GELENEKSEL TÜRK SPORLARINDA KADIN: TARİHSEL ARKA PLANI ve GÜNCEL DURUMU
WOMEN IN TRADITIONAL TURKISH SPORTS: HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND CONTEMPORARY STATUS

Summary/Abstract: This study aims to examine the historical and contemporary position of women in Traditional Turkish Sports. The research employs the document analysis technique, one of the qualitative research methods, analyzing historical sources, academic studies, federation reports, and recent statistical data. The findings indicate that women played active roles in equestrianism, archery, and warrior practices from the pre-Islamic Turkish societies onward, and that they occupied an important place in the cultural memory through the identity of the “Alp Woman.” Although women's participation in some traditional branches became limited with the transition to settled life and socio-cultural transformations, a notable increase in the number of female athletes has been observed today due to institutionalization through federations, governmental policies, and growing social awareness. In particular, the high participation rate of women in Traditional Turkish Archery may be interpreted as a modern reflection of historical continuity. However, relatively lower participation rates in branches such as mounted javelin (Cirit) and traditional wrestling suggest that the influence of gender norms still persists. In conclusion, Traditional Turkish Sports have increasingly become an important field that strengthens women’s cultural identity, sense of belonging, and social visibility.

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