On Türkiye’s historic Malazgirt plains, women archers honor Seljuk legacy

MALAZGIRT, Türkiye (MNTV) — Young women archers on horseback took center stage this week during the 954th anniversary of the Battle of Malazgirt, reviving Seljuk traditions on the very fields where history shifted in 1071.

The horseback archery contest, held at the Malazgirt Battle National Historical Park, saw competitors in traditional attire gallop across the arena, draw their bows, and shout “Ya Hak!” before releasing arrows at their targets.

Among them was 17-year-old Zeynep Cansu Ertürk from Eskişehir, riding her horse Dizdarbey. Practicing mounted archery for three years, she described the experience as “like growing wings and flying.” 

She said the event was less about medals and more about honoring heritage: “Our forefathers once rode across these lands. Remembering that makes the pride even greater.”

Ertürk wore clothing inspired by traditional animal hides, saying it helped bring history to life.

Another competitor, 19-year-old Yosun Çinçinoğlu from Bursa, rode her horse Atakaya. A mounted archer for five years and national champion in 2023, she said: “Being on the land where the Malazgirt Victory was won is truly an honor. This is where our ancestors entered Anatolia.”

Çinçinoğlu noted women remain a minority in the sport but their presence is growing each year. She stressed that traditional equipment, saddles, and costumes preserve the historical spirit of the competition.

For both archers, the event was more than a test of skill — it was a tribute to the Seljuk warriors whose victory nearly a thousand years ago shaped Anatolia’s history.