This game recalls the past.

A rider throws a javelin. (AP/Kenan Asyali)
Thirteen-year-old Muhammed Rasit is the youngest player. (AP/Kenan Asyali)
These riders are members of a sports club. They play cirit. (AP/Kenan Asyali)
Riders try to hit each other with spears. (AP/Kenan Asyali)
The game was popular long ago. (AP/Kenan Asyali)

THIS JUST IN

You have {{ remainingArticles }} free {{ counterWords }} remaining.

The bad news: You've hit your limit of free articles.
The good news: You can receive full access below.
God's Big WORLD | Ages 3-6 | $35.88 per year

Already a member? Sign in.

Horses. Riders. Spears. People in Turkey remember battles fought long ago. They play cirit [jirr-it].

Riders take turns. Half of them throw spears with rubber tips. The others duck and swerve. Do not get hit! Now switch sides.

Read More: Warriors called the Seljuks and the Huns fought with javelins more than one thousand years ago. Turkish riders today remember the skills those soldiers had. They play a game. There may be up to 12 players on each side. One team has long “spears” with rubber tips. Its members try to hit people on the other team. Points are given for hitting an opponent and for ducking or catching a javelin in midair. Teams take turns throwing and dodging. Nahum describes a fearful battle with “horsemen charging, flashing sword and glittering spear” in chapter 3, verse 3.