Qatari Society of Al Gannas Concludes Participation in Ethnosport Festival

The Qatari Society of Al Gannas concluded its participation in the 8th Ethnosport Culture Festival, held in Istanbul, Turkiye, from May 21 to 24. The festival, themed "The World is Here," showcased traditional sports and cultural activities, drawing participants and spectators from around the globe. The Qatari delegation was headed by Chairman of the Board of Directors and Member of the Board of Directors of the World Ethnosport Union (WEU), Ali bin Khatam Al Mahshadi. He was accompanied by Vice Chairman Mohammed bin Abdul Latif Al Misnad and Zayed Mohammad Al Ali Al Maadeed during their attendance, representing the Society's commitment to global engagement in traditional sports.

Festival Notes and Activities

The 8th Ethnosport Culture Festival in Istanbul featured a diverse array of activities designed to celebrate and preserve traditional athletic and cultural practices. These included a wide range of traditional sports such as archery, wrestling, horseback archery, falconry, and Saluki racing, demonstrating the rich heritage of ethnosports. Beyond competitive events, the festival also showcased martial arts, acrobatic displays, traditional crafts workshops, and various cultural expressions like theater and culinary arts, offering a full cultural experience. The festival was a vibrant platform for cultural exchange, bringing together diverse traditions under one roof.

The festival successfully united delegations representing member states of the World Ethnosport Union, fostering international camaraderie and shared appreciation for traditional heritage. Attendees experienced a rich program of traditional sports, vibrant cultural performances, engaging culinary activities, and theatrical events, providing a deep dive into the world's diverse cultural tapestry. Notably, several traditional games and sports were introduced to the festival for the first time, significantly expanding the scope of its offerings to participants and visitors and noting new facets of global ethnosport. The event served as a testament to the enduring appeal and importance of preserving these ancient practices for future generations.

Bilateral Engagements and Initiatives

The Qatari Society of Al Gannas conducted bilateral meetings with various participating delegations and representatives from the Turkish Falconry Club during the festival. These discussions focused on establishing and strengthening connections within the global falconry community, promoting best practices, and exploring collaborative initiatives. Ali bin Khatam Al Mahshadi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Qatari Society of Al Gannas, stated, "The meetings noted the Society's efforts to preserve and promote falconry heritage locally and internationally." He further elaborated that these efforts are particularly advanced "through educational initiatives and competitions targeting young falconers," emphasizing the importance of engaging the next generation. The engagements showed the Society's commitment to cultural preservation and its key role in fostering the tradition of falconry across borders, ensuring its continuity and global recognition.

Promoting Falconry Heritage

The Qatari Society of Al Gannas delegation was led by Ali bin Khatam Al Mahshadi, who serves as both the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Society and a Member of the Board of Directors of the World Ethnosport Union (WEU). His dual role shows the Society's influence and dedication to the broader ethnosport movement. Participants at the festival commended the association's scientific and cultural initiatives, recognizing their significant contributions to the field of falconry. These initiatives include the International Falcon Veterinary Conference, which promotes health and research in falconry through knowledge sharing and scientific collaboration. Other noted programs are the Qatar Falcon Genome Project (QFGP), focusing on genetic preservation and understanding of falcon species, and the Qatar Falconers Campaign for the Release of Falcons into the Wild, an effort dedicated to conservation and the sustainable practice of falconry, ensuring the ecological balance and ethical treatment of these majestic birds. These programs collectively demonstrate the Society's holistic approach to preserving and advancing the ancient art of falconry.