  • Kara, E. (2015). Sports and physical education in the Atatürk Era of Turkey. Journal of Sports Sciences, 26(1), 63–74.
  • Karakaya, G. (2017). Sports policies and social impacts of Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality. Journal of Local Governments, 9(2), 112–125.
  • Kartal, P. (2020). Sport activity as a right. Marmara University Faculty of Law Journal of Legal Research, 26(2), 537–570. https://doi.org/10.33433/maruhad.826980
  • Kaya, H. (2017). The place and importance of sports in the Republican Era of Turkey. Ankara University Journal of Sports Sciences, 2(1), 55–65.
  • Korkut, F. (2019). The role of sports in the modernization process of the Republican Era of Turkey. Journal of Sports Sciences, 30(3), 69–78.
  • Merriam, S. B. (2009). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation. Jossey-Bass.
  • Okutan, R., Hacıcafereoğlu, S., & Hacicaferoglu, B. (2023). An examination of the perceived support of physical education teachers during their participation processes in school sports activities. Mustafa Kemal University Journal of the Faculty of Education, 7(12), 62–73. https://doi.org/10.56677/mkuefder.1397532
  • Öngel, H. B. (2001). Sports in Turkish cultural history. Ministry of Culture Publications.
  • Özaydın, S. (2024). Spor Yatırımlarının Verimlilik Analizi – İstanbul İli Örneği. Abant Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 24(3), 798-811. https://doi.org/10.11616/asbi.1391240
  • Özkan, A. (2016). Sports facilities and infrastructure works in the Republican Era of Turkey. International Journal of Social Research, 9(44), 121–128.
  • Öztaş, C., & Zengin, E. (2008). Local governments and cultural services. Journal of Social Policy Conferences, (54), 155–180.
  • Smith, J. (2018). Local government and sport policy: A comparative analysis of policies and practices. Routledge.
  • Sunay, H. (2016). Sports management (2nd ed.). Gazi Publishing.
  • Şimşek, Ö. F., & Yıldırım, A. (2006). Qualitative research methods in social sciences. Seçkin Publishing.
  • Tel, M. (2007). Atatürk’s perspective on physical education and sport. Fırat University Journal of Eastern Studies, 5(3), 173–176.
  • Uçar, A. (2014). The formation of sports and recreation policies in Turkey and the delivery of these services. Journal of Local Policies, 6, 27–48.
  • Uyanıker, N. (2024). The role of sports in cultural identity construction during the Republican period: Muhit magazine (1928–1933). Motif Academy Journal of Folklore, 17(46), 465–485. https://doi.org/10.12981/mahder.1467686
  • Ünal, A. (2016). Sports Facilities and Infrastructure Works in the Republican Era of Turkey. Atatürk University Journal of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, 18(1), 101–111.
  • Yavrutürk, A. R. (2025). The effects of sport on psychological development during adolescence. Göbeklitepe Journal of Education and Sport Sciences, 4(1), 59–73. https://doi.org/10.70631/gesd.1628487
  • Yermakhanov, B., & Zorba, E. (2022). The role and importance of quality of life and physical activity in recreation. International Journal of Current Educational Research, 8(1), 182–197.
  • Yıldırım, İ. (2018). The International Dimension of Sports in the Republican Era of Turkey. Atatürk University Journal of Social Sciences Institute, 22(1), 71–84.
  • Yıldız, Ü. ve Gümüş, H. (2017). Cyberloafing as a Recreational Activity at Desk Job Workers. Journal of Recreation and Tourism Research, 4(4), 85-93
  • Yılmaz, E. (2021). The Contribution of Sports to Social Interaction. Journal of Sports and Health Sciences, 12(3), 150–163.
  • Yüceant, M. (2023). The effect of regular physical activity on stress, anxiety, depression, life satisfaction, psychological well-being, and positive–negative affect. Mediterranean Journal of Sport Sciences, 6(2), 581–598. https://doi.org/10.38021/asbid.1248186

Yerel Yönetimlerde Spor Politikaları: Balıkesir Büyükşehir Belediyesi Örneği

Year 2025, Volume: 9 Issue: 2, 242 - 251

Abstract

Bu çalışma, yerel yönetimlerde spor politikalarının önemini ve etkisini incelemek amacıyla Balıkesir Büyükşehir Belediyesi örneği üzerinde odaklanmaktadır. Yerel yönetimlerin spor alanındaki politikaları, toplumun sağlığını ve refahını artırmada önemli bir rol oynamaktadır. Bu bağlamda, Balıkesir Büyükşehir Belediyesi'nin spor politikalarının nasıl şekillendiği ve uygulandığı, bu çalışmanın ana araştırma sorularını oluşturmaktadır.
Çalışma, nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden olan derinlemesine mülakatlar ve doküman analizi kullanılarak gerçekleştirilmiştir. Balıkesir Büyükşehir Belediyesi'nin spor politikalarının oluşturulmasında ve uygulanmasında rol oynayan büyükşehir belediye başkanı ile yapılan mülakat, önemli bir veri kaynağı olmuştur. Ayrıca, belediye meclis kararları, stratejik planlar ve raporlar gibi belgeler incelenerek, spor politikalarının resmi belgelerdeki yansımaları analiz edilmiştir.
Çalışmanın bulgularına göre, Balıkesir Büyükşehir Belediyesi spor politikalarının oluşturulmasında ve uygulanmasında aktif bir rol oynamaktadır. Belediyenin spor tesisleri inşa etme, spor etkinlikleri düzenleme, gençlik ve çocuklara spor imkanları sunma gibi faaliyetleri, yerel halkın spor yapma olanaklarını artırmaktadır. Ayrıca, sporun toplumun sosyal entegrasyonu ve sağlığı üzerindeki etkilerine odaklanan projeler ve kampanyalar da yürütülmektedir.
Balıkesir Büyükşehir Belediyesi'nin spor politikalarının başarısını etkileyen faktörler arasında kaynaklar, kurumsal işbirlikleri, kamuoyu desteği ve sürdürülebilirlik stratejileri önemli rol oynamaktadır. Belediyenin spor politikalarının daha da geliştirilmesi için kaynakların artırılması, diğer kurumlarla işbirliği ve ortak projelerin geliştirilmesi, toplumun spor kültürünün oluşturulması ve sürdürülebilirlik stratejilerinin benimsenmesi önerilmektedir.
Bu tez, yerel yönetimlerin spor politikalarının önemini vurgulamakta ve Balıkesir Büyükşehir Belediyesi'nin spor politikaları üzerindeki etkisini incelemektedir. Elde edilen bulgular, diğer yerel yönetimlere ve araştırmacılara yerel düzeyde spor politikalarının oluşturulması ve uygulanması konusunda rehberlik edebilir. Ayrıca, Balıkesir Büyükşehir Belediyesi'ne spor politikalarını daha da geliştirmek için öneriler sunmaktadır.

References

  • Akça, Y., & Esen, Ş. (2019). The Approach of Political Parties to Sport in the General Election Declaration of June 24, 2018. İnsan ve Toplum Bilimleri Araştırmaları Dergisi, 8(4), 2626-2641. https://doi.org/10.15869/itobiad.596922
  • Akça, Y., & Özer, G. (2016). Sports Policy of Turkey in Development Plans. International Journal of Sport Culture and Science, 4(2), 177-186.
  • Akman, Ç., & Şahin İpek, E. A. (2019). The strategic planning process in municipalities within the framework of recent amendments. International Journal of Management Academy, 2(2), 359–373. https://doi.org/10.33712/mana.609075
  • Alıcı, O. V. (2012). Relations between metropolitan and district municipalities: The case of Istanbul (Doctoral dissertation). Istanbul University, Institute of Social Sciences.
  • Aliağaoğlu, A., & Mirioğlu, G. (2020). The urban identity of Balıkesir. International Journal of Geography and Geography Education, (42), 374–399. https://doi.org/10.32003/igge.736051
  • Atalay, A., Yücel, S., & Korkmaz, H. (2016). An analysis of mayors’ opinions on the localization of sports services in Turkey. Ankara University Journal of Sports Sciences, 14(1), 63–74. https://doi.org/10.38155/ksbd.1252523
  • Aydın, A. D., Demir, H., & Yetim, A. A. (2007). A study on the realization level of the goals set in Turkish sports policies (Example of GSGM). Niğde University Journal of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, 1(2), 87–96.
  • Aykın, A. G., & Bilir, F. P. (2013). Government programs and sports policies. Çukurova University Journal of Social Sciences Institute, 22(2), 239–254.
  • Aykın, G. (2013). Sports policies in Turkey from the Constitutional Monarchy to the present and the place of sports in party and government programs and development plans after 1980. Academic Review Journal, 38, 1–16.
  • Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality Department of Youth and Sports Services. (2023). Duties and responsibilities. https://www.balikesir.bel.tr/organizasyon-semasi-detay?id=127
  • Başar, S. (2018). The effect of regular exercise on depression, happiness, and psychological well-being. İnönü University Journal of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, 5(3), 25–34.
  • Brown, A. (2016). Qualitative research in sport studies. Routledge.
  • Çalıkuşu, H. R., Usluer, İ. N., & Tanrıverdi, M. (2023). Protective rehabilitation approaches and physical activity in chronic diseases. Anatolian Clinic Journal of Medical Sciences (Anadolu Klin.), 28(2),225–234. https://doi.org/10.21673/anadoluklin.1233191
  • Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (2018). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research. Sage Publications.
  • Ekiz, D. (2003). Qualitative research methods and interview techniques. Anı Publishing.
  • Gök, Y., & Sunay, H. (2010). A comparative analysis of sports management in Turkey and France from a public administration perspective. Spormetre Journal of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, 7(1).
  • Güler, E., & Yaman, M. (2023). Local governments and sport policies in Türkiye. Karadeniz Journal of Social Sciences, 15(28), 40–56. https://doi.org/10.38155/ksbd.1252523
  • Güler, T., Şahnagil, S., & Güler, H. (2016). The importance of cultural elements in the formation of urban identity: A study on Balıkesir. Paradoks Journal of Economics, Sociology and Politics, 11(3).
  • Gümüş, H. (2018). Envıronmental sensitivity, urbanizatıon and recreationalareas. Fresenius Environmental Bulletin. 27(12). 8553-8559.
  • İmamoğlu, A. F. (1992).Some observations on Turkish sport towards the 2000s. Gazi University Journal of Education Faculty, 8(1).
  • Kara, E. (2015). Sports and physical education in the Atatürk Era of Turkey. Journal of Sports Sciences, 26(1), 63–74.
  • Karakaya, G. (2017). Sports policies and social impacts of Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality. Journal of Local Governments, 9(2), 112–125.
  • Kartal, P. (2020). Sport activity as a right. Marmara University Faculty of Law Journal of Legal Research, 26(2), 537–570. https://doi.org/10.33433/maruhad.826980
  • Kaya, H. (2017). The place and importance of sports in the Republican Era of Turkey. Ankara University Journal of Sports Sciences, 2(1), 55–65.
  • Korkut, F. (2019). The role of sports in the modernization process of the Republican Era of Turkey. Journal of Sports Sciences, 30(3), 69–78.
  • Merriam, S. B. (2009). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation. Jossey-Bass.
  • Okutan, R., Hacıcafereoğlu, S., & Hacicaferoglu, B. (2023). An examination of the perceived support of physical education teachers during their participation processes in school sports activities. Mustafa Kemal University Journal of the Faculty of Education, 7(12), 62–73. https://doi.org/10.56677/mkuefder.1397532
  • Öngel, H. B. (2001). Sports in Turkish cultural history. Ministry of Culture Publications.
  • Özaydın, S. (2024). Spor Yatırımlarının Verimlilik Analizi – İstanbul İli Örneği. Abant Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 24(3), 798-811. https://doi.org/10.11616/asbi.1391240
  • Özkan, A. (2016). Sports facilities and infrastructure works in the Republican Era of Turkey. International Journal of Social Research, 9(44), 121–128.
  • Öztaş, C., & Zengin, E. (2008). Local governments and cultural services. Journal of Social Policy Conferences, (54), 155–180.
  • Smith, J. (2018). Local government and sport policy: A comparative analysis of policies and practices. Routledge.
  • Sunay, H. (2016). Sports management (2nd ed.). Gazi Publishing.
  • Şimşek, Ö. F., & Yıldırım, A. (2006). Qualitative research methods in social sciences. Seçkin Publishing.
  • Tel, M. (2007). Atatürk’s perspective on physical education and sport. Fırat University Journal of Eastern Studies, 5(3), 173–176.
  • Uçar, A. (2014). The formation of sports and recreation policies in Turkey and the delivery of these services. Journal of Local Policies, 6, 27–48.
  • Uyanıker, N. (2024). The role of sports in cultural identity construction during the Republican period: Muhit magazine (1928–1933). Motif Academy Journal of Folklore, 17(46), 465–485. https://doi.org/10.12981/mahder.1467686
  • Ünal, A. (2016). Sports Facilities and Infrastructure Works in the Republican Era of Turkey. Atatürk University Journal of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, 18(1), 101–111.
  • Yavrutürk, A. R. (2025). The effects of sport on psychological development during adolescence. Göbeklitepe Journal of Education and Sport Sciences, 4(1), 59–73. https://doi.org/10.70631/gesd.1628487
  • Yermakhanov, B., & Zorba, E. (2022). The role and importance of quality of life and physical activity in recreation. International Journal of Current Educational Research, 8(1), 182–197.
  • Yıldırım, İ. (2018). The International Dimension of Sports in the Republican Era of Turkey. Atatürk University Journal of Social Sciences Institute, 22(1), 71–84.
  • Yıldız, Ü. ve Gümüş, H. (2017). Cyberloafing as a Recreational Activity at Desk Job Workers. Journal of Recreation and Tourism Research, 4(4), 85-93
  • Yılmaz, E. (2021). The Contribution of Sports to Social Interaction. Journal of Sports and Health Sciences, 12(3), 150–163.
  • Yüceant, M. (2023). The effect of regular physical activity on stress, anxiety, depression, life satisfaction, psychological well-being, and positive–negative affect. Mediterranean Journal of Sport Sciences, 6(2), 581–598. https://doi.org/10.38021/asbid.1248186
There are 44 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Sports and Recreation
Journal Section Research Article
Authors

Yusuf Ziya Üzüm 0000-0003-3028-9637

Selçuk Bora Çavuşoğlu 0000-0003-4163-9655

Early Pub Date December 8, 2025
Publication Date December 14, 2025
Submission Date October 12, 2025
Acceptance Date December 7, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 9 Issue: 2

Cite

APA Üzüm, Y. Z., & Çavuşoğlu, S. B. (2025). Sports Policies in Local Governments: The Case of Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality. International Journal of Recreation and Sports Science, 9(2), 242-251.