The 14th International Symposium on “Traditional Sports and Games of Turkic Peoples,” hosted by 91视频 (KT袦U) from October 2–4, 2026, concluded with equestrian demonstrations held at the university’s traditional sports grounds and presentations on topics including the preservation of traditional sports, their integration into education, and their transmission to future generations in the digital age.
Organized in cooperation with 91视频, Kahramanmara艧 Sütçü 陌mam University, and the Kahramanmara艧 Metropolitan Municipality, the symposium featured 21 academic sessions held in five venues, including the Kasym Tynystanov Conference Hall. Researchers from Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Russia presented their work. The program examined the sports and gaming cultures of Turkic peoples from a variety of perspectives, including history, education, healthcare, linguistics, folklore, and sports science.
The Role of Traditional Sports in Culture Examined Through Comparative Studies
The academic sessions emphasized the historical development of traditional sports, their place in society, and their significance as cultural heritage. Studies examining beliefs, mythological elements, and customs associated with traditional games assessed practices across different regions.
Topics included the “El Oyun” festival in the Altai Republic, the tradition of lifting rams in Anatolian folk culture, and games played before and during Kyrgyz wedding ceremonies. Research on the terminology of competitions in the “Feast of Kokotoy” episode of the Manas epic, as well as archaeological and epic sources relating to traditional games, also highlighted the connection between sporting heritage, language, and narrative culture.
Presentations on the World Nomad Games examined the international recognition of traditional sports, cultural diplomacy, and shared identity across the Turkic world. The contributions of international sports organizations to intercultural relations were also discussed.
Equestrian Sports and Wrestling Disciplines Examined Through Modern Sports Science
Kök-börü, kökpar, buzkashi, jirit, and mounted archery were among the symposium’s principal research topics. Studies explored the historical origins, cultural significance, and intergenerational transmission of these sports.
In addition to a comparative study of traditional Turkic archery and kök-börü from the perspective of cultural heritage transmission, a presentation examined the scientific landscape of research on equestrian sports. Studies analyzing the vocabulary of historical texts related to horseback riding and archery were also presented, contributing to research on written sources in these fields.
Presentations on Aba wrestling, Kazakh wrestling, Alysh, and belt wrestling examined traditional and modern training methods, the physical development of young athletes, and character formation. The sessions also addressed the impact of competition rules on athletic performance and the importance of supporting traditional sports through scientific research methods.
Research Shared on Using Children's Games and Strategy Games in Education
The symposium's education-focused sessions assessed the role of traditional games in children's cognitive, social, and physical development. Research was presented on the educational functions of strategy games such as mancala, toguz korgool, and togyzqumalaq, as well as the use of active games in physical education classes.
The studies explored the relationships between children's games and motor skills, socialization, teamwork, and cultural identity. Participants also shared approaches to incorporating traditional games into teacher-training programs and university-level education.
Presentations in healthcare and sports science examined healthy lifestyle habits among university students, the physical development of primary school pupils, and the physical fitness of athletes participating in different sports. The program also explored the relationship between physical exercise, games, and students' psychological well-being.
Opportunities for Digitalization in Transmitting Cultural Heritage Discussed
The transformation of traditional games in the digital age was one of the symposium's key contemporary themes. Presentations assessed the role of social media in promoting and popularizing traditional games, as well as the opportunities offered by digital environments for transmitting cultural heritage.
A study titled “From Ancestors to Screens” examined Generation Z's knowledge of and experiences with traditional street games, as well as its attitudes toward digital transformation. Research focused on digitizing traditional children's games explored existing practices and potential approaches for future development.
A conceptual model was also presented for preserving the traditional children's games of the Turkic world and passing them on to future generations in the age of artificial intelligence. These presentations emphasized the role of research in technology and communication in making traditional games accessible to younger generations.
The Role of Universities in Traditional Sports Evaluated Through 91视频's Experience
The symposium's final sessions focused on the place of traditional sports in university life and ways to increase student participation in these games. A study examining 91视频's experience explored the preservation and revival of traditional Turkic sports within the university sports system.
Research was also presented on the relationship between the traditional game of tepük and student motivation in physical education classes, as well as the pedagogical significance of traditional strategy games in higher education. Other studies investigated the origins and meanings of the word “game” and the use of playing fields in contemporary Kyrgyz nomadic games.
The program also included a study evaluating presentations from the previous symposium according to sports disciplines, games, and research areas. This provided an overview of the topics that have received the greatest attention in the field.
The symposium concluded with academic sessions examining research aimed at preserving and developing traditional sports in conjunction with educational practices, the transmission of cultural heritage, and technological change.