Abstract
HORSEBACK ARCHERY IN A SPORTING AND CULTURAL CONTEXT OF TURKS FROM PAST TO PRESENT
This research, it was made in order to examine the horse archery, which has a versatile and important effect in the life of the Turks. In the research was used document analysis method, one of the qualitative data analysis methods. The ancient Turks would start teaching their children archery from a young age, and children would train for horseback archery by riding on the back of sheep and shooting arrows at squirrels, weasels and various birds. The ancient Turks are known to have utilized horses for various purposes by domesticating them, such as nourishment, migrating to different places and using their arrows on the move. They practiced horseback archery in preparation for and for war purposes besides the organized sportive horseback archery activities during celebrations, banquets and festivities. The ancient Turks, the Seljuks and the Ottomans all used the bow and arrow as elements of success, for ruling, giving orders and extending invitations. From the 14th and 15th centuries, archery and horseback archery were performed by Turks for hunting, entertainment and athletic purposes. Archery and horseback archery activities are still subsist today for athletic purposes.
Keywords
Arrow and horse, sports, Turkish culture, ceremony.