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A unique exhibition titled "The Story of Sports in Anatolia" has opened its doors at the Antalya Necropolis Museum, offering a compelling journey through the evolution of sports in Anatolia—from ancient times to the Ottoman era.
The exhibition is part of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s initiative "102 Exhibitions for the 102nd Anniversary: A Journey to Anatolia’s Cultural Heritage in the Light of the Republic," celebrating 102 years of the Republic of Türkiye.
The exhibition presents a wide-ranging narrative on how sports were practiced and valued throughout history.
Visitors can explore how ancient Olympic traditions, wrestling arenas, chariot races, and mounted javelin sports shaped daily life and cultural identity across centuries.
Curated from the collections of 28 museums across Türkiye, around 75 artifacts are on display—including coins, bronze statues, ceremonial gifts, and antique trophies—some dating back as far as the 3rd century B.C.
Mustafa Demirel, Director of Antalya Museum, emphasized the unique setting of the exhibition. “This area, where nearly a thousand graves have been discovered dating back to the 3rd and 4th centuries BCE, became Türkiye's first Necropolis Museum after construction finished in 2023,” he said.
Demirel also noted the significance of hosting such a theme: “Under this nationwide exhibition series, Antalya was assigned the theme of sports in Anatolia. This exhibition captures the role of sport in human life and how it evolved into a symbol of cultural continuity.”
The exhibition is organized into six thematic sections: athletics, combat sports, equestrian sports, archery, sports equipment, and ceremonial awards. According to Demirel, the selection offers not just rare artifacts but a powerful story that connects the past with the present.
“Some sports from ancient times still survive today, albeit with some modifications,” he said. “This exhibition takes visitors on a meaningful journey through time.”
Launched on May 19, a national day in Türkiye commemorating Ataturk, Youth and Sports, the exhibition will remain open to visitors until Nov. 10, another landmark day marking the passing of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
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