Turning point in Türkiye’s sharpshooting history: First olympic medal

In the Ottoman Empire, sharpshooting was initially seen as a military and ceremonial activity. From the 15th century onward, rifles became part of valuable gifts sent to the sultan as spoils of war.

Rifles purchased from Europe were provided to students of the Enderun-u Humayun (Palace’s Educational Institution), and special officers for rifles and gunpowder were appointed in the palace.

Sharpshooting training for Janissaries was conducted in 34 state-supported shooting ranges. Those who practiced shooting at that time were called “Silahandaz.”

What happened to Turkish sharpshooting during the early days of the Republic?

The foundation of shooting sports in Türkiye was laid in 1910, just over a decade prior to the inauguration of the Republic of Turkiye.

With the establishment of sports clubs and the support of the army, shooting became more widespread.

Necati and Galip Bey from Fenerbahce, Emin Bulent from Galatasaray, and Ziya Bey from Merdivenkoy were among the first sharpshooters of the era.

Fenerbahce Sports Club started its shooting activities in 1913, contributing to the development of the sport.

Sait Salahaddin Cihanoglu worked intensively to popularize this sport.

When did Turkish sharpshooting become institutionalized?

Roots of the Turkish Shooting and Hunting Federation date back to the shooting and hunting activities started under the Türkiye Sports Societies in 1923.

These activities were preserved by the 1936 Turkish Sports Law and 1938 Law No. 3530 on the General Directorate of Physical Education. The federation attained its identity in 1989.

Significant achievements from the 1980s onwards

In 1980, Turkish shooters broke the Balkan record by winning the Balkan Skeet and Trap Championship held in Greece. Bulent Torpil won first place in the youth category at the 1984 European Cup. At the 1986 World Shooting Championship, the Turkish team placed 14th in skeet.

In 1993, Türkiye won 2 gold, 4 silver, and 5 bronze medals at the Balkan Championship. In 1995, Turkish shooters stood out at the Balkan Trap Skeet Championship held in Bucharest with 4 gold, 3 silver, and 8 bronze medals.

Historic success at Paris 2024 Olympics

At the Paris Summer Olympics, which began on July 26, 2024, Türkiye won its first Olympic medal in shooting.

Sevval Ilayda Tarhan and Yusuf Dikec achieved a silver medal in the 10-meter air pistol mixed category.

They competed against Serbia’s Zorana Arunovic and Damir Mikec, losing 16-14 and becoming the Olympic runners-up. This achievement marks the 10th sport in which Türkiye has won an Olympic medal.

Dikec’s stance and relaxed shooting style gained attention in global media.

These successes highlight Türkiye’s progress in shooting sports and its recognition on the international stage. The historical roots of shooting, the development of modern sports, and international achievements underscore the significance and impact of this sport in Türkiye.