Kahramanmaras Tennis Experience

In the majestic shadow of Mount Ahir, in Kahramanmaras famed for its ice cream and cotton, tennis turns into a delightful open-air experience in this crossroads city where the Mediterranean meets Eastern Anatolia. Taking your racket in hand between fertile plains and cool mountains, you feel the city's warm-hearted spirit even on court. This is not a course; it is a relaxed, social tennis gathering about feeling good. Our aim is not to prepare you for a race, but to help you spend a pleasant few hours in the mountain air.

Why play tennis in Kahramanmaras?

Kahramanmaras is a transition city built near the Mediterranean coast yet in the embrace of mountains. Summers are hot and dry, winters cool thanks to the mountains. This makes spring and autumn ideal for outdoor tennis; summer evenings are also very pleasant. Sports facilities in the Onikisubat and Dulkadiroglu districts offer spacious courts facing Mount Ahir. The balance between the city's fertile plains and cool mountains shows itself on court too; warmth on one side, a clean breeze from the mountains on the other.

The court and the atmosphere

The helpful, warm-hearted nature of the people of Maras is felt on court too; everyone who comes soon becomes part of the conversation and laughter. The courts are usually in open areas facing the majesty of Mount Ahir. The cool air coming down from the mountains softens the summer heat. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly; no one keeps score, everyone is at their own ease. A spoon of the famous beaten ice cream during breaks is a sweet pause that makes this experience uniquely Maras.

What awaits you in the experience?

A friendly companion welcomes you on court. You first prepare your body with a light warm-up, then get acquainted with the racket and discover at a relaxed pace how to approach the ball. With gently fed balls you make your first strokes over the net and naturally feel the flow of the forehand and the rhythm of the backhand. As you feel ready, we move on to short rallies, net play and simple serve attempts. Our aim is not to prepare you for a race but to let you enjoy that satisfying moment when the ball meets the racket. No competition, no pressure; just movement, laughter and a good day.

Who can you share the experience with?

Someone who has never played and someone wishing to start again after a long break can both join comfortably. For students of Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University it can be a break between classes, for workers a way to shed the week's stress, and for families a chance to move together. You can come with a friend, your partner or on your own. Everyone up to intermediate level feels at ease here; no flawless serve is expected.

Best season and hours

Because Kahramanmaras summers can be hot, early morning or late afternoon hours are most pleasant in summer. In spring and autumn you can play all day. Bear in mind that winter can be cold and occasionally snowy due to the mountains; indoor alternatives may be more suitable then.

What should you bring?

Comfortable sportswear and flat-soled sports shoes are enough; rackets and balls are provided. Because of Kahramanmaras's summer heat, keeping plenty of water and a hat with you is wise. Ending the day with a break for the famous ice cream is the most Maras way to finish. Fill your water bottle and leave the rest to us; just enjoy tennis in the shadow of the mountains.