Recently, we bid farewell to one of the most famous and important figures in Turkish sports media, Halit Kıvanç. We remember him with respect, love, and gratitude. For those who didn’t know him, or for those who want to know him better, and to express our gratitude, we wanted to reintroduce Halit Kıvanç. Imagine a country that, even while reversing its tragic fate in its struggle for independence, never lost the gift of football. A country that organized sports competitions among armies, where kids played with makeshift balls in schoolyards and streets, shouting the names of their football idols. And guiding this passion for sports, proudly representing the nation in global media, was Halit Kıvanç, a beacon for sports journalism in Turkey.
Halit Kıvanç was not just a name; he was a symbol of dedication and excellence. His career was filled with achievements and pioneering moments, leaving an indelible legacy in sports media. “I just say thank you; I guess these words keep me going,” he once said in response to the accolades for his illustrious career, one that many would fear to even embark on. What kept him going was his passion for his profession and his desire to bring his achievements back to his country. When offered a position at the BBC, he declined, saying, “I will bring what I have learned to life in my own country.”
Who Was Halit Kıvanç?
Halit Kıvanç was born on February 18, 1925, in Istanbul’s Fatih district, the youngest of Leman and İsmail Kıvanç’s five children. In 1955, he married Bülbin Kıvanç, and they had a son, Ümit Kıvanç. After completing his secondary education at Pertevniyal High School, Kıvanç graduated from Istanbul University’s Law Faculty. During his student years, he wrote football satire for the Akbaba and Şut magazines and various articles for the university’s Guguk magazine. After graduating, he served briefly as a judge in Siirt’s Kozluk district. He then worked as a writer and editor for newspapers and magazines such as Hürriyet, Milliyet, Güneş, and Tercüman. In 1953, with Alp Zirek and Halit Talayer, he launched Turkey’s first daily sports newspaper, Türkiye Spor.
Kıvanç worked for nearly a year at the BBC, becoming the first journalist to interview the legendary Brazilian footballer Pelé. He made significant contributions to the development of radio and television broadcasting in Turkey, hosting numerous Olympic and major international events. He was the first Turkish commentator to present the World Cup on television, covering ten World Cups on radio and TV, achieving milestones that are hard to surpass.
Recognized as a lawyer, writer, broadcaster, and artist, Halit Kıvanç served the Turkish public with clean Turkish language, respectful and educational work, and significant achievements, earning the Career Award from the Turkish National Olympic Committee. He retired from match commentary in 1983 with the President’s Cup match and celebrated his 50th year in broadcasting with a jubilee in 2005. He received over 200 awards from various organizations, including the Turkish Journalists’ Association and TSYD. On October 25, 2022, at the age of 97, Halit Kıvanç passed away in Istanbul. We will continue to honor his memory through his books, programs, and the path he paved for us. Thank you for everything, Halit Kıvanç. Rest in peace.
