Traditional Turkish Sports and Cultural Exchange Took Center Stage on the Second Day of the A Cultural Case: Sports Project

The second day of the “A Cultural Case: Sports” Erasmus+ Mobility of Youth Workers project (Reference Number: 2025-1-AT01-KA153-YOU-000299955), in which Kratos Sports Society participates as a partner organization, focused on the role of sport in preserving cultural heritage and strengthening intercultural dialogue. Hosted in Klagenfurt, Austria, and bringing together participants from Austria, Türkiye, France, Spain, and Hungary, the project continued with a dynamic programme designed to highlight the connection between sport and culture. The day began with the daily Zumba exercise session, helping participants prepare physically and mentally for the activities ahead. This was followed by the interactive “Fruit Basket” energizer activity, where participants improved communication, teamwork, and public-speaking skills while getting to know each other better in a fun and engaging atmosphere.

The first educational activity of the day was the seminar “From Past to Present: Traditional Turkish Sports,” organized by the Turkish team. The session was also attended by the local stakeholder SFLK – Sport und Freizeitklub Lindwurm Klagenfurt as part of the project’s dissemination activities. During the seminar, participants were introduced to several traditional Turkish sports, including Matrak, Mounted Javelin (Cirit), Gökbörü, Wrestling, Archery, and Skiing. Through presentations supported by visual materials, participants explored the historical development of these sports and gained insight into how sporting traditions have contributed to Turkish cultural identity throughout history. The seminar emphasized that sport is not only a physical activity but also an important vehicle for cultural transmission and social cohesion.

Following the seminar, participants had the opportunity to experience Matrak, one of the most distinctive traditional sports of Turkish culture. Originally developed during the Ottoman period as a military training exercise, Matrak combines physical activity, strategy, discipline, and respect. After learning about its history, rules, and cultural significance, participants practiced the sport using equipment provided by the Turkish stakeholder, İzmir Municipality Youth and Sports Club. Through this hands-on experience and the discussions that followed, participants explored how cultural values and historical traditions can be reflected through sport and preserved across generations.

Another highlight of the day was the practical Traditional Turkish Archery session. Participants first learned about the historical importance of archery in Turkish culture, dating back to the early nomadic civilizations of Central Asia. They then received practical instruction on archery techniques and had the opportunity to try shooting themselves under expert guidance. Alongside the sports activities, participants continued the project’s Environmental Awareness Study by collecting recyclable waste materials around the venue. These materials will later be transformed into creative objects that will be presented on the final day of the project, promoting sustainability, environmental responsibility, and teamwork.

The day concluded with a vibrant Culture Festival, where participants showcased their national traditions through food, dances, music, and cultural presentations. The festival created an atmosphere of dialogue, mutual respect, and cultural exchange, allowing participants to learn directly from one another and challenge stereotypes through personal interaction. At the end of the programme, participants gathered for the daily “Emoji Dartboard” evaluation session, sharing their feedback and reflections on the day’s activities. Combining traditional sports, intercultural learning, environmental awareness, and active participation, the second day of the project successfully demonstrated how sport can serve as a powerful bridge between cultures and contribute to stronger international understanding.