Stewart had been at Tynecastle since leaving Hibs in 2007

Michael Stewart has completed his move to Turkish club Genclerbirligi after his Hearts contract came to an end.

The 29-year-old was paraded by the club along with 23-year-old German-born midfielder Mehmet Akgun, who was previously at Dutch club Willem II.

Stewart has signed a one-year contract, with an option of extending that by another two years.

"Signing for Genclerbirligi brings a new excitement and new things to accomplish," said the Scot.

"They are a very professional club."

Genclerbirligi finished 10th in the Turkish top-flight last season, 28 points behind champions Bursaspor.

Stewart joins former St Mirren striker Billy Mehmet at the Super League club, the Englishman having moved to Turkey at the end of his contract.

Edinburgh-born Stewart's Hearts career looked over after he was replaced as captain by manager Jim Jefferies four games before the end of the season.

His angry response to that decision ensured he did not featured for the remainder of the campaign.

Stewart began his career with Manchester United but failed to become a first-team regular.

After loan spells with Royal Antwerp, Nottingham Forest and Hearts, he moved to Hibernian in 2005.

Two years later, he made the switch across Edinburgh to city rivals Hearts.

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