Doğan Babacan 1929 – 2018

Biography

Doğan Babacan was born on November 30, 1929, in Istanbul, where he would spend his entire life. He devoted his career to association football as a referee, earning recognition for his work in the sport during a significant period in Turkish athletics. His presence on the field helped shape matches and competitions throughout his professional years, contributing to the development of football in Turkey during the mid-twentieth century.

Throughout his life, Babacan remained connected to his native Istanbul, the city of his birth and the center of his professional endeavors. His work as a football referee placed him at the heart of the sport’s community, where he earned respect for his dedication and service to the game. His commitment to fair play and the integrity of matches reflected the values he brought to every assignment.

Doğan Babacan passed away on May 18, 2018, in Istanbul at an advanced age. He was laid to rest at Karacaahmet Cemetery in Üsküdar, one of Istanbul’s most historic burial grounds. His legacy remains part of Turkish football history, remembered for the years he spent in service to the sport he loved.