Turkish Medieval archery tradition on target thanks to re-enactment group

Zafer Sarac demonstrates traditional Turkish archery at the Abbey Medieval Festival. Photos by AB Photography.

Janissary Barracks Inc, a Turkish medieval re-enactment group specialising in traditional archery, is thriving on the Sunshine Coast hinterland. 

Established in 1999 by Dr Zafer Sarac, the group has grown to over 50 members, with 23 active archers. They hold regular Sunday practices at the Abbey Museum medieval festival grounds and Tuesday sessions on Sarac’s property in Eudlo.

A staple at the annual Abbey Museum Medieval Festival in Caboolture, Janissary Barracks is keen to expand its reach by offering archery lessons to the local community. 

“We’re eager to teach archery to students and adults alike,” said Dr Sarac, reflecting the group’s commitment to preserving and promoting the ancient skill.

“As a sport, archery is a very popular activity around the world. It is the same in Australia,” said Dr Sarac.
“In addition to its past successes in modern archery competitions, Australia has sent four traditional horse archers to Mongolia for the World Horse Archery championships. 

“It is a very active sport. Turkish traditional archery is linked to other Asiatic archeries, especially very closely with Mongol archery. It is more challenging than modern archery, because you have to learn a variety of skills to be able to hit your target, which could be positioned in different situations.  

“We also do horse archery which, again, requires a completely different skill set. Apart from two Turkish members, all our members have a different country of origin. 

“The youngest member is an 8 year-old-girl, and the oldest is a 75-year-old gentlemen.”

Those interested in joining or learning more can visit Janissary Barracks Inc on Facebook or contact Dr Sarac directly at 0408 727 639.