From Play to Identity: The Role of Indigenous and Local Games Festivals in Preserving and Promoting Shared Cultural Heritage in the Region

In the era of globalization where cultural identities are increasingly exposed to homogenizing forces festivals of indigenous and local games, as integral elements of intangible cultural heritage, have emerged as powerful tools for the preservation, reproduction, and promotion of shared cultural values and identities. In recent years, these festivals have played a vital role in strengthening cultural ties and fostering intercultural dialogue among countries of the region, particularly within the Turkic world. This paper aims to explore the role of indigenous and local game festivals in safeguarding and representing the common cultural heritage of Turkic-speaking countries, with a special focus on their cultural, identity-building, and tourism-related functions. Adopting a qualitative approach and drawing on both library-based and field data, the study demonstrates that traditional games go far beyond recreational activity, serving as dynamic platforms for cultural diplomacy, social cohesion, and regional integration. The findings indicate that such festivals can act as effective catalysts for the development of sustainable cultural tourism and the reconstruction of collective identities at both regional and transregional levels.

کلیدواژه ها:

Cultural Heritage ، Indigenous Games ، Sport Tourism ، Local Festivals ، Sport Festivals Cultural Identity ، Destinations Management