Transmission of traditional sports and games in cartoons broadcast on TRT children's channel

TRT Çocuk channel, within its broadcasting policy for children, includes animation productions that aim to transmit cultural heritage alongside entertainment-focused content. These productions combine cultural elements such as traditional sports and games with contemporary narrative and visual aesthetics to convey them to young viewers. In this way, elements of traditional culture are allowed to survive, and societal values are represented. The animation series on TRT Çocuk create a media environment that shapes cultural awareness at an early age. This study aims to examine the role of cartoons broadcast on TRT Çocuk channel in the cultural transmission process of traditional sports and games. The subject of the research is the series Rafadan Tayfa, Keloğlan Masalları, İbi, Niloya, and Eymen ile Çimen. The study reveals how traditional game and sports themes in the episodes of these productions are transmitted to children. The research is based on a qualitative research method. Document analysis was conducted during the data collection process; selected episodes were watched several times, and scenes containing traditional sports and game themes were coded. The obtained data were evaluated under thematic headings through content analysis. The productions examined were selected using a sampling method based on their production within public broadcasting, their long-term broadcast schedule, and their cultural content. Similarly, studies in the literature examining the cultural representations of children's animation productions also utilize a combination of document analysis and content analysis. The research findings reveal that traditional game and sports themes serve as sources of entertainment, learning, and recognition of social values in these series. Skills such as solidarity, sharing, attention, rhythm, and strategic thinking are supported through game themes. The productions examined raise awareness for the preservation of cultural memory and make past game practices visible through contemporary narrative forms. This demonstrates that cultural continuity in children's broadcasting is supported by a sustainable narrative model. Keywords: Animation, Child Culture, Cultural Transmission, Play