Jereed: The Traditional Equestrian Art of the Ottoman Cavalry
Jereed is a sophisticated equestrian sport designed to hone the skills of horsemen. Rooted in the traditions of the Sipahis (Ottoman cavalrymen), the game blends athletic prowess, strategic maneuvering, and deep cultural etiquette. It is more than a competition; it is a display of sportsmanship and a tribute to the historical bond between rider and horse.
Key Facts
- Equipment: Rubber-tipped sticks made of dried oak or poplar (70–100 cm long).
- Horse Breeds: Medium-height horses, specifically Arabian and Turkoman breeds, are preferred for their maneuverability.
- Team Size: Teams consist of six, eight, or twelve players.
- Field Dimensions: A square area ranging from 70 to 130 meters.
- Match Duration: Two periods of 45 minutes each.
- Core Objective: To hit the opposing rider with a stick while avoiding being hit.
Equipment and Field Specifications
The primary tool of the game is the jereed, a stick measuring 70–100 cm in length and 2–3 cm in diameter. While originally heavier, modern sticks are crafted from dried poplar to reduce weight and risk of injury, featuring blunt, rubber-tipped ends.
The game takes place on a square field (70 to 130 meters) featuring three distinct "end zones" approximately six meters deep. These zones serve as the team's waiting area, a neutral zone, and the opposing team's throwing area. Each team is represented by its own flag.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Role of the Horse
The choice of horse is critical to success in Jereed. Horses must be at least four years old. Medium-height breeds, such as the Arabian and Turkoman, are favored because tall horses often lack the quick maneuverability required for the game's fast-paced nature. These animals are specially trained to assist the rider in executing complex movements.
Game Rituals and Progression
A match begins with a ceremonial introduction of players to the spectators, followed by handshakes at center field and a parade of teams with their flags. The atmosphere is heightened by the sound of drums and zurnas (traditional reed pipes) playing Köroğlu folk music and Ottoman military marches.
After testing their horses on the field, players—dressed in traditional regional costumes—line up facing each other, spaced approximately 10 meters apart. Each rider holds one stick in their right hand for throwing and another in their left.
The Mechanics of the Challenge
The game commences when the youngest rider trots toward the opposing team, shouts a specific player's name, and tosses a jereed at them from a distance of 30 to 40 meters. This act serves as a formal challenge. The challenged player then pursues the first rider, attempting to hit them with a stick as they gallop back to their own side.
This cycle of chasing and fleeing continues throughout the match. To avoid being hit, experienced riders perform acrobatic maneuvers, leaning far to the side, under the horse's stomach, or even under its neck.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Rules, Scoring, and Etiquette
Jereed is governed by strict rules to ensure the safety of the animals and the integrity of the sport. Referees, who are respected former players, monitor the game from the center line and end zones using flags.
| Action | Point Value |
|---|---|
| Hitting a rival with the stick | Positive |
| Riding an opponent out of bounds | Positive |
| Catching an incoming jereed in mid-air | Positive |
| Striking a horse intentionally | Negative (Offender sent off) |
| Falling off the horse | Negative |
| Throwing from the neutral zone or closer than 5m | Negative |
Beyond the score, the game emphasizes social harmony. Referees and community elders ensure that players with known hostilities are either placed on the same team or excluded from the tournament to prevent conflict. Those who display deliberately hostile behavior are blacklisted.
Conclusion of the Match
Once the two 45-minute periods conclude, a council of former players determines the winning team based on the total points collected. The event ends with the presentation of awards and a celebratory banquet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a player is hit in a sensitive area?
Despite the use of rubber tips, injuries to the head, eyes, or ears can occur and, in rare cases, may be fatal. In the event of a death on the field, the player is traditionally regarded as a martyr who lost his life in battle; consequently, relatives do not sue the other player, though a public legal trial is still conducted by the court.
Why are Arabian and Turkoman horses preferred?
These breeds are preferred because they are of medium height and possess the agility and speed necessary for the quick maneuvers required to dodge sticks and pursue opponents.
What is the role of the "Jereed boys"?
Jereed boys are responsible for running across the field to retrieve sticks that have been thrown off-target and delivering them back to the end zones for the players.
How is a player disqualified from a match?
A player is sent off the field if they hit a horse instead of the rider, as this is considered a sign of inexperience and a violation of the rules.