Reviving tradition as Turkish archery gains popularity in Singapore

In Singapore, a unique club dedicated to traditional Turkish archery is gaining popularity and bridging cultural gaps.

The Traditional Archers Singapore, established in 2011, aims to introduce this historic sport to a diverse audience on the island.

Founder Alfyan Ariff highlighted that traditional archery offers a unique stress-relief method for Singaporeans.

The club, which has about 70 members, attracts participants from various ethnicities, including Singaporean Chinese, Malay and Indians, as well as expatriates.

Syafiq Mardi, a specialist in Ottoman-Southeast Asia relations and a former Türkiye Scholarships recipient noted the club has become a favored pastime for people of all ages.

“Our students range from children as young as seven to adults in their forties,” he said. Mardi added the club has raised awareness about traditional Turkish archery, with members competing internationally and achieving notable rankings, such as in the 2024 Conquest Cup Archery Tournament in Türkiye.

Mardi emphasized that students develop a deeper appreciation for Turkish culture, often taking an interest in learning the Turkish language and history.

Operational hurdles and aspirations

Fachruddin Dzaki, the club’s secretary, mentioned the challenges they face, particularly the lack of suitable outdoor training spaces in Singapore’s urban environment.

Despite this, the club practices instinctive shooting with traditional bows and natural material arrows at a modern archery facility with a maximum range of 30 meters.

The club also aims to strengthen diplomatic ties between Türkiye and Singapore. Recently, club members visited the Turkish Embassy in Singapore and received support from Ambassador Mehmet Burcin Gonenli.

Mardi expressed the club’s broader mission to promote Turkish history, culture, and cuisine. He remains optimistic that the rich history of Turkish archery, which was overshadowed during British colonial rule and the advent of modern archery, will eventually be fully appreciated and recognized in Singapore.