Every year, a Spirit Horseback Archery Tournament is held at Ulaanbaatar. Mounted archery is one of the most precious traditions of the East.
The tradition of mounted archery has been alive for centuries. The Scythians, Parthians, Hans, Japanese, Avars, Magyars, Mongols, Arabs, Turks and Persians have engaged in it from time to time.
However, it was the Mongols, Turks, Persians, and tribes across Central Asia who perfected it. By virtue of being nomads, and being natives to mountainous terrain, both, horseriding and taking aim came naturally to them.
Being skilled at horseback archery is a trademark for heroes throughout Pakistani folklore, from Raja Rasalu in Punjabi oral tradition to Bahram Khan in Pashto lore.
Mongols and Seljuk Turks became renowned for producing the best bows and arrows.
Unlike medieval Europe, in the East, boys and girls alike were taught horseriding from a very young age.
Boys and girls were also both taught how to fight, and noblewoman often accompanied their families to battle. Even if they did not, they were well-equipped to defend themselves at their tents.
The Mughal Princess Gulbadan, traveled from Agra to Kabul, at the age of 64, as a diplomat to resolve a dispute between her brother and her nephew.
Iran and Mongolia have hung onto their traditions - shooting and archery contests are still held regularly, with both men and women participating in them.
In the Gulf, the Arabs have begun to revive their equestrian traditions, and an increase in the visibility of women in the space has been seen, including a Vogue photoshoot in Saudi Arabia!
Comments