Within the scope of the University Student Societies Cooperation and Support Program (UNIDES), the first Traditional Archery Festival was held in the event area behind the Central Library of our University, with the aim of increasing the awareness of the program with activities such as developing cooperation between university student societies, supporting the activities of student societies, and contributing to the personal and social development of participating students by keeping traditional cultural values alive.
The Traditional Archery Festival I, organized within the framework of UNIDES, was completed with colorful events where students met with national and spiritual values. The festival was implemented for the first time this year with the aim of both keeping our traditional sports alive and passing them on to the younger generations. While many students from our university's student clubs came together within the scope of the festival, traditional clothes were worn throughout the event, historical archery techniques were exhibited and shooting competitions were held. Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Talat KÖRPINAR was present at the opening of the festival and congratulated the students. He emphasized that such events were not just about sports activities but also meant keeping a cultural heritage alive. Traditional archery equipment (arrow types, bow, quiver etc.) were introduced at the Archery stand set up on the first day of the festival and information was also provided on Traditional Game examples (aşık, mangala etc.) within GESOM. The festival was supported by the Charity Meetings Community, Colorful Dreams Preschool Community, History Research Community, GESOM, Hisdüşüm and Anadolu Mahfili Magazines. Children were not forgotten at the festival. Children were happy with the Face Painting activity. While the Traditional Archery Festival I was held with great interest from students, it is aimed for the festival to become a tradition with wider participation in the coming years. The Academic Advisor of the Community, Dr. Lecturer Esra ÇIPLAK, underlined that the event is not only a sports activity; it is an important platform that increases cultural awareness, reinforces common values and strengthens the sense of belonging. E. Çıplak thanked our Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa ALICAN, who supported them in participating in this project, and our Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Kenan YILDIRIM, who did not withhold his support at every stage of the project. It was also announced that similar cultural and sporting events would continue throughout the year. Participants had the opportunity to develop both their physical and mental skills during the festival. At the end of the festival, medals were presented to students who were successful in the Archery Competition. Certificates of Appreciation were given to participants who contributed to the festival. The event ended with a dinner at the end of the day.
The Traditional Archery Festival I, organized for the first time this year within the scope of UNIDES, was completed with colorful events where students met with national and spiritual values and cultural heritage was kept alive. The festival offered a rich program with traditional archery shows, workshops, children's activities and contributions from student groups. At the end of the event, awards were presented to the winners of the competitions, and the aim was to make the organization traditional.
