03.06.2026 23:00
The 14th International Conquest Cup brought together athletes from 51 countries across 5 continents in Istanbul. Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy emphasized that the event is not just a sporting activity, but holds significance as an important gathering that carries the spirit of conquest, historical awareness, and cultural heritage into the future. Ersoy stated that young generations who know their own culture, recognize their history, and are raised with civilizational values are the strongest guarantee of the Century of Türkiye.
The 14th International Conquest Cup, which keeps the spirit of Istanbul's conquest alive and passes it on to future generations, brought together young athletes from all over the world at Okmeydanı. Organized under the auspices of the Presidency, the event will host competitions in modern and traditional archery branches.
CIVIL ARCHERY EXCITEMENT TO LAST 5 DAYS The opening of the five-day event at the Archery Foundation was held with the participation of Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, President of the World Ethnosports Association N. Bilal Erdoğan, AK Party Istanbul Provincial Chairman Abdullah Özdemir, and President of the Archery Foundation Hüseyin Topbaş.
In his speech at the opening ceremony, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy stated that the event is not just a sporting activity, emphasizing that it is an important gathering that carries the spirit of conquest, historical awareness, and cultural heritage to the future. Ersoy expressed that young generations who know their own culture, recognize their history, and are raised with civilizational values are the strongest guarantee of Turkey's Century.
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy A LIVING VALUE CARRYING THE SPIRIT OF CONQUEST TO THE FUTURE Stating that the Conquest Cup, held under the auspices of the Presidency, cannot be considered merely a sporting organization, Ersoy expressed the following:
“Today, archery is not just a sport here; it is being revived as a living value that carries the spirit of conquest, the vision of civilization, and the deep cultural heritage of our ancestors, who closed one era and opened another, to the future.”
In his speech, Ersoy touched on the historical importance of the conquest of Istanbul, stating that the Conquest Cup is one of the important organizations that keep the spirit of conquest and cultural heritage alive.
Minister Ersoy, stating that Fatih Sultan Mehmet Han changed the course of history at a young age, noted that the skill and fighting spirit shown by archers during the process leading to the conquest of Istanbul were among the most important elements of the great victory.
THE WORLD'S LARGEST CIVIL ARCHERY ORGANIZATION Emphasizing that Fatih Sultan Mehmet Han's importance given to archery laid the foundation for a strong tradition, Ersoy stated that Okmeydanı is one of the most important symbols of this heritage.
Noting that the Archery Foundation carries the historical heritage to the future with great sensitivity, Ersoy recorded that the students of the Archery Lodge and today's students under its roof continue to keep the same spirit alive.
Expressing that the Archery Foundation, which has undertaken important work to preserve traditional sports, pass them on to younger generations, and promote them internationally since its establishment, has reached a respected position worldwide, Ersoy stated that the Conquest Cup has become the world's largest civil archery organization.
“YOUNG GENERATIONS ARE THE STRONGEST GUARANTEE OF TURKEY'S CENTURY” Ersoy, who emphasized that they attach great importance to young people forming stronger bonds with traditional sports, noted the following:
"We particularly value our young people forming stronger connections with our traditional sports. Young generations who know their own culture, recognize their history, and are raised with civilizational values are the strongest guarantee of Turkey's Century."
Ersoy, stating that significant steps have been taken in recent years under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to revive traditional sports, emphasized that it is extremely valuable for ancestral sports to meet wider audiences again and to open up to the world through international organizations.
“PARTICIPATION OF PALESTINIAN ATHLETES CARRIES SPECIAL MEANING” Ersoy, stating that the organization held in Istanbul reveals Turkey's cultural strength and international organization capability, expressed that the gathering of athletes from different countries, from South Korea to Kazakhstan, from Indonesia to Hungary, demonstrates the unifying power of sports.
Ersoy, who stated that the inclusion of Palestinian athletes in the traditional archery category this year is especially meaningful, said that the aspect of sports that strengthens solidarity, brotherhood, and common conscience is once again evident.
Ersoy, expressing his belief that the organization will continue its path with broader participation in the coming years, noted that it will continue to be one of the most important centers of world archery.
Thanking all institutions and stakeholders, especially the Archery Foundation, who contributed to the realization of the organization, Ersoy concluded his speech with the following words:
“I wholeheartedly wish success to all our athletes who will compete in different categories, and I hope for an organization that will be completed with sportsmanship, friendship, and beautiful memories.”