Çukadâr-ı Şehriyârî Kemânkeş Ahmed's Irşâdü'r-Rumât - evaluation and transcription

The history of archery begins with Prophet Adam. The bow and arrow, which is as old as the history of humanity, has been an excellent war weapon by completing different development areas in every epoch. This weapon of war has been the most important instrument of war in every state and community in the post-Islamic period as well as in the pre-Islamic period. Although the meaning attributed to the bow and arrow differs between periods, these two tools have always maintained their importance and achieved to augment its importance. One of the features that distinguishes Turks from other nations and puts them in a special place is their achievements thanks to the importance they give to war and war strategies. The arrow and the bow were made to be consider sacred by giving them political, social and legal meanings. Turkish archery completed its development in every field during the Ottoman Empire period. In this period, the Okçular (archers) Lodge was established in various parts of the country by providing institutionalization. In this educational institution, archery was systematically supported, and its development and progress was ensured. As it is in Turkish history, there are many master kemankes (archer) in the Ottoman Empire period. One of these kemankes (archer) is Çukadâr-ı Şehriyârî Kemânkeş Ahmed who lived during the Ottoman Empire. This thesis work has been shaped on the axis of the epistle called İrşâdü'r-Rumât belonging to the aforementioned person. The purpose of this study; It is to fill in a small gap in Turkish archery history by transcribing one of the important works of Turkish archery history into today's Turkish. This thesis consists of five chapters, including the introduction and conclusion. In the introduction, the historical adventure of Turkish archery, the role and sanctity of the bow and arrow in the life of the Turks, and the essential issues about the bow and arrow are briefly mentioned. In the first chapter there is a bibliography study that includes manuscripts, printed books, articles, theses, encyclopaedia, and dictionary items, which have an important place in illuminating the subject of Turkish archery. In the second chapter, there are information about the material and method applied in the translation of the epistle called İrşadü'r-Rumât, the introduction of the work and the life of its author. This chapter also includes the examination and evaluation of the content of the work. In the third chapter, a study in the form of a dictionary and explanations of terms and idioms related to Turkish archery in the text are given. In the fourth chapter, the original pages of the epistle and its transcription are included. In the conclusion chapter, a general critique of the study was made.