Beşiktaş J.K. was established in 1903 in the Ottoman Empire, which makes it the first Turkish sports club. The first branches of the club were wrestling, boxing, weight-lifting and a variety of gymnastics branches.The monarchical rules of the Ottomans were relaxed with the declaration of Meşrutiyet (constitutional monarchy) on July 23, 1908; a law allowing the foundation of sport clubs passed on August 3, 1909.
Finally, the club was officially registered on January 20, 1910 under the name of "Beşiktaş Ottoman Gymnastics Club", and Şükrü Pasha took over the presidency of Beşiktaş. In this way, Beşiktaş became the first officially registered Turkish sports club, as well.
