Becoming a Kemankeş ("Master Archer") in the Ottoman Empire was a rigorous journey that began in childhood, typically around 7 to 10 years old, when training in basic archery and physical conditioning started. By their teenage years, aspiring archers advanced to more complex techniques, including horsemanship, swordsmanship, and military strategies, while also delving into Islamic studies, such as memorizing the Qurʾān and understanding Ḥadīth.

A Kemankeş was not only a skilled archer but also expected to master Islamic arts like calligraphy, exhibit moral integrity, and embody devotion to Allāh. As they progressed, usually by their late twenties or early thirties, they became elite warriors, gaining experience in battle and refining their leadership skills. Once recognized as a Kemankeş, they were responsible for mentoring younger archers, passing down their knowledge, and serving as role models in both military and moral spheres. The full journey combined technical, spiritual, and intellectual development, making the Kemankeş a respected figure in both the battlefield and society.

With the rise of gunpowder, archery transitioned into a martial art and sport practised by Sulṭāns. After the fall of the Islamic caliphate, archery was largely neglected by the Muslim world. We aim to revive this noble art, as sincere archers may gain elevation in status, both in this world and the next, through Allāh’s mercy for following the example of Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ.