“Sword and Shield” Heritage Carried into the Future

A cultural legacy born from ancient martial art documented through an exhibition

One of Anatolia’s most deeply rooted traditions, the Bergama Sword and Shield culture, is being carried into the future through a special exhibition hosted by Bornova Municipality. Titled “A Legacy from Our Ancestors: Sword and Shield”, the exhibition opened at the Altındağ Atatürk Cultural Center NGO परिसर and attracted significant interest from art enthusiasts.

As part of a project prepared in collaboration with the Bergama Amateur Photography Association (BEAFSAD) and the Bergama Sword and Shield Folk Dance Association, this unique tradition has been transformed into a digital and visual archive through six months of meticulous work. The exhibition presents the journey of this ancient discipline—shaped by the rhythm of sword and shield performances—from past to present.

From martial discipline to cultural heritage

The Bergama Sword and Shield tradition stands out not only as a folk dance but also as a discipline rooted in madrasa education. First taught as a course at Karacaahmet Madrasa in the 1890s, this art form gained historical significance when it was performed during Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s visit to Bergama in 1934. Its place in cultural memory was further strengthened with the Bergama Festival held in 1937.

After facing the risk of being forgotten for many years, this heritage was revived in 2013 and institutionalized with the establishment of an association in 2017.

A model collaboration between two strong institutions

BEAFSAD and the Bergama Sword and Shield Folk Dance Association, both recognized for their national and international achievements, made a significant contribution to preserving cultural heritage through this project. The archive created serves as a lasting resource to be passed on to future generations.

The exhibition opening was attended by İzmir City Council President Özgür Topaç, BEAFSAD President İsmail Kalkın, and Bergama Sword and Shield Association President Akif Gelirer, all of whom showed their support for the project.

Preserving cultural heritage for the future

More than just an art event, the exhibition hosted by Bornova Municipality stands out as an important step toward preserving and sustaining Anatolia’s deep-rooted cultural values. Through the exhibition, visitors embarked on a historical journey while witnessing the traces of a living tradition.