The art of archery has deep historical roots among the Turkmen. Even before the advent of firearms, bows and arrows were the main weapons of Turkmen hunters and warriors. The culture has preserved many legends and tales associated with this ancient weapon.
Being symbols of the courage and strength of the Turkmen people, bows and arrows represented the readiness to defend their native land and loved ones. These weapons were used to decorate yurts, serving as amulets to protect the home. Also, jewellery for boys in the form of a stylized bow and arrow was sewn onto clothes to inspire them to strength and courage in the future.
In the epoch of Oguz Han, the holidays were accompanied by various competitions, among which special attention was paid to archery. Pumpkins were placed on high poles, and brave horsemen, racing on their horses, tried to accurately hit them. The host of the festival generously rewarded the winners of these exciting competitions, thereby emphasizing the importance of bravery and skill.
Skills related to shooting and speed were also reflected in ancient military tactics. A striking example of how speed and strategic thinking can compensate for the physical superiority of the enemy is the well-known tactical move - «Parthian shot».
To perform this maneuver, excellent horsemanship skills were required, since both hands of the rider were occupied with the bow. The difficulty of maintaining balance on horseback increased significantly without stirrups, which began to be used only in the 4th century AD.
Possessing high dexterity and the ability to control the horse, Parthian horsemen turned in the saddle and struck their opponents. This tactic was used both on open fields and during maneuvers in the mountains, which provided the Parthians with a significant advantage in battle.
According to scientific sources, the Turkmen used an Asian type of bow, which was made from local materials and had a unique design. The size of this bow was smaller than that of European counterparts, which allowed horsemen to shoot effectively at full gallop.
When at rest, the arc of the Turkmen bows was curved in the opposite direction, which gave them additional elasticity. For combat, the bow had to be bent in the opposite direction and the bowstring put on. Arrows were stored in fabric to protect from moisture and were placed in a quiver with a bow.
In folk poetry, songs and tales, archers were often described as heroes, symbolizing the ideals of justice, honour and loyalty. Archery tournaments have been preserved for centuries and remain an important part of the cultural heritage of our people.
In 2015, the National Archery Federation was registered in Turkmenistan, which became an important milestone in the development of this traditional art. Turkmen archers, continuing the glorious traditions of their ancestors, will take part in the V World Nomad Games, which will be held from the 8th to 13th of September in Kazakhstan.
