24.08.2026 20:50
Participants who came from many parts of Türkiye to the 955th anniversary celebration program of the Malazgirt Victory held in the Ahlat district of Bitlis both experienced the spirit of the Seljuks and experienced the culture of their ancestors by shooting arrows in the areas created.
The Recep Tayyip Erdogan National Garden in the Ahlat district of Bitlis is hosting the events for the 955th anniversary of the Battle of Manzikert, which changed the course of history and opened the gates of Anatolia to the Turks.
ABOUT 3 THOUSAND CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULTS EXPERIENCED ARCHERY
Visitors experiencing the excitement of victory at the national garden, where various shows and competitions are held, are being informed by the staff at the stands about the bows and arrows used by their ancestors.
Visitors, who draw their bows and shoot arrows at putas (targets used in traditional archery) under the supervision of instructors, both experience the excitement of the victory and have the opportunity to learn about their ancestors' culture.
On the first day of the events, approximately 3 thousand children, young people and adults experienced archery in 11 areas set up in the national garden.
“OUR VISITORS EXPERIENCE THE SELJUK SPIRIT”
Harun Kayaalp, the supervisor of the archery experience area, said that archery, a ancestral sport, receives interest because it is loved by people.
Stating that the children who come to the area and shoot arrows have a lot of fun, Kayaalp said: "Here we have people shoot arrows in 11 areas. Our visitors experience the Seljuk spirit. There are people who experience archery for the first time and they are very happy about it. If we can help them, we are glad. We are getting very positive feedback. Even though it is the first day, we have had more than 3 thousand people shoot arrows. People can experience shooting a bow for the first time in their lives. There is a very nice crowd."
"THE EVENTS ARE GOING VERY WELL"
Eylül Azra Öndaş, who shot arrows, stated that she participates in the events every year and said, "The events are quite nice. Shows are held with Turkey's pride SOLOTURK, Turkish Stars and helicopters. Participants can take photos with the SOLOTURK pilots. It is a very nice and fun environment. They show us how to shoot arrows here. It is truly a great feeling. When people come here, the feeling increases even more. I shot a bow for the first time. I didn't struggle because they helped. The events are going very well. I thank those who contributed."
Eslem Ecem Baloğlu also stated that shooting arrows is fun and said that through the events, people feel the excitement of the victory experienced in the past in their hearts.
“I EXPERIENCED THE SPIRIT OF OUR ANCESTORS WHILE SHOOTING ARROWS”
Arda Uğurlu, one of the young people shooting arrows, stated that they came together at the event area again as they do every year and said, "There is intense participation. I came to shoot arrows for the first time. While shooting arrows here, I experienced the spirit of our ancestors. It was a very nice experience for me. I recommend everyone to come here."