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Turkey's Role in Preserving Traditional Sports – ICTSG Country Page Overview Turkey stands as a bridge between East and West, with a rich historical and cultural heritage that has shaped civilizations over millennia. At the 4th Collective Consultation Meeting on Traditional Sports and Games held on 13th–14th August 2018 in Istanbul, Turkey was proudly represented by Dr. Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoğlu (Minister of Youth and Sports) and Mr. M. Levent Akici. The event, hosted at Sheraton Grand Istanbul Ataşehir, marked a significant milestone in establishing the International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG). Geographic and Cultural Significance Turkey’s geographic positioning — stretching across Europe and Asia — has made it a vibrant epicenter for diverse cultural expressions. The country's mountains, steppes, and coastlines have fostered a variety of sports including equestrian games, archery, and wrestling traditions that date back to ancient empires. This unique cultural fabric makes Turkey pivotal in promoting intercontinental heritage and traditional knowledge systems. Representation at the 4th UNESCO TSG Meeting Held under the aegis of UNESCO and organized by the Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee on TSG in collaboration with WEC and Turkey's Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Istanbul meeting brought together delegates from over 40 countries. Turkey’s active participation and hosting of the event underscored its leadership in promoting traditional sports. The official signing on behalf of Turkey was conducted by Dr. Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoğlu in his capacity as the Minister of Youth and Sports. Popular Traditional and Indigenous Sports in Turkey

Jereed (Cirit): A horseback game originating from Central Asian Turkic tribes, historically used for cavalry training. Oil Wrestling (Yağlı Güreş): Considered the national sport of Turkey, practiced since the Ottoman era, where participants wrestle while covered in olive oil. Archery: A traditional skill dating back to Seljuk and Ottoman times, Turkish archers were renowned for their precision and speed.

These sports are integral to Turkish identity and have been practiced for centuries, contributing to community life and cultural continuity. Turkey's Contribution to ICTSG Formation By hosting the pivotal 2018 gathering and providing governmental support, Turkey positioned itself as a cornerstone nation in ICTSG’s formation. The nation’s emphasis on heritage protection, youth engagement, and global sports dialogue places it among the leaders advocating for the preservation of intangible cultural heritage through sport. Weather and Climate Conditions Turkey experiences a diverse climate due to its vast geography. The coastal areas enjoy a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Inland areas, including the Anatolian Plateau, face more continental conditions — hot summers and snowy winters. This climatic variety allows for year-round practice of both summer and winter traditional sports, providing an excellent ground for heritage sports tourism. Alignment with UNSDGs Turkey’s initiatives in traditional sports align closely with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs):

Goal 4 (Quality Education): By embedding cultural heritage in educational programs. Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Promoting cultural spaces through TSG. Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): Using traditional games to foster intergenerational dialogue and peacebuilding.

Historical Relevance and Vision for Generations From the Ottoman Janissaries training in archery to regional oil wrestling tournaments in Edirne, Turkey’s legacy of traditional sports has always symbolized strength, honor, and unity. Today, by actively engaging with ICTSG, Turkey offers a model for other countries in safeguarding living heritage through policy, education, and international cooperation. Call to Action Preserving traditional sports is preserving human heritage. Turkey invites educators, researchers, athletes, and cultural activists to join hands in protecting this rich legacy. Get Involved   Benefits of Joining   Support ICTSG

About ICTSG: The International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG) is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and revitalizing traditional sports and games as powerful tools for education, peace, and sustainable development.

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