Eşref Bilgiç

Eşref Bilgiç — Biography

Born on 14 November 1908 in Istanbul, Eşref Bilgiç came up through Beşiktaş's own ranks and became one of the most enduring figures in the club's history. Playing alongside legendary teammates such as Hakkı Yeten, Şeref Görkey, Hüseyin Saygun, Hüsnü Savman, İbrahim Tusder, Feyzi Uman and Şükrü Gülesin, he was part of the Beşiktaş side that won eight Istanbul championships between 1933 and 1947, five of them in succession.

He also earned caps for the Turkish national team. After his playing career ended, Bilgiç went on to serve as Beşiktaş's manager and later worked as a football referee. He died in Istanbul on 9 December 1992, remembered as a player, coach and referee alike.